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Giannis Ploutarhos to bring star power to the Let’s Go Greek Festival in Parramatta

Andriana Simos
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Giannis Ploutarhos to bring star power to the Let’s Go Greek Festival in Parramatta

Parramatta is set to come alive on Sunday, September 21, as the Let’s Go Greek Festival returns bigger than ever with a celebration of food, music and culture that promises to draw over 60,000 people.

From 11 am until 9.30 pm, the grounds of St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church will transform into a vibrant hub of Hellenic festivities, with organisers pulling out all the stops to deliver the most spectacular event in the festival’s history.

At the heart of this year’s celebrations will be an exclusive Sydney performance by Greek superstar Giannis Ploutarhos, who will take the stage alongside his daughter Katerina and his full band flown in direct from Greece.

The festival has secured Ploutarhos for a full-length concert, marking its most impressive headline act yet, though organisers are keeping the exact performance time a closely guarded secret to build anticipation.

Leading the musical charge before and after the headline act will be Greek Australian band IHO NYX, joined by the powerful vocals of Maraya Vavasis and local sensation Nikita Ellenis, while crowd favourites DJs Georgie D and Jimmy V will keep the energy high throughout the day.

Visitors will be spoiled for choice with more than 80 stalls offering a colourful mix of cultural products and traditional food.

Among the highlights will be the creation of the largest gyros in the Southern Hemisphere, a 500-kilogram yeeros prepared by Victoria Yeeros, while the irresistible scent of fresh loukoumades and other Greek delicacies will drift through the air.

Families can enjoy donkey rides for the children, carnival rides to thrill festivalgoers of all ages, and an atmosphere that promises plenty of surprises throughout the day.

With live entertainment running from morning until night, the Let’s Go Greek Festival is shaping up to be a cultural extravaganza.

Adding even more excitement, a massive raffle will be drawn with more than $20,000 in cash prizes on offer, as well as a return trip to Greece for two and other rewards certain to delight lucky winners.

With live entertainment running from morning until night, the Let’s Go Greek Festival is shaping up to be a cultural extravaganza that brings the Greek spirit to the heart of Sydney. Like every year, it will end with a bang as hundreds of fireworks light up the night sky.

The festival is made possible thanks to the support of the NSW Government, Multicultural NSW, and the City of Parramatta Council, as well as its Major Sponsor, Aussie Industries, Community Sponsor, Greek Law, and Agapi Sponsor, Divine Family Funerals, whose contributions help ensure this cornerstone event of the cultural calendar continues to grow.

With music, food, rides and the biggest headline act the festival has ever hosted, Parramatta is ready to welcome the community for an unforgettable day of celebration. For more information, visit www.letsgogreekfestival.com.au.

Greek Australian Dimitrios Kametopoulos wins prestigious International Excellence Award 

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian Dimitrios Kametopoulos wins prestigious International Excellence Award 

The global cultural and charitable organisation, Writers Capital International Foundation, honoured Greek Australian and Sydney resident Dimitrios Kametopoulos with the annual prestigious International Excellence Award (Award of Excellence) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the wider Australian society in the field of Multicultural Education. 

This highly prestigious award was presented to Mr Kametopoulos at the annual Globa Vision Summit 2025, under the title ‘Awarding Excellence without Borders,’ which took place in Athens, Greece from June 30 to July 2-3, with the theme The Element of Water – “Jalam – The Drop of Life”. The organisation advocates for nature and also promotes global environmental consciousness.

Mr Kametopoulos’ unwavering commitment has inspired positive change and uplifted countless lives.

An award was also presented to Greek Australian Pantazis Houli, a mathematician from Perth, Western Australia, who now resides permanently on the Greek island of Kastellorizo, in the Dodecanese islands. He is the founder of the Puzzle Museum on Kastellorizo and a designer of puzzles that are distributed worldwide.

Additionally, the Global Vision Summit 2025 had the honour of awarding the Australian Ambassador to Greece, Her Excellency Ms Alison Duncan, for her work in promoting relations between Greece and Australia. The award was received by the Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Greece, His Excellency Mr. Scully.

Besides the above-mentioned individuals, the summit also presented awards to organisations in Philosophy, Culture, Education, as well as to Scientists, Doctors, Humanitarians, Intellectuals, Poets/Literary figures, and Artists/Creators from Greece and around the world.

The Writers Capital International Foundation is accredited in 80 countries and is recognised by the United Nations (part of the League of Nations), as well as other global organisations. It supports the initiatives of many significant international bodies such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and others, while also conducting its own humanitarian programs worldwide.

The organisation’s goal is the bridging of cultures, cooperation between nations, and the establishment of peace, understanding, and human progress. 

For this purpose, the President and Founder of the organisation, Professor Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar, a globally renowned Indian poet-writer, journalist, humanitarian, and educator, as well as Greek Professor Irini Doura-Kavvadia, a Comparative and Computational Linguist, Vice President and Secretary General, under their visionary leadership, have expanded their humanitarian activities through poetry, literature, the arts, and intellectual pursuits across the globe.

South Melbourne FC unveils ‘Eras of Hellas’ mural at Lakeside Stadium

The Greek Herald
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South Melbourne FC unveils ‘Eras of Hellas’ mural at Lakeside Stadium

South Melbourne FC proudly unveiled the Eras of Hellas mural on Saturday in the Social Club at Lakeside Stadium, celebrating the rich history of the club and the legends who have shaped its journey over the past 65 years.

Designed and produced by Kosta Drossos in collaboration with Kou Media and Yitonia, the mural honours a player from each era, recognising their loyalty, leadership and contribution to South Melbourne FC. 

It features John Bedford and John Margaritis from the 1960s, Jimmy Armstrong from the 1970s, Steve Blair from the 1980s, Paul Trimboli and Ange Postecoglou from the 1990s, Fernando De Moraes from the 2000s, Brad Norton from the 2010s, and in recognition of the women’s game, Natalie Martineau and Alex Cheal.

The launch was hosted by Neal Symons and Head of Football Peter Kokotis, with club legends and family members of those represented also in attendance, underlining the deep community ties and legacy of Hellas.

South Melbourne FC President, Nicholas Maikousis, said: “South Melbourne FC has always been more than just a football club. It is a family, a community, and a home for generations of players, coaches and supporters.”

“This mural captures the spirit of Hellas with loyalty, leadership and excellence, and pays tribute to those who helped build our story. We are proud to honour these legends and inspire the next generation at Lakeside Stadium,” Maikousis added.

Head of Brand and Operations, George Kouroumalis, said: “This club’s history is unmatched in Australian football and it was important for us to find a way to showcase that legacy inside our home. The mural not only celebrates the achievements of our greats, but also reminds everyone who walks into our Social Club of the responsibility and pride that comes with wearing the South Melbourne shirt.”

Football Director, Peter Kokotis, said: “Every name on this mural represents a chapter in the South Melbourne story. They are leaders who defined their eras and whose impact will never be forgotten. This tribute ensures their place in our club’s history will continue to inspire players and supporters for generations.”

South Melbourne FC Director, Tony Margaritis, said: “This was about capturing the essence of our history and ensuring it lives visually within our club. It is something all South people and our members can be proud of.”

Special thanks also go to club historians John Kyrou and Paul Mavroudis, whose research and knowledge helped shape the mural’s historical accuracy and storytelling. The club extends its gratitude to Tony Margaritis for his vision and support in bringing this project to life. 

Alongside the mural, the club has also introduced a new wall of trophies and a detailed historical overview along the ramp leading into the Social Club. Together, these additions provide an enduring showcase of South Melbourne’s achievements and history, ensuring every player, member and supporter who enters Lakeside Stadium is reminded of the legacy of Hellas and the standards that define our club.

The Eras of Hellas mural now stands as a permanent tribute to the legends of the club and its enduring place as one of Australia’s most iconic football institutions.

George Calombaris confirms exit from Jon Adgemis’ Linchpin Hospitality

The Greek Herald
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George Calombaris confirms exit from Jon Adgemis’ Linchpin Hospitality

Celebrity chef George Calombaris has confirmed he no longer works for Linchpin Hospitality, the company managing parts of Jon Adgemis’ hospitality empire on behalf of lenders.

“I was simply a contractor to help them with their assets, which technically Jon (Adgemis) owns but Deutsche Bank runs,” Calombaris told The Daily Telegraph.

“It was a simple relationship between me and Deutsche Bank to help facilitate getting these assets open and then obviously I made it very clear when I could see… it’s not the way I want to do things, if that makes any sense.”

Calombaris, who rose to fame as a MasterChef Australia judge, initially joined Adgemis’ Public Hospitality in 2023 when it took over Sydney’s Alpha restaurant.

After Public collapsed under more than $500 million in debt, Calombaris moved to Linchpin, opening Chinese diner Double Happy at the Empire Hotel in Annandale. Staff layoffs followed, prompting his exit.

He stressed his association with Adgemis has been “arm’s length” and that he prefers to focus on his new Sydney venture.

Calombaris said he has learned to ignore media stories about his name and prefers to concentrate on the kitchen.

“I believe in myself. Especially having kids, I’ve got a responsibility to show them that life is going to throw you curveballs… But what you learn through that process is wonderful, wonderful stuff,” he said.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Derrimut 24:7 Gym owner Nikolaos Solomos promotes memberships amid ATO wind-up order

The Greek Herald
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Derrimut 24:7 Gym owner Nikolaos Solomos promotes memberships amid ATO wind-up order

Four days after the Australian Taxation Office ordered the wind-up of Derrimut 24:7 Gym, owner Nikolaos Solomos appeared in an Instagram video promoting $99 one-year memberships.

The fitness chain continues to market membership deals even as a court prepares to hear the wind-up application, with former customers saying they still have not received refunds after the abrupt closure of the Angle Vale branch last month.

Return to Work SA, Melbourne United Basketball, and Fitness Equipment Pty Ltd are listed as creditors supporting the June 24 Federal Court application.

In a video posted on June 28, a grinning Solomos called the $99 memberships “very exciting news” and said the promotion marked the club’s 15-year anniversary.

The wind-up order follows an earlier Federal Court claim by the ATO alleging Derrimut 24:7 Gym owed over $14.6 million in unpaid taxes.

In June, the tax office filed a Victorian County Court claim against Solomos personally for $11.3 million, covering superannuation, GST, PAYG, and income tax.

Former members report delays in receiving refunds. Josh Charles said he was still chasing about $200, while Jon, 35, has not received approximately $347 after pre-paying for two years of membership. Multiple members reported similar issues on an Angle Vale Facebook group.

The chain had previously promised a Munno Para branch to replace the closed location, but a notice posted on the unopened gym’s doors last week confirmed the tenancy had been terminated due to over $54,000 in unpaid rent.

Landlord Tony Syrianos said the Angle Vale location alone owed around $220,000.

In a subsequent Instagram video, Solomos insisted the chain was “not going anywhere” and described it as “stronger and bigger than we’ve ever been before.”

A court hearing for the wind-up application is scheduled for next week.

Source: The Advertiser.

SA musician Kiki Courtidis pleads guilty to airport theft, faces false ID charges

The Greek Herald
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SA musician Kiki Courtidis pleads guilty to airport theft, faces false ID charges

Adelaide musician Kiki Courtidis has apologised after pleading guilty to stealing books from a retailer at Adelaide Airport but will contest charges related to travelling under a false identity.

The 40-year-old Henley Beach singer, known for performing at venues including The Feathers, Rundle Mall, private events, LIV Golf, and a tribute service for late Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh, appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday.

The court heard Courtidis admitted taking the books Everyday Stoicism and Black Convicts, telling Magistrate Natalie Browne, “I’m guilty, and I’m sorry.”

AFP officers were patrolling Adelaide Airport on June 3 when they allegedly witnessed Courtidis take an item from a retail store without paying.

It is alleged she was also found in possession of multiple items from other Adelaide and Cairns airport stores.

It is further alleged she travelled from Queensland under a false name. The total value of the items was estimated to be about $1000.

Outside court, Courtidis described the incident as a “momentary lapse of concentration” and said she “really should have just paid” for the books.

A commonwealth prosecutor told the court that negotiations regarding the false identification charge would continue. The matter remains before the court.

Courtidis is due to return to court in October.

AFP Detective Superintendent Gavin Stone emphasised the force’s commitment to preventing crime in airports and ensuring safety for travellers and retail operators.

Source: The Advertiser.

Basil Zempilas walks tightrope between gun owners and tougher regulations in WA

The Greek Herald
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Basil Zempilas walks tightrope between gun owners and tougher regulations in WA

Western Australia’s Liberal leader Basil Zempilas has refused to say whether he supports the state government’s strict firearms regulations, after his colleagues backed a failed motion to scrap them.

Legalise Cannabis MLC Brian Walker last week attempted to overturn the regulations, described as “the strictest in the country,” but the disallowance motion was defeated when the Greens withheld support. WA Labor labelled the motion “reckless and dangerous.”

Gun owners argue the laws overreach, making it harder to register new firearms and limiting most people to 10 guns, or five for hunting licences. More than 1000 protesters rallied outside parliament against the changes.

Zempilas sympathised with the demonstrators, acknowledging difficulties faced by “law-abiding responsible firearms owners,” particularly in farming communities.

“These are law-abiding firearms owners who want to continue to have the right to be able to use firearms where required and where necessary… and we stand in support of those people,” he said.

However, when pressed on whether he supported the failed motion, Zempilas declined to clarify.

“I stand in support of strong modern firearms laws that keep our community safe. I also stand in support of law-abiding responsible firearms owners,” he said.

Labor took aim at his refusal to state a position, branding him a “coward” on social media: “Both ways Baz says he supports tougher gun laws to keep our community safe but let’s get real here — Basil couldn’t care less about community safety.”

Despite his colleagues’ stance in the upper house, Zempilas reiterated only that the regulations remained in place.

Source: ABC.

Court hears case of George Plassaras injured in $1m Rolls-Royce crash

The Greek Herald
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Court hears case of George Plassaras injured in $1m Rolls-Royce crash

Sydney chauffeur George Plassaras is at the centre of a high-profile court case after suffering horrific injuries in a head-on collision with a $1 million Rolls-Royce SUV allegedly driven by 23-year-old Lanlan Yang.

Plassaras, who works for radio host Kyle Sandilands, broke his spine, ribs, both hips and both femurs in the crash on New South Head Road in Rose Bay in the early hours of July 26.

Police allege Yang was drunk at the time, having returned a positive roadside breath test, while she escaped uninjured.

Yang faces charges of causing bodily harm by misconduct, being in charge of a motor vehicle, and refusing or failing to submit to breath analysis.

Her lawyer, Yu, told Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court that she was not in a position to enter a plea because “the police have indicated there will be additional charges.” The matter has been adjourned to September 26, with her bail to continue.

Lanlan Yang. Photo: Nine.

Her bail conditions prohibit her from driving and require her to remain inside her eastern suburbs penthouse between 8pm and 6am.

If found guilty, Yang may be ordered to pay Plassaras’ medical and vehicle costs, despite the Rolls-Royce being insured at the time.

The case has attracted significant attention from Sydney’s Chinese Australian community, with about 100 people attending court on Friday.

Outside the court, speculation swirled that Yang is related to a senior Chinese political figure, though no evidence has been presented to support the claims.

Source: News.com.au.

NBL cancels Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament’s Monday fixture in Sydney

The Greek Herald
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NBL cancels Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament’s Monday fixture in Sydney

The National Basketball League has announced the cancellation of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament matches scheduled for Monday, September 22 in Sydney.

The decision follows an earlier start date for the EuroLeague season, which will now begin on September 30.

Fans who purchased tickets will have their seats automatically transferred to the Sunday, September 21 Sydney event at no extra cost, or they may choose to receive a full refund.

“We know how much fans look forward to these moments, so we regret any disappointment this may cause,” the NBL said in a statement.

Tickets remain available for Thursday’s game in Melbourne and Sunday’s fixture in Sydney.

Source: NBL

Final farewell at Stanmore as Cyprus Community of NSW prepares to relocate

The Greek Herald
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Final farewell at Stanmore as Cyprus Community of NSW prepares to relocate

The Cyprus Community of NSW’s club, located at Stanmore for over four decades, is set to relocate, with an “End of an Era” party being held at the premises on Saturday, August 23 from 5pm to mark the occasion.

Due to a fire order served on the Community by the Inner West Council, the Community is being forced to close its Stanmore building and relocate.

Despite this, the Community will continue to operate all its services until the very last day and intends to restart them at its new location.

The Community’s Assistant Secretary Andrew Paschali said, “relocation offers new opportunities, new amenities, and a new place for all our subcommittees, volunteers, supporters, compatriots, our elders and the youth, and all our regulars to meet and enjoy Cypriot hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere.”

The Community was recently in the news following a heated members meeting where administrators EY Australia confirmed the Stanmore property had been sold to developer Conquest for $55 million plus GST. The sale of the Stanmore property is subject to a Supreme Court of NSW judgment.

For members, supporters, and regular visitors to the Community’s club, a new location brings mixed emotions.

“It’s an exciting time for the community. The Community will shortly announce a new programme of events, committed to our legacy mission,” Secretary, Kyriakos Panayi, said.

The Community will relocate its operations to The Lakemba Club at 26 Quigg Street, Lakemba, Sydney – the temporary home of the Community’s legacy Cypriot kafenio and the bistro. It will also shortly relaunch its long-running Saturday Cyprus Taverna night.

The Greek School will be located at The Lakemba Club to service students also enrolled in Dancing School from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and other classes will be held at the NSW School of Languages, 35 West Street, Petersham. 

Members will also soon have access to the Canterbury Leagues Club’s facilities and services, located opposite Belmore Train Station.

“The community is about people – our volunteers, our mission, the children who attend our schools and their parents and grandparents, our soccer players and fans – all have been part of our community for decades. Nothing changes. This will be the beginning of a new era. All our traditions continue,” Mr Panayi said.

Further information about new member services and facilities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Stanmore, home to the Community since 1989, has been the setting for countless memories spanning generations.

Hundreds of thousands have visited the Stanmore club over the years – many having their first Greek dance or first kiss there, tasting sheftalia, moussaka, koupepia, and sousouki for the first time, playing tavli and cards, sampling the beers and wines of Cyprus, enjoying delicacies and sweets inspired by the “island of love”, or celebrating weddings, birthdays, and other milestones until the early hours.

Thousands attended as students, or had their children enrolled in the Greek or Dancing Schools, took part in youth dances and parties, went on ski trips or tours to Cyprus, joined the famous bus trips to cherry farms, mushroom paddocks, and the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, or visited Canberra. Others may recall their mothers or grandmothers in the Women’s Committee or participating in the hundreds of excursions, festivals, and events hosted by the Club.

So many events, functions, and milestones have been hosted at the Stanmore club that a dedicated committee has been launched to collect, catalogue, and prepare for an exhibition titled ‘Memories Made in Stanmore.’

The Community is inviting everyone to send pictures, videos, and a brief note or story of their “memories of Stanmore” to be collated into an art installation at the Community’s new location. The first 100 entries will receive a $50 voucher to spend at the new premises.

Send your memories to: info@thecyprusclub.org.au.

The “End of an Era” party will be held at The Cyprus Club in Stanmore on Saturday, August 23 from 5pm. The event is being organised by the Cyprus Community’s Dance Group.

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