Adelaide pastry chef Zak Antoniou, known for his stint on Zumbo’s Just Desserts, has announced the permanent closure of his popular cake shop, Zacary Desserts.
Sharing the news on social media, Antoniou said the decision followed “a lot of thought and reflection” after five years in business.
“The past five years have been an incredible journey filled with creativity, challenges and countless sweet moments we’ve shared together,” he wrote, adding he was “deeply grateful” to loyal customers for their support.
Antoniou rose to prominence as an amateur baker during season two of the Channel 7 reality show in 2019, later streamed on Netflix. He went on to open Zacary Desserts, gaining a following for his colourful custom cakes and pastry creations.
Although closing this chapter, Antoniou said he would “always cherish the memories, the celebrations and connections” made through his store.
The closure comes amid a wave of hospitality venue shutdowns across South Australia in 2025, with cafes, restaurants, pubs and even an award-winning pizzeria succumbing to soaring energy bills, food costs, rent and insurance.
The long-standing service of George Kotzas to the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Dormition of Our Lady in Innisfail, Far North Queensland, was recognised in a special way on Sunday, August 17, as His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia bestowed upon him the Order of the Christ-loving.
Mr Kotzas, Secretary of the Parish-Community, was honoured at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, with the Archbishop expressing the heartfelt gratitude of the local Church for his tireless dedication and commitment over many years.
The ceremony took place during the Archbishop’s pastoral visit to Innisfail, where he presided over a Divine Liturgy alongside His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane and clergy of the Holy Diocese of Brisbane.
Among those present were Queensland State MP Shane Knuth, and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Theo Bacalakis.
In his sermon, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the day’s Gospel reading of Christ healing the demon-possessed young man, emphasising that prayer and fasting are essential for faith to be alive and strong.
“For many people, faith simply means the conviction that God exists. This is only the beginning,” His Eminence preached. “Prayer brings us into a personal connection with God… while fasting disciplines our body and limits our passions. Together, prayer and fasting create a space in our hearts where the presence of God is no longer an idea, but a living reality.”
He also pointed to the Virgin Mary as the supreme model of living faith, and paid tribute to the pioneering immigrants who, 90 years ago, founded the Parish of Innisfail.
After a hard-fought quarter-final loss against Newcastle Falcons a week prior, the St George Saints Youth League Mens Red team faced a win or go home situation, in their elimination final against Hawkesbury Jets last Saturday.
The Saints were once again back home in front of a packed-out Hurstville Aquatic and Leasure Centre for the second week in a row, taking on the 17-5 Jets as they looked to keep their championship hopes alive.
The game was a battle from the opening tip with both teams fighting tooth and nail to take control of the contest early with their defence, with the Jets forcing nine turnovers to close the first quarter with a slim three-point lead (17-14).
The Saints found their offensive groove in the second quarter lead by Dylan Akosah, scoring ten points for the period to help the home side regain control of the game.
St George continued to apply the defensive pressure, forcing ten turnovers as neither team gaining a significant advantage heading into the halftime break (38-37).
Crucial defensive changes for the Saints allowed them to continue to force turnovers (30 total for the game) and slowly build their lead.
The Jets would not go away, with the combination of shot making and Saints’ foul trouble allowed the visitors to claw their way back into the contest.
Dylan Akosah continued to be the bright spark for the Saints, finishing the game with a massive 27-point, 20 rebound double-double as the home side finished the third quarter up by only five points (61-56).
The Saints made a massive effort to assert their dominance on the boards after a poor rebounding performance against Newcastle a week ago.
The 68 to 45 rebounding advantage for the Saints was made possible by an outstanding 31 offensive rebounding effort to propel the home side into a strong position to win the game.
As the final quarter went on, the game slowed down and the Saints’ defence took over to close out the contest with a 78-69 victory to progress to the Waratah Senior League Finals next weekend August 23 & 24 on the Central Coast.
The Saints will be out for revenge as they face a rematch against Newcastle Falcons in what will be a stellar Semi-Finals matchup.
Saints assistant coach Angelo Tsitsos was impressed with the team’s response following last weeks’ quarter final loss.
“Through the past week of training, our goal was to take control on the boards and establish ourselves in the game with our defence and physicality,” he said.
“Whether shots were falling or not, our defence must remain solid in order for us to win playoff games.”
The past two weeks have been massive for the St George Basketball Association with the club overwhelmed by the community’s response, with close to 300 fans packing out Hurstville Aquatic & Leisure Centre for both finals games and making it an event to remember for years to come.
The St George Basketball Association would like to thank all the VIP’s and sponsors for their support to make the last two weeks an historic moment in the club’s history.
Ashvini Ambihalpahar MP, Federal Member for Barton
Zhi Soon MP, Federal Member for Banks
Mark Coure MP, State Member for Oatley
Maria Nordstrom, CEO Basketball NSW
Representing The Premier of NSW, Councillor Leon Pun Georges River Council
Representing The Mayor of Georges River Council, Councillor Christina Jamieson
Representing Club Rivers, Jenny Holt, Community Engagement Manager
“A special thank you to NBL, IAthletic, Club Rivers, Marvel Skip Bins and Pancakes on Rocks for their support for Raffle ticket prizes and our Major Sponsors City Ford Rockdale and Club Rivers. A special thank you to Keith Martin the MC for the quarter final matchup against Newcastle and Kirkland Ivory for being DJ and MC last Saturday,” said St George Saints treasurer George Aliferis.
“General Manager Valerie Stoddart and President Ray Barbi on behalf of the Board of SGBA wish to give a big thank you to all the SGBA supporters that helped us create history and all our sponsors for their support.”
The Saints will prepare for a rematch against Newcastle Falcons in a Semi-Final matchup at Niagara Park Stadium on the NSW Central Coast this Saturday 23 August, with the winner progressing to Sundays Grand Final.
Australia’s rising cricket star Sam Konstas has deleted Instagram from his phone in a bid to regain focus and revive his Test career, after a difficult tour of the West Indies left his Ashes hopes under threat.
The 19-year-old opener, who averaged just 8.33 in three Tests in the Caribbean, says he is determined to block out distractions and concentrate solely on scoring the runs needed for national selection.
“I’m actually off Instagram now… It’s about not having that distraction. I’m trying to give myself the best opportunity to perform at the highest level,” Konstas said.
Konstas revealed he has received strong backing from Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc, with Smith providing regular batting advice and Cummins reminding him of the importance of rest.
Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland called it one of the “easiest decisions” of his career, declaring Konstas the player around whom the franchise will build.
One of Sydney’s most recognisable waterfront properties, known locally as the “wedding cake house,” has hit the market for the first time since it was built in the 1980s, carrying a price guide of $9 million.
Perched on a 1,100-square-metre parcel overlooking Middle Harbour, the European-style residence is instantly visible to drivers crossing the Spit Bridge or boats cruising beneath.
According to domain.com.au, it was built by painter-builder Nikolaous Dimitriadis and his wife Kiriaky, who purchased the site unseen at auction in 1979 for $93,000.
Dimitriadis commissioned architect Robert Blackmore to design the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home, incorporating colonnades and arches as a nod to the couple’s Greek heritage.
Nikolaous passed away only three years later, but the house became the heart of family life for Kiriaky and their children, hosting countless gatherings over decades.
Prospective buyers will have the opportunity to add a pool and pontoon, with a development application currently pending.
The property is being sold by Brad Pillinger of Pillinger and is set for auction on September 10.
Nick Kyrgios has been forced to withdraw from his planned mixed doubles partnership with Naomi Osaka at the revamped US Open due to a knee injury, casting doubt over his singles campaign.
The 29-year-old has been entered into the singles draw under a protected ranking. He admitted his knee was “cooked” after a recent doubles return.
French star Gaël Monfils has replaced Kyrgios as Osaka’s partner.
The decision comes after Alex de Minaur’s plea to compete alongside his fiancée, British No.1 Katie Boulter, was denied. De Minaur had hoped the tournament would allow “real couples” to participate, but he missed out despite several high-profile withdrawals.
Australia’s representation in New York remains strong, with 14 players in the men’s and women’s singles draws and 16 more attempting to qualify.
Promising teenager Emerson Jones, a former world junior No.1, claimed her maiden US Open victory by upsetting American 10th seed Bernarda Pera. Astra Sharma, James Duckworth, James McCabe and Maddison Inglis also advanced, with Inglis defeating fellow Australian Storm Hunter.
Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic returned to Flushing Meadows for the first time in seven years. The 32-year-old, who recently reached Challenger finals in Kentucky and Colombia, boosted his ranking inside the top 200 to secure entry into qualifying.
History was recently made in the ACT Legislative Assembly when Andrew Braddock, Member for Yerrabi, became the first elected official to use the words “Armenian Genocide” on the floor of the chamber.
In a three-minute private members statement, the ACT Greens MP called on both the Territory Parliament and the Australian Government to recognise the 1915 massacres of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks as genocide.
“I am calling on the government to do the right thing by Armenian, Assyrian and Greek communities here in Canberra and across the world. I am calling on the ACT government to recognise the genocide perpetrated against these people and the enduring legacies to this day,” he told fellow members.
Mr Braddock described the systematic abuse inflicted on Armenians, including rape, robbery, starvation and mass killings during forced death marches.
Citing human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson KC, he added: “In fact and in law, this was a genocide. I hope this Assembly will, in this term, recognise the genocide against the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek peoples.”
The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) welcomed the speech. Executive Director Michael Kolokossian said: “We are deeply grateful for principled leaders like Mr Braddock. His voice in the ACT Legislative Assembly reflects a moral courage that descendants of genocide deserve. Recognising the Armenian Genocide is not just about honouring the past – it’s about protecting the future.”
Kolokossian warned of the dangers of silence, referencing the 2023 crisis in Artsakh. “When the suffering of our ancestors is ignored or denied, it lays the groundwork for history to repeat itself. This is not just an Armenian issue; it’s a human issue. And we need more voices like Mr Braddock’s.”
Arrangements are underway for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a trilateral session with US President Donald Trump.
The announcement came after Zelensky met Trump and European leaders at the White House in what was described as a markedly warmer encounter than their fractious February meeting.
According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Putin agreed to direct talks with Zelensky “within the next two weeks” after a call with Trump.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the arrangement, while European leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der Leyen, Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni and Alexander Stubb were present for the Washington talks.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine… After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself.”
"Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting…" – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/avDo5j39F9
Security guarantees for Ukraine were a central focus. Zelensky told reporters: “This is very important that the United States gives such a strong signal and is ready for security guarantees.”
Trump signalled openness to providing NATO-style guarantees, though he reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining the alliance.
While Ukraine seeks protection commitments, Russia is pressing for territorial concessions in the Donbas region. Some European leaders, including Macron and Merz, stressed the importance of a ceasefire before further negotiations, while Trump argued a peace deal could be pursued even as fighting continues.
Despite divisions, NATO’s Rutte described America’s willingness to offer security guarantees as “a breakthrough.”
Trump, for his part, said he believed Mr Putin “wants to make a deal,” and added: “Not very far from now, a week or two weeks, we’re going to know whether or not we’re going to solve this.”
A devastating crash on the Egnatia Highway has left three people dead and two others seriously injured after a truck ploughed into stationary vehicles caught in a 600-metre traffic jam.
The collision caused an immediate blaze which engulfed two cars. A 59-year-old driver, a 61-year-old front-seat passenger, and a 57-year-old woman were burned alive.
Police sources said the victims were Albanian nationals with residence permits in Greece, living in Athens. A fourth passenger, a 49-year-old woman, managed to escape and is being treated at Komotini Hospital.
In the vehicle ahead were their Greek relatives, including a 36-year-old driver, a 28-year-old passenger, and two children aged four and five. The families had allegedly travelled together to Evros for a wedding and were returning to Athens when the crash occurred.
The Bulgarian truck driver was also seriously injured and underwent surgery; his front-seat passenger remains hospitalised in stable condition.
Emergency crews responded with 22 firefighters, nine fire trucks, three ambulances, and police units. The fire spread to nearby farmland before being contained. Traffic on the Komotini–Xanthi stretch of the highway was temporarily diverted until after 4pm.
Ventouris Productions proudly presents the 3rd Zeibekiko Festival Australia, running from 3 to 12 October 2025 across Sydney and Melbourne.
Over ten days, the festival will immerse audiences in the spirit of zeibekiko through music, dance, storytelling and scholarship.
This year’s special guests from Greece include celebrated singer Areti Ketime with her violin maestro Dimitris Stefopoulos, as well as renowned folklorist Dr Christos Theologos, who will be joined by Stefanos Kyriazakos, a specialist in the traditional dances of Rhodes.
Together with local musicians, dancers and cultural groups, they will honour zeibekiko as both a dance and a vessel of cultural memory.
Friday 3 October — Opening Night Show & Zeibekiko Glendi (Sydney)
The festival begins with a spectacular opening night at the Greek Community Club in Sydney. The evening promises a vibrant celebration with live music, starting with the Cretan Music Group under the direction of Michael Platyrrahos performing the Tabahaniotika Cretan rebetika songs. Audiences will be treated to the unique sounds of instruments such as the laouto, boulgari and tzouras bouzouki.
The program then moves into a bouzouki extravaganza led by Tassos Lambrou and his Sydney ensemble, while local Greek dance groups will bring the energy of zeibekiko to the stage.
Guests will also have the chance to meet folklorists Dr Christos Theologos and Stefanos Kyriazakos, while Areti Ketime and Dimitris Stefopoulos will make a special appearance to add to the night’s excitement.
The evening will close with a lively zeibekiko dance competition offering prizes, all enjoyed over a buffet meal that is included in the ticket price.
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October — Dance Seminars (Melbourne)
The festival continues in Melbourne with two full days of dance seminars at St Eleftherios Church Hall, led by Dr Christos Theologos and Stefanos Kyriazakos. Across seven sessions, participants will explore a wide range of traditions from Asia Minor and the islands.
On Saturday, the program will cover dances from Coastal Asia Minor and traditional zeibekika including Karsilamádes and Aptaliká. Stepping up the pace will be dances from Rhodes including the Rhoditiko zeibekiko. Sunday will focus on the traditions of Chios, Constantinople, and Cappadokia.
Each workshop is 90 minutes in length, offering participants the opportunity to engage deeply with the rhythms, movements and stories of these regions. Cultural resources, including maps, music links and lesson recordings, will be provided to those who attend, ensuring that the learning continues well beyond the workshops.
Sunday 5 October — Areti Ketime Concert (Melbourne)
On Sunday evening, Melbourne will host a highly anticipated concert at the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar Performing Arts Centre. Areti Ketime, accompanied by Dimitris Stefopoulos, will enchant the audience with her angelic voice and mastery of Asia Minor repertoire.
The concert will also feature a bouzouki and traditional instrument spectacular presented by the Nestoras College, Omados & Friends Band, adding depth and variety to the program.
With ticket options ranging from standard entry to VIP packages that include a personal meet and greet with Areti Ketime, this concert is expected to be one of the highlights of the festival.
Monday 6 October — Cappadokia Dance Workshop & Lecture (Sydney)
The focus on Monday shifts to Sydney and begins with a unique candlelight Cappadokia Dance Workshop in the courtyard of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Dr Christos Theologos will lead participants through traditional circle dances, performed in the stavrota (cross-like) style.
Accompanied by live songs, the workshop will culminate in a moving communal moment as Areti Ketime and Dimitris Stefopoulos join the group to sing and play, linking dance, faith and cultural tradition in a profound way. This is a free event open to parishioners, youth, dance groups and the wider public, though registration is required.
Later that evening, inside the church hall, Dr Theologos will deliver his lecture Church in the Heart of Tradition. This talk will examine the close relationship between Orthodox faith and Greek folk culture, showing how rituals, festivals, dances and songs have provided cohesion and cultural continuity both in Greece and the diaspora.
Tuesday 7 October — Lecture: Zeibekiko Through Time (Sydney)
On Tuesday evening at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, Zeibekiko Festival Australia will host Dr Christos Theologos for a lecture dedicated to the zeibekiko itself.
The presentation will trace the dance from its earliest origins in antiquity through the Byzantine period, traditional forms in Asia Minor, migration from Greece and transformation into the rebetiko era until its celebrated form today.
Dr Theologos will discuss its symbolism, its transformation across historical periods, and its enduring importance in the lives of Asia Minor refugees, who used the dance as a way to express trauma, memory and resilience. The lecture promises to offer both historical depth and cultural insight into what zeibekiko means to Greeks today.
The night will be interactive with guests being encouraged to take part at certain times during the lecture. There will also be a mini exhibition of Asia Minor costumes by traditional costume maker Peter Kouvelis and Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance.
Wednesday 8 October — Steki Taverna Night (Sydney)
Midweek, festival-goers will gather at Steki Taverna in Sydney for a night of food, atmosphere and music dedicated to the greatest zeibekika hits. Guests will be taken on a musical journey that captures the raw emotion of this beloved tradition.
Adding to the magic of the night, Areti Ketime and Dimitris Stefopoulos will make a special appearance, ensuring that the event combines authenticity with star power. With limited seating, this promises to be an intimate and memorable evening.
Thursday is devoted entirely to practical engagement with zeibekiko at Sydney Technical High School Hall.
The evening will begin with a women-only workshop at 6.30pm, focusing on expressive figures, improvisation, and the subtle artistry of movement.
At 7.30pm, a men-only session will build confidence through steps, turns and stylistic elements unique to male improvisation.
Finally, at 8.30pm, an open workshop will invite all ages and abilities to explore different forms of zeibekiko, from the rebetiko to the traditional and modern.
These sessions will emphasise the dialogue between soul, body and movement, encouraging participants to embrace the dance as a personal expression.
The Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL will host the second major concert of the festival on Friday evening.
Areti Ketime will again take centre stage with her violin maestro Dimitris Stefopoulos, supported by a dazzling bouzouki spectacular featuring Tassos Lambrou, Michael Platyrrahos, and Giorgios Apostolidis.
With a range of ticket options available, including VIP meet and greet opportunities, this concert is set to be another unforgettable evening of music and memory.
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October — Dance Seminars (Sydney)
The festival will close with two full days of intensive dance seminars at Sydney Technical High School Hall. Led once more by Dr Christos Theologos and Stefanos Kyriazakos, these workshops will revisit the rich Zeibekiko traditions of Asia Minor and the islands.
Saturday’s program will cover Coastal Asia Minor, traditional zeibekika, Rhodes, and the Karsilamádes and Aptaliká, while Sunday will conclude with dances from Chios, Constantinople and Cappadokia.
Participants will again have access to cultural resources including maps, background notes, music links and lesson videos, ensuring that the knowledge gained can be carried forward.
From the energy of the opening night glendi to the candlelit dances of Cappadokia, and from the powerful concerts of Areti Ketime to the scholarly lectures of Dr Christos Theologos, the Zeibekiko Festival Australia 2025 promises to be an extraordinary ten-day journey.
It is a festival that invites Greek Australians and wider audiences alike to step into a space where memory, resilience and artistry converge — all through the unique and soulful language of the zeibekiko.
