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.
🇬🇷🇺🇸 | Ο ΥΠΕΞ Γιώργος Γεραπετρίτης υποδέχθηκε σήμερα στο #GreeceMFA την Πρέσβη των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών της Αμερικής στην Ελλάδα, Kimberly Guilfoyle, μετά την επίδοση των διαπιστευτηρίων της στον ΠτΔ. pic.twitter.com/dj8sQgqzN1
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.
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.
“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.
The men, aged 19, 27 and 29, turned themselves in on Tuesday after their lawyer informed authorities of their intention to do so.
The eldest brother is reportedly the owner of the house whose bombing triggered the violence. All three are now in police custody.
A fourth brother, who was injured in the shootout, remains in hospital, along with a cousin believed to have also taken part in the clash.
The confrontation on Saturday left two people dead and four injured, reviving a feud between the Kargakis and Frangiadakis families that police say stretches back years and stems from disputes over grazing lands.
Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou said investigators believe more individuals may have been involved in the incident.
The mother of 39-year-old Fanouris Kargakis, who was killed in the attack, told Action 24 broadcaster that her son was “executed in cold blood.”
She described the ambush as deliberate, claiming that armed attackers waited near a church with Kalashnikov rifles, and that at least 15 people were involved.
She said a 56-year-old woman who also died, initially believed to have suffered a heart attack, was caught in the crossfire.
“All I know is that they killed my child,” she said, demanding that the rival family leave the village.
Police have since searched several homes in Vorizia and nearby villages as part of the investigation. The funeral for the 56-year-old victim is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Alikianos, Hania.
After nearly two decades of service, Dr Nicholas Pappas AM has stepped down as Chairman of Bank of Sydney, marking the end of an era defined by growth, transformation, and deep community engagement.
Succeeding him is seasoned business leader Nikolas Hatzistergos, who officially assumed the role of Chairman on 27 August 2025, after serving on the Bank’s Board since 2006 as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee.
In an exclusive Q&A with The Greek Herald, Mr Hatzistergos reflects on his journey with the Bank, his vision for its future, and how its Hellenic roots continue to shape its culture and values.
A new chapter of leadership
“It has been a privilege to witness the Bank’s evolution,” Mr Hatzistergos says, recalling his long association with the institution. “I am deeply honoured to now take on the role of Chairman and help guide the next chapter of the Bank’s evolution.”
Since joining the Board nearly two decades ago, he has observed pivotal moments in the Bank’s growth – from its 2013 rebranding as Bank of Sydney, to surpassing $2 billion in deposits and loans in 2019, and opening the Bank’s flagship Pitt Street branch in 2020.
The Bank’s flagship Pitt Street branch in 2020.
“The global pandemic was also a defining period where we demonstrated resilience and care in managing our staff, customers, and our regulatory obligations,” he notes.
“We are currently undertaking the largest investment in the Bank’s history to build the infrastructure and digital platforms and processes to help make banking simpler and more accessible.”
The milestones, however, extend beyond business performance. “We’re proud of our partnerships with community organisations that celebrate culture, inclusion and financial wellbeing — including the Greek Festival of Sydney, Antipodes and Glendi festivals in Melbourne, the Cyprus Community of SA, HACCI, and the Hellenic Museum.”
Governance, Relationships, and Resilience
With more than 30 years’ experience in corporate governance and accounting, including roles as Executive Chairman of William Buck (NSW) Pty Ltd and President of the Hellenic Club Limited, Mr Hatzistergos brings a wealth of insight to his new position.
“My background in accounting and corporate governance has reinforced the importance of strong relationships – with our customers, our people, our partners, shareholders and regulators,” he explains. “These relationships are central to building trust and creating long-term value, especially in financial services.”
His governance experience, he adds, has given him a broad perspective. “I have seen how effective governance enables organisations to navigate complexity, adapt to change, and grow sustainably. These lessons continue to shape how I contribute to the Bank’s direction and ensure we remain focused on performance, resilience, and delivering value to our customers.”
The next stage of growth
Looking to the future, Mr Hatzistergos envisions a period of modernisation and innovation, underpinned by the Bank’s commitment to community.
“As we move into the next phase of growth, our focus is on modernising how we operate and connect – particularly through digital transformation,” he says. “We’re working to stay agile and relevant for today’s customers and their next generations, while continuing to build strong relationships across our communities.”
For customers, this transformation will translate into enhanced digital banking experiences, personalised communication, and quicker response times. Internally, the focus will be on efficiency and empowerment.
“For our staff, we’re streamlining processes to make day-to-day operations more efficient and empowering them to deliver even better service,” he says.
His priority as Chairman, he adds, is “to ensure we stay true to our values while accelerating innovation and growth – always with our customers, people, and communities at the heart of everything we do.”
The Hellenic spirit
Despite its growth and diversification, the Bank of Sydney has never lost sight of its cultural foundations.
“We are proud of our Hellenic heritage, which continues to shape our values and the way we do business,” Mr Hatzistergos says. “This legacy is reflected in the strong relationships we’ve built – with our customers, our people, our partners, and the communities we serve.”
He adds that while technology will play a key role in the Bank’s future, its ethos remains grounded in connection and authenticity. “Even as we grow and evolve – particularly through digital transformation – we’ll always be a relationship bank. Mostly, we want to adhere to the most fundamental Hellenic value: filotimo.”
Banking on relationships and innovation
When asked how the Bank sets itself apart in a crowded financial sector, Mr Hatzistergos is clear: “At Bank of Sydney, our greatest differentiator is the strength of our relationships. We’re a relationship bank at our core – focused on helping customers achieve real outcomes, whether that’s buying a home, growing a business, or planning for the future.”
However, innovation remains central to this vision. “While people remain central to who we are, we see innovation as a key enabler. We’re investing in digital technologies to improve the customer experience – making banking more personalised, efficient, and accessible.”
This forward-thinking approach will ensure the Bank remains relevant and responsive. “We’re expanding our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our customers, ensuring we stay ready to support them at every stage of their financial journey.”
Nikolas Hatzistergos sees the Bank evolving further as a trusted partner.
A vision for the future
Over the next five years, Mr Hatzistergos sees the Bank evolving further as a trusted partner for both individuals and businesses.
“As Chair my vision is to be the bank of choice within our target markets – including our customers and the diaspora and their next generations – while continuing to build strong relationships across our communities,” he says.
“In an increasingly competitive and digitised banking environment, Bank of Sydney will continue to evolve as a trusted partner. Our focus is on deepening our relevance by investing in digital technologies, broadening our product suite, and streamlining the banking experience – without the complexity and bureaucracy that often come with larger institutions.”
He underlines that the Bank’s growth strategy is “grounded in relationships,” adding: “As we grow, we’re committed to doing so securely, responsibly and with purpose.”
‘A partner in your financial journey‘
As the Bank enters this new chapter, Mr Hatzistergos’ message to customers and the community is one of gratitude and confidence.
“To our customers and the wider community, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued trust and support,” he says. “This new chapter for Bank of Sydney is about building on our strong foundations while embracing the future with confidence.”
“We don’t want to be seen as just a bank, but as a partner in your financial journey,” he adds. “This is an exciting time for Bank of Sydney, and we look forward to continuing to earn your trust every step of the way.”
After two decades of serving up traditional Greek comfort food to generations of loyal locals, Mother’s Delite in Bexley North, Sydney has officially closed its doors.
On Friday, October 31, founders Mary Skalkos and Patricia Menegakis announced their retirement and the end of an era for the much-loved café and catering business.
After 20 years in the kitchen, the pair have officially hung up their aprons – marking a bittersweet farewell to a community that has become like family.
Mother’s Delite in Bexley North, Sydney has officially closed its doors.
What followed the announcement was an overwhelming outpouring of love from the community – flowers, cards and teary farewells filled the shop, as customers shared stories of two women whose food had become part of their lives.
“We had lots of tears in the last few days,” Mary said in her closing speech. “Customers were so thankful. Some of the young boys came in crying, saying, ‘We love you, Mary and Pat,’ and I said, ‘Yes, because we cook just like Mum.’ But they turned around and say, ‘No, no – nothing like Mum. Better… just like Yiayia.’”
Mary Skalkos (centre) with some customers.
A story born from family and friendship
When Mary and Patricia first opened Mother’s Delite 20 years ago, neither expected the humble café to become a community institution. What began as a small takeaway with a hot-food bar soon grew into a bustling kitchen known for its generous portions of pastitsio, moussaka, spanakopita and other traditional Greek favourites – all made from scratch with love.
“When we first came here, we didn’t know what to expect,” Mary recalled. “All we knew was that we loved cooking. Patricia was always the big-party host and I did the smaller dinners, so when it came to big quantities, I said, ‘Patricia, I can’t do this.’ And she took over from there. The love for cooking is what grew the business.”
Mary Skalkos and Patricia Menegakis at the closing of Mother’s Delite.
In those early times, demand spread by word of mouth. Locals began bringing their own trays into the shop, asking the women to fill them with home-style dishes they could serve to guests.
“We had young girls coming in saying, ‘Please, can you make a tray of pastitsio for us? I’m having dinner with my in-laws and I don’t know how to cook one,’” Mary laughed. “They used to bring their own trays! For years, some of them even told their families they made it themselves – now the secret’s out!”
As the menu and reputation grew, so too did the bonds between the two sisters and their customers. Mother’s Delite became more than a local eatery – it was a place where people came for good food and familiar company, a space that felt like “Mum’s kitchen” in the heart of Bexley North.
Mother’s Delite has been a favourite with customers.
A legacy of love and laughter
Over the years, Mother’s Delite became part of the rhythm of everyday life for countless locals. Many customers have been visiting since the first day the doors opened, and their children now come in with their own families.
As Patricia shared in her farewell, the milestone marked not just the end of a business, but a full circle for both families.
Patricia speaks at the farewell.
“When we first started, my children were single,” Patricia said. “Now they have their own families, and our café has provided for them and for this community for many years.”
“Mother’s Delite wasn’t just a business – it was a family. We’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. We’ve laughed a lot together, faced challenges, and shared so many memories.”
The end of an era – or perhaps a new beginning
As the sisters move into retirement, they do so surrounded by gratitude – from each other, from their families, and from a community that saw Mother’s Delite as a second home.
“There’s a new chapter in our lives,” Mary said. “We feel grateful and touched by the response we’ve had from everyone. It’s time to rest our shoulders, but our hearts are full.”
Mother’s Delite has nourished more than just appetites – it has fed a sense of belonging.
But this may not be goodbye – just see you soon. The owners say they’re considering hosting cooking classes and taking limited private orders for their signature dishes.
Keep an eye on their social media channels for updates here.
The spirit of community, culture and service took centre stage on Friday, 31 October, as the 15th Annual St George Community Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of local volunteers, organisations and businesses at Mortdale RSL.
Hosted by Member for Oatley, the Hon. Mark Coure MP, the event brought together more than 300 guests from across Sydney’s St George district – one of Australia’s most vibrant multicultural communities – to recognise those who make a difference.
“When I launched the St George Community Awards 15 years ago, I wanted to create a platform to recognise our unsung heroes, the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes for the benefit of others,” Mr Coure said.
“Fifteen years on, these awards have grown into one of the proudest traditions in our community. Each year, we see an incredible number of nominations, reflecting the strong spirit of service and compassion that defines the St George area.”
Among this year’s recipients was a strong contingent from Sydney’s Greek Australian community, whose long-standing contributions to education, culture and community life were proudly recognised.
Greek Australians recognised for outstanding service
The Individual Volunteer Achievement Award went to Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, an academic, author and community leader known for his lifelong dedication to cultural exchange. A regular speaker at public events and coordinator of the Hellenic Open University, Dr Adrahtas co-founded Unity In Philia, a global not-for-profit promoting mutual understanding between cultures.
Dr Vasilis Adrahtas.
Meanwhile, Alexandra Dellis of the Pontian Association of NSW “Pontoxeniteas” also received recognition for her decades-long dedication to teaching traditional Pontian dance to younger generations. Dellis, the longest-serving instructor at the Earlwood-based cultural group, has spent years volunteering her time to preserve Pontian Greek heritage through dance, costume curation and cultural education.
Alexandra Dellis.
The Community Group Achievement Award was presented to the AHEPA NSW Seniors Group (Kafeneion), who are celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2025. Meeting weekly at the AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale, the group offers friendship, support and social activities that promote mental wellbeing and community connection among local seniors. The award was accepted by Kostas Kapodistrias, Jenny Kaporis and Nick Grigorakis.
AHEPA NSW Seniors Group (Kafeneion).
In the same category, the Autism Community Network, led by Sophie Halias, was also recognised for its vital work supporting families and individuals in the region.
The Multicultural Communities Achievement Award was presented to the Chalkidiki Brotherhood of NSW “O Aristotelis”, honouring their commitment to promoting Hellenic culture and community unity in the St George region.
The Autism Community Network, led by Sophie Halias.
A celebration of service and multicultural pride
Other award categories included Youth Achievement, Senior Volunteer Achievement, Business Achievement, Environmental Achievement, and Sporting Achievement, with nominees drawn from across the region’s diverse community.
“It’s always inspiring to hear the stories of our award recipients,” Mr Coure said. “Their dedication, generosity, and passion are what make St George such a special place.”
He thanked the St George Brass Band, keynote speakers from Little Wings, and MC Vanessa Gauci, CEO of the Autism Community Network, for their contributions to a night that celebrated compassion, connection and community spirit.
“The St George Community Awards continue to highlight the very best of who we are – a caring, vibrant, and united community,” Mr Coure said. “I want to congratulate all of our nominees and winners and thank everyone who continues to support this wonderful event year after year.”
The Hellenic Club of Canberra has announced that the final stage of its Bistro renovations will commence on Wednesday, 5 November, marking the most significant phase of the project to date.
This final stage will include major upgrades to the back-of-house facilities, designed to enhance both the quality and efficiency of the Club’s dining operations. As a result, the Bistro will temporarily close for approximately four weeks while works are completed.
During this period, members and guests are encouraged to enjoy the Club’s other popular dining options – Kivotos, Ginseng, and Ela Café – which will all remain open and trading as usual. Each venue offers a unique culinary experience, from authentic Mediterranean and Asian dishes to relaxed café-style dining.
When the new Bistro reopens, patrons can look forward to the return of classic Hellenic Club favourites alongside an updated menu featuring new additions designed to elevate the dining experience.
Adding to the excitement, the Club confirmed that Mavi Gelati, a new gelato offering, is nearing completion and will launch around the same time as the Bistro reopening.
Club management thanked members for their patience and ongoing support during the transformation, expressing confidence that the final result will deliver a modern, vibrant, and welcoming dining space that reflects the Club’s commitment to excellence.
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr has paid tribute in Federal Parliament to the organisers and community behind the 10th annual Oakleigh Glendi, describing it as a shining example of Greek Australian culture and unity.
Speaking on Monday, 3 November, Senator Scarr told Parliament he was “delighted” to attend the Melbourne festival alongside Opposition Leader Sussan Ley MP, noting that the two-day celebration drew an “extraordinary 40,000 attendees.”
He praised the event’s organisers, sponsors, and volunteers, with special recognition for Oakleigh Grammar, its principal Mark Robertson, parish priest Father Stavros Kakavas, and Oakleigh Community President Chris Damatopoulos, describing them as the “driving force” behind the Glendi’s success.
“[Mr Robertson] should be a very proud principal… proud of the flag bearers from Oakleigh Grammar, proud of the wonderful band, and proud of the choir who did an amazing job,” Senator Scarr said.
This year’s Glendi was filled with culture. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Senator Scarr also highlighted the Glendi’s dual purpose – celebrating OXI Day (28 October), a momentous occasion in Greek history marking Greece’s defiance against fascist forces in 1940. He reminded Parliament of the 17,000 Australians who fought alongside Greek soldiers during World War II, calling it “a bond which can never, ever be broken.”
The Oakleigh Glendi is one of Melbourne’s largest multicultural festivals, featuring Greek music, dance, food, and faith-based celebrations – this year coinciding with the Feast of Saints Anargyri and a vibrant parade through Eaton Mall led by Oakleigh Grammar students.
Middle Dural resident Christopher Augerinos has condemned a proposed $22.6 million redevelopment of the former Nati Roses farm into a cemetery featuring 2,300 burial plots and 10-metre-high “cremation pyramids”, calling it “disgusting.”
Mr Augerinos, whose family has lived in the area for 25 years, said the project would destroy the community’s rural character.
Other residents have raised concerns about traffic, visual impact, and the loss of a historic local landmark.
While the developers say the plan is open to community feedback, residents are urging council to reject it, warning it would change Middle Dural forever.
More than ten years after Shandee Blackburn was murdered in Mackay, fresh DNA testing that could clarify the case remains stalled – leaving her former boyfriend John Peros, who was acquitted of the killing, still under public scrutiny.
According to The Australian, Peros was found not guilty in 2017, but a later coroner concluded he had “savagely killed Shandee” without sufficient evidence to recharge him.
Investigations were reopened after major flaws were uncovered in Queensland’s forensic testing, with two public inquiries exposing serious failures in DNA extraction methods used between 2007 and 2016.
Shandee’s mother, Vicki Blackburn, said scientists are still determining how to extract any remaining DNA from limited samples – a process that has never been attempted before. Meanwhile, experts have warned that the forensic lab’s plans to retest samples without new research could risk destroying evidence.
With a backlog of more than 13,000 cases awaiting review, the delay means both justice and certainty remain out of reach.
“I don’t want to be the person that rushes that through, and other people don’t have the opportunity to get their samples retested properly,” Ms Blackburn said.
