On Thursday, March 13, the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia will hold its annual event in celebration of International Women’s Day in Melbourne, Victoria.
This year’s event in particular honours female leaders in healthcare.
Dean Kalimniou.
Inspiring Greek Australian women in the medical field, Associate Prof Vicki Kotsirilos AM, Professor Genie Pedagogos and Associate Professor Ana Chrysostomou will share their insights into their unique journeys.
Keynote speaker, well-known author and lawyer Dean Kalimniou will then speak to the topic of “Greek female leadership: a historical perspective.”
The event, which is already sold out, promises to be a great success.
A Sydney native, former London and Lesvos resident, Billy Cotsis has spent a lot of this decade in Latin America and abroad. He returns with a new project that captures stories he has seen, heard and experienced on those travels.
Some of the travels are documented in documentaries he has filmed in places such as Sao Paulo and Rio, Cuba and Venezuela, capturing the essence of Greek speakers. Earlier this year he produced a documentary about Port Moresby and Tatana Island in Papua New Guinea to underscore his thirst for experiencing the world.
Now back focusing on his writing, Cotsis has created the character Aristotle Roberto Carlos Smithopoulos who is as crazy and well-travelled as the name suggests. A departure from his recent offerings.
“Last year I was proudly involved with a book created and edited by Eleni Elefterias, Whose Is This Song. The book featured about ten academics and writers, unpacking Balkan nationalism and a song claimed by most Balkan nations. Some amazing names such as Dr Alfred Vincent, Professor Vrasidas Karalis and historian Costa Vertzayias; now I felt it was time to return to less academic writing, less illustrious company and more of the fun meets history style which I usually produce,” Cotsis said.
The new book is set between the Greek military Junta years and the evil Brazilian regime that ruled that country until 1985, and while that sounds heavy, most of the fiction is fun, fast paced and set to the idyllic places our hero visits.
Cotsis wrote his new book mostly from Papua New Guinea and on his travels across Latin America. It is intentionally called an “autobiography,” though the character is 100% not real. A number of characters in the book are actually real-life people, as our protagonist traverses the world, he bumps into everyone from Ronnie Biggs the Great Robber, Obama, Bon Jovi, footballer Socrates, Lula, the KKK and singer Roberto Carlos, while being chased by the evil Bolsanaro.
We meet Aristotle as a rebellious teenager from the island of Lesvos during the Junta era, who senses an opportunity for adventure. He leaves his village behind and joins the Greek military in Cyprus. The island nation was in the middle of a power struggle paving the way for an invasion from Greece and then Turkey. Aristotle barely makes it out alive thanks to the help of a Turkish-Cypriot, escaping on a vessel owned by Aristotle Onassis heading for Argentina where he hopes to become the next Onassis.
He never makes it to Argentina, ending up in Brazil after being thrown overboard by an Iranian heiress, but not before the vessel pulls into Greko speaking Bova Marina to find ouzo!
A series of crazy adventures ensues for Aristotle in Brazil involving a double murder, the killing of a puppy named JFK, and being chased by bad guys from the regime, including Bolsonaro.
Using the name Roberto Carlos given to him in Colombia by a forger, he is then inexplicably drawn in as a star footballer in LA, followed by a music career in New York where the regime looks to finally end him!
With a nod to some political and cultural commentary from the eras across a number of decades, Cotsis ensures that Aristotle takes us to a world that few know about. That world is sandwiched between two dictatorships, the Junta in Greece and the brutal military rule of Brazil, Samba parties, poverty, and corrupt officials.
Some of the stories in the book are indeed influenced by real events, although most are fiction with a splash of historical truth added in for spice over a period covering 1970-1990.
For those looking for a window into the past through a range of different cultures and speedy adventures, like a movie, Aristotle is your man.
Cotsis enthuses, “this is my eighth book involvement. I am getting it out on Amazon and the Greek Bilingual Bookshop and likely Melbourne. I have a contract with a publisher which has yet to be properly activated, so I will eventually let the book find its way to an international release by 2026. I am almost hopeless with that element of the creative world as I still have to make docos, add to my YouTube Channel and hold down a full-time job managing local economies. I love writing, the other stuff is time consuming, a distraction.”
The new book by Cotsis is thought provoking, fun and cultured. This is balanced with a sense of drama for the issues facing Greece last century from 1922 which are craftily woven in. Having written historical fictions which include Constantinople, Crystal Palace in London, and Aegean Seven who travel to Europe to take back the Stolen Marbles, this one has taken fictional travel adventures to another level.
Chapter Antigone of AHEPA NSW Inc invites everyone to its annual celebration of International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 9 from 5:30pm at AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale, Sydney.
The event will honour the 190th anniversary of the arrival of the first Hellene women in Australia (1835-2025).
The Keynote Speaker of the rich program will be renowned photographer and researcher Effy Alexakis from the ‘Ιn Their Own Image: Greek-Australians’ National Project Archives. Ms Alexakis will present on the contribution of leading Australian Hellene women to the development of our community and to the country as a whole.
It was in 1835 that the first Hellene women disembarked in Sydney. Aikaterine Plessos Crummer arrived together with her daughters Amelia Helena (born on Kerkyra in 1828) and Eliza Bettina (born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831). They migrated to the Antipodes together with their husband and father, Major James Henry Crummer of the British Army. With these three women begins the history of Australian Hellenic women.
International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time on 19 March 1911 with conferences and demonstrations across Europe. In 1913, the Day was transferred to 8 March, the date on which it has been celebrated ever since. The Day has been marked in Australia since 1928.
Everyone is welcome to this great celebration of Australian Hellenism. Entry free.
The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s multicultural media, today announcing funding of $11.3 million over three years in recognition of the critical role of the independent multicultural media sector in fostering an inclusive and informed society.
Informed by the Multicultural Framework Review and its three key principles of connection; identity and belonging; and inclusion, the funding will support the sustainability and capacity building of small to medium multicultural media outlets.
This investment includes a competitive grant program of up to $10 million for eligible multicultural media organisations to transition to sustainable new media practices, and operational funding of $1.3 million to the not-for-profit Independent Multicultural Media Australia.
This new funding for multicultural media is in addition to the Government’s commitment to provide $153.5 million over four years to implement the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP), as well as an additional $27 million to back Australia’s vital community broadcasting sector.
The administration of the funding for multicultural media will align with the News MAP, which guides government intervention to support public interest journalism and media diversity in Australia, whilst balancing the need to maintain the independence of the sector.
Work to implement the News MAP is now underway, including to establish an expert advisory panel and design the administration of funding opportunities to support and build the sustainability and capacity of news organisations.
Further information on grant opportunities to support multicultural media will be available in due course.
The Government recognises multicultural media as critical to the health of our democracy, social cohesion and informing communities.
Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Julian Hill MP, said, “Independent multicultural media outlets are the most trusted source of news and information for many Australians.”
“It’s absolutely critical that they continue so all Australians have access to quality journalism, and avoid succumbing to rumours and misinformation permeating social media, WhatsApp and other online groups,” Assistant Minister Hill added.
“The Labor Government has listened and is acting on the Multicultural Framework Review’s advice which highlighted the need for government support to help multicultural media outlets be sustainable and adapt to digital environments.”
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, said, “The Albanese Government is continuing its strong support for the multicultural media sector, with additional funding to support public interest journalism in this vital part of our media landscape.”
“This funding will complement the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP), and is in addition to two funding rounds already delivered by the Albanese Labor Government to support local news publishers, including multicultural media,” Minister Rowland said.
“An independent and diverse multicultural media sector is at the heart of local communities, is essential to building social cohesion and makes a vital contribution to media diversity in Australia.”
Greek singer Manolis Lidakis has passed away at the age of 64 after battling serious health issues in recent years.
Lidakis, born Emmanouil Spyrlidakis in Iraklio, Crete, was known for his contributions to entechno and folk music.
He began his musical journey at a young age and moved to Athens in 1982, where a television appearance led to a record deal and the start of his professional career.
Over the years, Lidakis collaborated with numerous artists and gained widespread popularity among the public.
Stefanos Tsitsipas secured his 350th career tour-level win on Wednesday, February 26, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, defeating Karen Khachanov 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.
The Greek No. 11 seed, who has reached the Dubai finals in 2019 and 2020, improved his head-to-head record against Khachanov to 9-1. Tsitsipas had previously beaten Lorenzo Sonego in the first round.
The 26-year-old, who is chasing his first title since Monte-Carlo in April 2023, displayed aggressive play in the third set, winning 80% of his first-serve points and clinching victory after 2 hours and 29 minutes.
Tsitsipas’ win adds to a career that includes 11 tour-level titles, including the Nitto ATP Finals in 2019. He is the 13th active player to reach 350 wins, joining the ranks of Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet and Marin Cilic.
Next, Tsitsipas will face Matteo Berrettini, who defeated Australian Christopher O’Connell 7-6(2), 6-2 in his second quarterfinal appearance of the season.
Ahead of the second anniversary of the deadly Tempi train collision, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed his cabinet on Wednesday, February 26, emphasising the need for truth and justice.
Mitsotakis called the crash, which occurred on February 28, 2023, a national tragedy that should unite Greek society in demanding accountability and a safer public transport system.
“A national tragedy which must unite our society behind a common demand. The demand for truth and justice,” Mitsotakis said, urging the need to confront mistakes and delays within the state mechanisms highlighted by the incident.
He acknowledged that many citizens would gather in the coming days to honour the victims and demand justice.
While emphasising the right to protest, the Prime Minister cautioned against using the tragedy for political destabilisation.
“Some wish to turn this collective grief into an opportunity for a new divide,” Mitsotakis stated, criticising those who had used provocative language, including accusations of a “government of murderers.”
Mitsotakis stressed that the majority of Greeks wanted truth and justice, not a climate of instability.
He also reminded that, in a few days, the government would be presenting its case in Parliament and that opposition parties were welcome to propose any motions, including a no-confidence vote.
He concluded by saying that the government’s priority was to unite Greece, noting that the Tempi tragedy should serve as a catalyst for modernising the country’s railway system, just as the 2018 Mati fires prompted improvements in civil protection.
“I think that is the best way to truly honour the memory of our 57 fellow citizens,” he added.
The National Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Organization (EODASAAM) is set to release its findings on the crash on Thursday.
These findings will be forwarded to judicial authorities for inclusion in the case file. Further reports, including an analysis from the National Technical University of Athens and police surveillance footage, are also expected.
Kouroumblis, who appeared via video link from Melbourne Assessment Prison, attended a brief administrative hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 26.
This was his second court appearance since being extradited from Italy in December, where he faces charges of two murders and one count of rape.
Both the prosecution and defence requested the adjournment to allow time for DNA analysis to be completed.
Perry Kouroumblis is accused of killing Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett at an Easey St property. Photo: Anita Lester.
Magistrate Brett Sonnet, overseeing the case, emphasised the need for swift progress, stating, “This matter should be given the highest priority. The court stands ready to hear a committal.”
The committal hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence for Kouroumblis to stand trial.
The murders of Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, occurred in their Collingwood home in January 1977, with their bodies found three days later. Armstrong’s 16-month-old son, Gregory, was unharmed.
Kouroumblis has not yet entered a formal plea but has consistently maintained his innocence and intends to contest the charges.
Police claim a breakthrough in the case after matching DNA evidence from the crime scene to Kouroumblis, nearly 47 years later. He is set to return to court on June 3.
The Greek Orthodox Community of St. Albans has issued a message of solidarity ahead of the second anniversary of the Tempi train tragedy on February 28.
Full message in English:
The Greek Orthodox Community of St. Albans, echoing the feelings of the wider Melbourne community, shares the tremendous effort made by the “Association of Relatives of Tempi Victims 2023” to bring the whole truth to the surface and to stop the cover-up and cover-up of the crime.
We also join our voices from Melbourne to express our solidarity in your sacred struggle, in order to ensure justice is served and those responsible for the Tempi tragedy are convicted.
On Friday, February 28 at 12 noon, we will also go to the Greek Consulate to demand that the diachronic responsibilities of the Governments, current and previous, for the tragic state of the railways be meted out.
We also send our unwavering support, our hugs and our love to the relatives of the victims. We may live far from Greece and be on the other side of the world, but you are very close to our hearts and we feel the heavy burden of pain in the ordeal you are going through.
For the Board of Directors Areti Akamati President 25/02/2025
The Supreme Court of New South Wales has handed down significant rulings in the financial battle over the Cyprus Community of NSW, ordering Cyprus Capital Limited (CCL) to cooperate with the voluntary administrators and facilitate the refinancing of the organisation’s debts.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Nixon on 18 and 21 February 2025, is a major step towards financial stability for the Cyprus Community. It ensures the Community can finalise a $13 million refinancing deal with Avari Capital Partners, which will allow it to repay secured creditors, end receivership, and regain control of its assets.
However, a $1.09 million dispute over fees claimed by Cyprus Capital remains unresolved, with a further hearing set for March 2025.
The administrators have spent months attempting to refinance debts owed to Cyprus Capital Limited and Sydney Wyde Mortgage Management Ltd. However, Cyprus Capital had repeatedly failed to provide a payout figure, delaying the refinancing process, applying to the Court to remove administrators (unsuccessfully) and increasing financial uncertainty.
The matter was also heard earlier on 12 February 2025, when Cyprus Capital attempted to alter the cost order made against them following their unsuccessful bid to remove the administrators. The court dismissed Cyprus Capital’s application, upholding the original cost order against them. Further costs were ordered against Cyprus Capital for bringing the application to vary the cost order.
The Greek Herald sources have revealed that the estimated legal costs of the failed challenge are between $500,000.00 to $600,000.00 which either Dr Costas Costa or Cyprus Capital must pay, affecting the shareholders (and those members who invested in Cyprus Capital), from receiving a full payout.
Key Court orders
Following the failure of Cyprus Capital to provide a payout figure for months, the Supreme Court issued a series of orders to ensure the refinancing deal could proceed. The rulings also addressed Cyprus Capital’s delayed cooperation and set strict deadlines to finalise the process.
1. Cyprus Capital ordered to provide payout figure
Cyprus Capital was ordered to submit a final payout amount by 4pm on 20 February 2025.
Cyprus Capital provided a payout figure of $6,938,926.37, calculated as of 25 February 2025.
However, $1,092,323.86 of this amount is disputed, as the administrators argue it includes unauthorised fees and costs, including the costs of the application to remove the administrator which was unsuccessful. This disputed amount has been paid into court while awaiting a decision on 3 March 2025.
2. Cyprus Capital must release security and end receivership
The court ruled that Cyprus Capital must sign documents to release its mortgage over Cyprus Community’s property and terminate the appointment of receivers and managers by 24 February 2025.
If Cyprus Capital fails to sign, the Supreme Court Registrar is authorised to sign the documents on its behalf.
However, The Greek Herald sources revealed that Cyprus Capital had already terminated the appointment of the receivers before the court hearing date, with this only being formally advised to the court on 21 February 2025.
3. Administrators’ liability limited
The court granted an order under section 447A of the Corporations Act 2001, ensuring that the administrators are not personally liable for the refinancing loan from Avari Capital Partners.
4. Registration of Avari Capital’s security interest extended
The court extended the registration deadline for Avari Capital’s security interest, ensuring the refinancing process can proceed smoothly.
Financial Breakdown of the Refinancing Deal
The Supreme Court’s orders have now paved the way for the implementation of the refinancing agreement with Avari Capital Partners. The following figures outline the financial structure of the deal and how it impacts the Cyprus Community moving forward:
Total debt of Cyprus Community of NSW: $13 million
Total value of real estate assets: $57 million
Refinancing loan from Avari Capital Partners: $13 million
Payout to Cyprus Capital Limited: $5,846,602.51
Payout to Sydney Wyde Mortgage Management Ltd: $7.5 million
Disputed Amount (held in court pending resolution): $1,092,323.86
The refinancing restructures the organisation’s debts, consolidating its financial obligations into a single lender (Avari Capital) and removing Cyprus Capital’s involvement in the organisation’s finances.
What happens next?
The next key date is 3 March 2025, when the Supreme Court will consider the future case management of the dispute over Cyprus Capital’s entitlement to the $1.09 million in disputed fees or if those funds must be returned to the Cyprus Community of NSW.
If the refinancing proceeds as planned, all secured debts will be repaid, receivership will be lifted, and the Cyprus Community of NSW will regain full control of its assets. The ruling marks a significant step in the organisation’s efforts to stabilise its finances and ensure its long-term sustainability.
*The Greek Herald will continue to follow this case closely and provide updates on the next Supreme Court hearing.
