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GCM schools celebrate Orthodox Easter through creative holiday program

The Greek Herald
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GCM schools celebrate Orthodox Easter through creative holiday program

The Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), remaining committed to providing meaningful and creative learning experiences, once again delivered their established holiday program during the school break.

As this year’s holidays coincided with Holy Week and Orthodox Easter, the program was dedicated to the most significant celebration of Orthodoxy, highlighting the richness of the traditions and customs associated with it.

The program took place on Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at Huntingdale and Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at Balwyn, in a warm, festive, and creative environment.

GCM EASTER WORKSHOPS (3)
GCM EASTER WORKSHOPS (3)

As part of the program, students had the opportunity to explore the meaning of Holy Week through engaging and hands-on educational activities. Through storytelling and discussion, they journeyed through the events from Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday through to the Resurrection, discovering the customs and traditions connected to each day.

The program also included a wide range of creative activities, such as decorating Easter candles (lambades), cards, and decorative eggs, as well as a special group craft project centred on Holy Week. The experience was enriched with movement-based games, traditional dances, and group activities, promoting collaboration, creativity, and enjoyment.

GCM EASTER WORKSHOPS (3)

A highlight of the program was the sharing of the Resurrection message, with children enthusiastically chanting “Christ is Risen.”

Through this experiential approach, students strengthened their connection to the Greek language, Orthodox tradition, and cultural heritage, combining learning with creativity and play.

The Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne continue to offer high-quality educational programs that bring children closer to Greek values, traditions, and identity.

‘Kapodistrias – The Governor’ to premiere in Sydney, bringing Greek history to life

The Greek Herald
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‘Kapodistrias – The Governor’ to premiere in Sydney, bringing Greek history to life

Sydney audiences will soon have the opportunity to experience one of Greece’s most talked-about films, Kapodistrias – The Governor, a powerful cinematic tribute to one of the nation’s most influential figures.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yannis Smaragdis, the film tells the story of Ioannis Kapodistrias; the first Governor of independent Greece and a visionary leader who played a defining role in shaping the modern Greek state following the Greek War of Independence.

Released in Greece on Christmas Day, the film quickly rose to become one of the country’s highest-grossing productions, resonating strongly with audiences for its emotional depth and historical significance.

More than a historical drama, Kapodistrias – The Governor is a reflection on identity, sacrifice and nationhood – themes that continue to hold deep meaning for Greeks both in Greece and across the diaspora. Australian screenings will also feature exclusive footage from this special presentation, offering audiences an added layer of insight and connection.

Presented in Sydney in collaboration with the Greek Festival of Sydney and screening exclusively at Palace Cinemas, the film is expected to draw strong interest from the Greek Australian community and beyond.

Festival Chair Pamela Proestos said the film represents an important cultural moment for the community.

“This is more than a film, it is a powerful reminder of our history, our identity and the figures who shaped the nation we know today. We are proud to present this story to Sydney audiences and to give our community the opportunity to reconnect with such an important chapter of Hellenism,” Ms Proestos said.

Preview screenings will take place on Saturday, May 3 at Norton Street Cinemas and Palace Cinemas Moore Park, with sessions scheduled at 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

For many in the diaspora, Kapodistrias – The Governor offers more than a cinematic experience, it is an opportunity to reconnect with a defining chapter of Greek history and reflect on the legacy of a leader whose vision helped shape a nation. Tickets are now available online here: https://greekfestivalofsydney.com.au/program/event/special-film-screenings-kapodistrias

Event Details: 
  • Event: Special Film Screenings – Kapodistrias – The Governor. 
  • Date: Sunday the 3th of May, 2026. 
  • Locations: Palace Norton St, 99 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040 and Palace Cinema Moore Park, Entertainment Quarter, The Shop/215/122 Lang Road, Moore Park NSW 2021. 
  • Times: 3pm and 6pm.
  • Buy tickets here.

What’s in a surname? Demetra reflects on identity and marriage

The Greek Herald
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What’s in a surname? Demetra reflects on identity and marriage

An Australian woman from a Greek Cypriot background has spoken out about the emotional impact of changing her surname after marriage, as part of an upcoming episode of Insight on SBS exploring the cultural significance of names.

Demetra Proestos-Shepherd, who grew up in a proud Greek Cypriot household, said she was unprepared for the reaction she experienced when she first saw her married name on her driver’s licence.

“I felt like I completely erased my culture and my identity in that moment, and I didn’t recognise what I was reading or seeing on the card,” she said.

After taking the surname of her Anglo-Australian husband, Ben Shepherd, Demetra said the change left her feeling disconnected from her heritage.

“If I was to walk down the street and someone said, Mrs Shepherd, I’d be like, I’m just another white person. Now I don’t have my point of difference,” she said.

The experience prompted her to rethink the decision, ultimately choosing to double-barrel her surname in order to reconnect with her cultural roots.

“I looked at Ben and I said, ‘I’m changing it’,” she explained, adding her original family name back alongside her husband’s.

Demetra said the decision was also important for her children, ensuring they maintain a visible connection to their Greek Cypriot heritage.

“I wanted them to be able to have that identity of their Cypriot roots,” she said.

Her story features in Insight’s episode What’s In A Name?, airing Tuesday 14 April, which examines how names shape identity, belonging and cultural connection across diverse communities.

The episode explores the personal and often complex decisions people make when it comes to changing – or keeping – their names, particularly within multicultural Australia.

Victorian Labor reshuffle sees four MPs elevated to cabinet

The Greek Herald
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Victorian Labor reshuffle sees four MPs elevated to cabinet

Four Labor MPs have been elevated to cabinet in a pre-election reshuffle by the Victorian government, just weeks ahead of the state budget and months out from the November poll.

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch, Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke, Eureka MP Michaela Settle and Box Hill MP Paul Hamer were elected to the ministry during a caucus meeting on Tuesday.

They are expected to take on portfolios ahead of the May 5 budget, forming part of the leadership team Premier Jacinta Allan will lead into the election.

The appointments follow the departures of senior ministers, including Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Finance Minister Danny Pearson and Water Minister Gayle Tierney, who have confirmed they will not contest the upcoming election. Natalie Hutchins had earlier announced her retirement.

Grigorovitch, a former Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary, entered parliament in 2022. Edbrooke, elected in 2014, has a background as a firefighter and teacher. Settle, a regional MP, previously ran a family sheep farm, while Hamer, a civil engineer, secured a traditionally Liberal seat in Melbourne’s east in 2018.

Hamer’s elevation followed a closely contested internal vote against Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson.

A broader cabinet reshuffle is expected to be finalised shortly, with Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt among those tipped for a potential move into the key health portfolio.

The changes mark a generational shift within the government, with Allan and Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio now the only remaining members of Daniel Andrews’ original 2014 cabinet.

Source: The Age

Liberals pledge $40,000 for security upgrades at Red Hill Greek Orthodox church

The Greek Herald
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Liberals pledge $40,000 for security upgrades at Red Hill Greek Orthodox church

A future Jess Wilson Liberal Government has pledged to deliver $40,000 for CCTV and security upgrades at the Panagia Kamariani Greek Orthodox Parish in Red Hill, as part of its state election commitments.

Liberal Candidate for Nepean, Anthony Marsh announced the funding commitment while attending Orthodox Easter midnight service over the weekend, following discussions with church leaders about the need to improve safety and security.

panagia kamariani red hill funding 2
Anthony Marsh had discussions with church leaders about the need to improve safety and security. Photo: Facebook / Ioannis-Michael Lam.

“Churches like this are more than buildings, they are the heart of the community. A place where families gather, celebrate their faith, and pass on traditions to the next generation,” Mr Marsh said.

“People deserve to feel safe when they come together, especially at important moments like Easter.

“After speaking with community leaders and [parish priest] Father Irinaios, it’s clear how important it is that people can come together here with confidence and security.”

The funding will support practical upgrades to security infrastructure, helping protect the church and its
community.

“A Jess Wilson Liberal Government will back local communities and deliver the support they need,” he said.

Hit Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’ heads to Greece for Season 6

The Greek Herald
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Hit Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’ heads to Greece for Season 6

‘Emily in Paris’ is heading to Greece for its sixth season, with filming expected to begin in May 2026 as the hit series expands its European backdrop.

While exact locations have not been confirmed, islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and Paros are reportedly among the frontrunners.

Series creator Darren Star has revealed the new season will see Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, travel to the Aegean, alongside scenes set in Monaco.

The shift follows the success of Season 5, which drew nearly 27 million views globally within two weeks and ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 across 91 countries.

Greece is expected to feature prominently, offering the show’s signature blend of luxury and travel escapism, with its iconic whitewashed architecture, coastal scenery and vibrant nightlife providing the backdrop for Emily’s next chapter.

The move was hinted at in the Season 5 finale, with further suggestions the storyline may include a Greek getaway or a high-profile celebration, potentially tied to supporting character Mindy.

The expansion into Greece reflects the show’s growing global appeal, as it continues to build on its “Euro-travel” formula, combining fashion, romance and destination-driven storytelling.

Court hears Jon Adgemis’ pub empire eyed for rescue months before collapse

The Greek Herald
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Court hears Jon Adgemis’ pub empire eyed for rescue months before collapse

Plans to revive the collapsed pub empire of Jon Adgemis were being explored months before his bankruptcy, with court documents revealing financiers had been circling his assets as early as mid-2025.

Millennium Capital boss Tom Wallace had been attempting to acquire several former Public Hospitality Group venues across Sydney, backed by Singapore-based Vantage Point Asset Management. The strategy included a proposed $145 million plan to purchase debt tied to Adgemis’ struggling portfolio from Deutsche Bank.

Adgemis, whose group carried more than $230 million in syndicated loans alongside additional financing, had sought external backers to stabilise the business, introducing Wallace to lenders as part of efforts to secure a “white knight” investor. However, no deal materialised before Deutsche Bank moved to seize the assets, shortly before Adgemis was declared bankrupt.

While Wallace did acquire several venues from the portfolio, including the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle Hotel and the Kurrajong Hotel, his broader attempt to piece together a $150 million hospitality play has since faltered.

He is now seeking to recover a $1.1 million deposit on the former Bayswater Hotel in Potts Point, citing mould and water damage issues, though receivers McGrathNicol argue the property was purchased on an “as-is” basis.

The dispute forms part of a wider unravelling of Wallace’s ambitions, with potential losses of up to $6 million in deposits across multiple deals, including properties in Annandale and Bondi.

The case highlights the ongoing fallout from the collapse of Adgemis’ once high-profile pub empire, as investors continue to assess — and in some cases retreat from — opportunities tied to distressed hospitality assets.

Source: The Australian

Victoria targets fuel price gouging with new app crackdown

The Greek Herald
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Victoria targets fuel price gouging with new app crackdown

The Victorian government will “name and shame” petrol stations charging the highest fuel prices under a new update to its Servo Saver app, part of its broader crackdown on price gouging.

The app, launched in March, allows motorists to compare fuel prices across the state, with retailers required to set next-day prices by 2pm. From Monday, stations with the highest prices will be marked with a red indicator, while the cheapest will be highlighted in green.

More than 520,000 Victorians are now using the app, which sits at the centre of the Allan government’s fuel pricing reforms. Since its introduction on 10 March, over $80,000 in fines have been issued to 25 retailers for failing to comply with reporting requirements.

However, the app has faced criticism since launch, including technical glitches and inaccurate pricing. Reports have shown discrepancies of up to 50 cents per litre between listed and actual prices, while some stations were found charging more than what was displayed.

Industry figures have also raised concerns, arguing the reporting system is overly complex and was introduced without sufficient consultation.

Despite this, Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said the app is “making a real difference”.

“And we are cracking down on any retailers who are wilfully trying to rip off Victorians,” he said. “With these changes it’ll now be even easier to avoid retailers ripping you off and find the cheapest fuel.”

The updated version will also include improvements to the app’s interface, making it easier for users to identify available fuel types.

Source: Herald Sun

US President Donald Trump deletes AI ‘Jesus’ image after backlash

The Greek Herald
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US President Donald Trump deletes AI ‘Jesus’ image after backlash

Donald Trump has deleted a controversial AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ following backlash from religious leaders, who described the post as blasphemous.

The image, shared on his Truth Social platform, showed Trump in flowing robes appearing to heal a man, with figures looking on in reverence. It was removed within a day after sparking criticism from prominent conservative Christians, some of whom called for an apology.

Responding to questions, Trump denied the image was intended to portray him as Jesus, stating: “I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do [with the] Red Cross… It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”

The controversy comes amid an escalating public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, whom the US President criticised as “weak” and “terrible” over his stance on the Iran conflict.

Trump said: “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran… I think he’s very weak on crime and other things so I’m not” going to apologise.

In response, Pope Leo defended the Church’s position, saying: “To put my message on the same plane as what the President has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is… I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.”

He added: “I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel… I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.”

The exchange marks a rare and unusually direct clash between a US president and a sitting pope, deepening divisions as the conflict involving Iran enters its seventh week.

The incident has also unsettled parts of Trump’s religious support base, though some allies have downplayed its long-term political impact.

Source: The Australian

Fuel crisis forces Qantas to slash capacity and raise fares

The Greek Herald
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Fuel crisis forces Qantas to slash capacity and raise fares

Qantas will cut domestic flights and adjust its network as soaring fuel costs and uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict place increasing pressure on operations, with the airline flagging up to $800 million in additional fuel expenses.

The airline said it had already increased fares, reduced domestic capacity by around five percentage points in the fourth quarter, and redeployed aircraft to more in-demand international routes. Customers affected by the changes are being contacted and offered alternative flights or refunds.

Qantas has sharply revised its fuel cost forecast for the second half of the financial year to between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion, up from an earlier estimate of $2.5 billion, noting that “jet fuel prices have more than doubled and remain highly volatile”.

Despite the disruption, the airline said demand for European travel remains strong, prompting an increase in flights to Paris and Rome, with capacity shifted from US and domestic routes.

Regional services are also affected, with Qantas confirming it will cancel all flights to and from Mount Gambier from next month, citing both rising fuel costs and declining demand.

While the group has hedged around 90 per cent of its crude oil exposure, it remains vulnerable to sharp increases in jet refining margins, which have surged significantly in recent months.

Qantas said it continues to monitor fuel supply closely and is working with government and suppliers, who “continue to provide confidence in fuel supply for the remainder of April and well into May”.

Source: ABC News

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