Athens-based photographer Petros Kaminiotis presented his stunning exhibition, Modern AθENS In The Backdrop Of Antiquity, at Luna Studio Gallery in Newtown, Sydney on Tuesday, February 25.
The event is part of the Greek Festival of Sydney, supported by the Athenian Association of NSW.
Modern AθENS In The Backdrop Of Antiquity showcases Kaminiotis’ unique approach to portraying contemporary Athens, blending modern architecture with the ancient city’s rich history.
The exhibition received a warm reception at its launch, attended by a large crowd.
Photo supplied by Effy Alexakis.
On the night, speeches were delivered by President of the Athenian Association of NSW, Cathy Valis, artist Petros Kaminiotis, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris, and Father Irenaeus Triantis.
The event was emceed by a young member of the Athenian Association. The Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Chrysa Prokopaki was also in attendance.
Photo supplied by Effy Alexakis.
The exhibition is open daily until March 1, 2025, from 10am to 6pm, with the final day on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Entrance is free and no bookings are required.
This event is part of the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney, which runs from February to May 2025, and features a variety of cultural events, including music, exhibitions, and lectures, all aimed at celebrating Greek heritage.
Peter Ppiros, the newly elected President of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), brings a wealth of experience to his role.
Born in Cyprus, Ppiros migrated to Australia as a refugee and has been an active member of GOCSA since 1986, dedicating a decade to various Administrative Council positions.
His recent election victory, where his Independent Community Progressive Party secured 11 out of 15 council seats, comes amid ongoing discussions about the direction of GOCSA, including matters of governance, unity and cultural preservation.
In an exclusive interview, Ppiros discusses his plans for GOCSA, including balancing Greek heritage with evolving Australian identities, increasing youth engagement, and addressing key structural and administrative challenges. He also shares his thoughts on the role of language retention, the importance of a bilingual administration, and how he intends to navigate differing views within the community.
Peter Ppiros has been an active member of GOCSA since 1986.
Thank you for your time today, Peter. With the evolving identity of 3rd and 4th generation Greek Australians, how do you plan to balance the preservation of Greek heritage, language, and culture with the integration of contemporary Australian values?
That is a continuing challenge that we face and we will use both traditional methods that have served us well including to introduce innovative E-technology.
There has been a large emphasis and growth of youth engagement over the past two years in your community. Are there any specific initiatives you plan to implement to ensure that GOCSA continues to engage with and inspire our younger generation? How will you encourage them to become more involved in the decision-making processes that affect their future?
Involvement in GOCSA also requires accepting responsibility from conceptual development through to implementation and reassessment.
Peter Ppiros is looking at introducing innovative E-technology.
You have highlighted the importance of being a bi-lingual administration and the importance of language retention and learning. What is your plan to further promote the learning of the Greek language and to make it more accessible?
GOCSA adheres to the present day Australian multicultural values that will need to be reworked to fit into our evolving 21 century society.
500 community members met on Sunday, October 27 for the EGM to vote on unity with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. Photo: Greek Orthodox Community of SA.
GOCSA is bound to follow the members’ decisions taken at various Special General Meetings e.g. 1966, 1972, 1973 and 1992. That being said, we are also listening to our members every day and noting their steadfast support and attendances at our Churches. Members have an expectation for a consistent application of GOCSA’s past General Meeting decisions that cannot be changed on a whim contrary to GOCSA’s Constitution which is the law the Council is legally obliged to follow.
As a new Administrative Committee, only in our role for the last month, we will continue to discuss and formulate precise strategies in each of the important areas of activity. At the moment, the focus is on getting an understanding of the management and operation of the many diverse activities of GOCSA and the key and immediate priority issues we need to address to ensure our Community continues to function well and deliver high-quality services.
I would like to stress that any future decisions, and strategies on all sectors of GOCSA, will be discussed at future direct consultation with our members.
The Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church has been without any spiritual Head for over five years; Is there a plan to address this? How will you ensure regular functioning of the Community churches?
GOCSA remains committed to implementing GOCSA’s past determination of allegiance to the AGOCAA (Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church) and recognise the challenges; as we also recognise the Australian Constitution provides for freedom of religion and recognition of the AGOCAA under Australian laws.
You have said that you will revive/reactivate the Federation of Greek Orthodox Communities. How will you do this and how will this benefit the Greek Orthodox Community of SA?
Peter Ppiros (centre) standing next to President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis (fourth from right) at this year’s Antipodes Festival 2024.
GOCSA has always maintained that it will benefit the whole of the Greek community of Australia to have an assertive collective voice addressing the wide range of secular issues; and taking into account the erosion of our multicultural society, updating the Australia-Greece Bi-Lateral Agreements plus mutual recognition of our secular laws. The Australian Government is currently being deprived of the collective wisdom of the Greek Community speaking with one voice-state representation. There is no substitute for a concerted group submission, e.g. for an annual update of topical issues concerning our Community as a whole.
What do you believe to be the biggest challenge for you as the new President of the Community?
The challenge is to have an Administrative Council that takes the leadership responsibility (including myself as a Councillor) rather than leaving responsibility to a few Councillors. That also aims to address the issue of unity within GOCSA i.e. “practice what the Council is doing as a team.”
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia led the Sanctification (Agiasmos) Service to mark the start of the new year of activities for the Youth Groups of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in New South Wales (NSW GO Youth Fellowships) on Monday, February 24.
The service, held at the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, Sydney, was attended by over 300 young men and women, along with Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, and many other clergy.
Following the service, Archbishop Makarios addressed the youth with words of spiritual guidance. He encouraged them to stay focused on Christ amidst life’s challenges and distractions, stating, “In Him we find true meaning and purpose.”
The Archbishop also emphasised the importance of the youth staying connected to their Orthodox roots.
“We are not just individuals wandering through life,” he said, “but we are heirs to a great and sacred heritage, shaped by the struggles and successes of those who have lived before us.”
He reminded the youth of their ancestors’ sacrifices, urging them to honour their heritage and live devotedly as Orthodox Christians.
In his final remarks, Archbishop Makarios underscored the significance of fellowship, noting, “As Orthodox Christians we do not walk in isolation. We are called to walk together, to support one another and strengthen one another, with love.”
He concluded by stressing that the bonds formed within youth groups are sacred, as they help members remain steadfast in Christ.
St Euphemia College’s Taverna Night, held on Saturday, February 22, was a resounding success, bringing together students, families, and the local community for an unforgettable celebration of Greek culture.
The event featured vibrant Greek dance performances by the students, along with delicious taverna-style cuisine and live entertainment that kept guests dancing throughout the night.
Held on the school’s grounds in Bankstown, Sydney, the event ran from 6pm to 11.30pm and offered a true taste of Greece, blending music, food, and traditional performances in a lively atmosphere.
Attendees enjoyed an evening full of culture and community spirit, making it a memorable night for all.
The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) has issued a message of solidarity ahead of the second anniversary of the Tempi train tragedy on February 28. Protests are planned across the world, including in capital cities in Australia.
Full message in English:
The President, Board of Directors and members of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales express our sincere and profound condolences to the families of the deceased, mainly children, who lost their lives in the terrible Tempe accident. We also express our support and solidarity with the struggle of the families of the victims to investigate the causes that caused this fatal accident.
It is unacceptable for the Government, after two years since the accident, that the investigation has not yet been completed and that there is no clear decision on what happened that day, and who is responsible for the accident.
The Government should not cover up the causes that caused this terrible accident, and that those responsible should be held accountable and punished, whoever they may be.
The Government should take measures to prevent such tragic and fatal accidents from happening again in the future and finally, that a deep cut and reform of the railways of our Homeland be made.
We also raise our voices together with the voices of the families of the victims and the Greek people in the protest of 28th February 2025 for the investigation of the accident and we stand as helpers next to them.
We, the Greeks of distant Australia, will support in every way possible the struggle of the families of the victims for justice and we hope that the appropriate measures will be taken to prevent another “Tempi tragedy” from happening again.
With patriotic greetings
From the Board of Directors of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
The LA Roosters have welcomed Greece to Los Angeles as they prepare for an historic two-Test series against the USA Hawks in Las Vegas.
With Greece sponsored by Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis and LA Roosters owned by the NRL club, the two teams came together for a joint training session at Long Beach, California.
Greece, who are coached by Parramatta Eels NRLW mentor Steve Georgallis, will play the Hawks at Silverbowl Park on Wednesday, February 26 and Friday, February 28.
The Greek women’s team will also play their USA counterparts for the first time as part of a double-header on February 28.
USARL Chair Matt Goschnick praised the unique collaboration between the LA Roosters and Greece.
“It’s pleasing to see one of our domestic clubs not only assist but also benefit from the presence of a touring national team,” Goschnick said.
“I hope to see other teams afforded the same opportunity by touring national teams, as it will undoubtedly help develop the game across the United States.”
Georgallis took the time during the session to offer invaluable coaching insights to LA Roosters mentor Emiliano Nash.
Nash, who will work with Sydney Roosters NRLW premiership winning mentor John Strange to oversee his club’s men’s and women’s teams at the NRL Vegas Nines, said the shared experiences would play a key role in shaping his future coaching style.
“It was a privilege to have the Greek national team join us. The boys and I learned a lot from the session,” Nash said.
The session was organised by Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly, who is on the board of the USARL.
“This training session was a fantastic opportunity for both teams to come together in preparation for Vegas,” Kelly said.
“We’re proud to have played a role in this experience and are excited for the continued development of our LA Roosters players and coaching staff through these invaluable collaborations.”
“Nash’s development doesn’t end with this experience. He will also have the opportunity to further enhance his coaching skills through mentorship from Sydney Roosters NRLW Premiership-winning coach and NSW Women’s State of Origin Coach John Strange.”
Among the players in attendance were former US rugby sevens representative Sione Masoe, who will become the first LA Roosters international when he played for the Hawks against Greece.
“I’m impressed by how quickly the LA Roosters players adapted to new drills,” Georgallis said.
“Their eagerness to learn and their appreciation for the game made this a great experience for both developing nations.”
A 25-man Greek squad has travelled to the US for the series, with five players selected from the domestic competition in Greece.
“This is a great experience for our players and staff as we head to Las Vegas to play against the USA, Greek team manager Terry Liberopoulos said.
“Many of our players have come from the local Greek Rugby League domestic competition and matches like this will only help grow the game in Greece.”
Greece squad
Alex Aliu (Rhodes Knights) Leon Bakis (Sydney Roosters) Aris Dardamanis (Aris Eagles) Nic Flocas (Carina) Myles Gal (Bundaberg Brothers) Lewis Georgallis (Unattached) Deon Iro (Cabramatta) Jake Kambos (Young) Aris Koulizakis (Attica Rhinos) Eddie Markopoulos (Cabramatta) Emmanuel Michailou (Renown United) Jonny Mitsias (Young) Bill Mougios (Kingsgrove Colts) Nic Mougios (Ryde-Eastwood) Theodoras Nianiakas (Waverley-Oakleigh) Kody Papa (Hills District) Chris Slater-Raptis (Newtown) Nick Stephanou (Attica Rhinos) Sam Stratis (Blacktown Workers) Stefano Totidis (Ryde-Eastwood) Tyrone Tsagalias (Mounties) Nectarios Tsakalos (Athens Raiders) Nicholas Tuliatu (Newcastle Souths) Robert Tuliatu (Athens Raiders) Mitch Zampetides (unattached).
Kayla Itsines, once a popular fitness guru known for her Bikini Body Guide, is facing a fresh wave of criticism over the impact of her program.
Many people have come forward to say that the 1200-calorie guide led to disordered eating, with some linking it to unhealthy body image issues.
The backlash intensified after Itsines went viral for a now-deleted rant about women who post workout content from a “particular angle” under the guise of a “glute workout.”
In her video, viewed over 1.5 million times, the mother of two expressed concern about the type of content she didn’t want her children to see, explaining, “I’m trying to be an example to women. No drinking, no drugs, no smoking, no highly sexualised content.”
She added, “I probably wouldn’t care if I didn’t have kids, I’ll be like, ‘you do you, boo’.”
The video sparked significant backlash, with many accusing Itsines of hypocrisy, especially considering her Bikini Body Guide, which promoted a highly restrictive diet aimed at women.
The guide, which included a comparison chart on how much exercise was needed to burn off “naughty” snacks, was criticised for fostering unhealthy habits.
Government nutrition calculators estimated the guide’s calorie intake was about half of the recommended daily intake for active young women aged 16-20.
In 2022, several young South Australians spoke out about the dangerous cycle of dieting and bingeing they experienced due to the guide.
In response, Sweat, the parent company of the Bikini Body Guide, acknowledged the feedback, stating that they “promoted the benefits of fitness and leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”
Melbourne’s beloved Queen Victoria Market (QVM) is in turmoil. For the first time in its 147-year history, the vibrant heart of the market sits silent as fruit and vegetable traders stage a strike.
Traders marched through deserted aisles on Tuesday morning, accusing QVM management of alleged “double-dipping” and threatening their existence. Signs they held starkly indicted what they call “financial mismanagement” by the City of Melbourne and QVM leadership.
This isn’t just about a few extra dollars, traders say. It’s a fight for survival. They allege that new charges for electricity and waste disposal, costs they claim were always included in their fees, are a blatant cash grab.
Alleged ‘double-dipping’ and ‘bullying tactics’:
Rocco Tripodi, a second-generation stallholder, runs his business with his Cypriot wife, Jenny Theophanous-Tripodi, working in the back end. He doesn’t mince words.
“We have video proof of the QVM CEO (Matt Elliott) admitting these charges were always covered,” he claimed.
“Now they’re trying to charge us something we are already paying for to create a new revenue stream for themselves. It’s a disgrace!”
Tripodi warned that these charges, potentially reaching $40,000 annually for larger stalls like his, will force them to raise prices, hitting consumers already reeling from the cost-of-living crisis.
“They’re picking our pockets while we’re trying to put food on our own tables,” he fumed, remembering his childhood in the market when it was filled with Greeks and Italians.
The anger extends beyond just the new fees. Peter Kaparis, a veteran trader, painted a picture of a market in decline, where fruit and vegetable stalls are vanishing, replaced by “food trucks and book stalls.”
“I am lucky I have a few loyal clients; otherwise, I am the last one in A Shed,” he said, lamenting they heyday of QVM’s fruit and veggie market when he took over the family business 38 years ago.
He pointed a finger at the ballooning QVM administration, now housed on the second floor of the plush Lexus building, while traders struggle.
“They’ve got around 65 staff in their ivory tower, up from just 18 around 10 years ago, but they can’t listen to the people who make this market what it is,” he said.
Kaparis also described alleged “bullying tactics,” citing excessive regulations and petty infringement notices.
“Forget to reel in your awning after a 14-hour day? After the first infringement, they’ll slap you with a fine and lock it up, creating a safety hazard. They treat us like children,” he raged.
A market turned ‘tourist trap’:
Even fish traders, not directly involved in the strike, expressed concerns.
Sav Giannoukas lamented the market’s transformation into a “tourist attraction,” more focused on photo ops than supporting its vendors. He agrees rules have been getting out of hand, especially in the last five years.
“They’re driving away the heart and soul of this place,” he said. “Road closures, constant construction, and now these additional costs.”
As a fish trader, electricity is metered.
“This isn’t the case with the fruit and vegetable traders, and there is confusion. Also, they are introducing new costs without bringing in more customers,” he said. “This should not be happening when construction is already harming our businesses.”
Council defends market management
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nick Reece offered The Greek Herald a standard media response, acknowledging the traders’ concerns but defending market management’s approach.
“Queen Victoria Market traders are the heart of this iconic Melbourne institution – and I am confident management understands this and will make fair decisions to ensure the market continues to thrive,” he said.
“We’re doing everything we can to minimise the impact on traders during the precinct renewal. Since 2017, we’ve provided around $3 million in grants and adapted our works to further reduce disruption to their businesses.
“We will continue to help traders apply for funding and rent relief, as well as with marketing support and business mentoring.”
According to the City of Melbourne, trader license fees have only seen minimal increases since 2015, remaining below inflation and the rising cost of delivering services. They argue that in most retail settings, businesses pay separately for utilities and waste disposal, and QVM has absorbed these costs for years. They also claim that traders were given 18 months’ notice of these changes and were included in discussions about their implementation.
Traders say there were mandates handed down rather than real consultation.
The gloves are off.
The traders’ message is clear: they’ve had enough.
“We’re not backing down,” Tripodi declared. “We’re being civil at the moment, but we may block Queen Street with our forklifts. We’re fighting for our livelihoods.”
*The Greek Herald reached out to QVM CEO Matt Elliott on Tuesday, who has not responded to our request.
Nick Kyrgios may be nearing the end of his career, particularly in singles, as 2025 could be his final year on tour.
The Australian tennis star has previously stated that his career would not be long, and injuries over the past two years have significantly impacted his competitiveness.
After returning to action at the Brisbane International in early 2025 and playing the Australian Open, Kyrgios has struggled to make a mark, often appearing as a shadow of his former self.
Wimbledon remains Kyrgios’ primary goal, as it offers his best chance for a prestigious result. He reached the final at the grass-court major three years ago during one of his best seasons.
Following an early exit at the Australian Open, Kyrgios is set to return to action at Indian Wells in March, utilising his ‘protected ranking’ to compete in the first Masters 1000 event of the season, where his best result has been reaching the quarterfinals twice.
Kyrgios will also compete in the Mallorca ATP before Wimbledon, a key grass-court event directed by Toni Nadal.
Greece and Australia are preparing for protests on February 28, marking the second anniversary of the deadly train collision in Tempi that claimed 57 lives and left many others injured.
Protests are also expected to be held in Australian cities. In Sydney, two protests are scheduled for February 28, one at 12 noon outside the Greek Consulate and another at 6pm outside Sydney Town Hall. In Melbourne, a 12 noon rally will take place outside the Greek Consulate, while Perth will see a 6.30pm protest outside its local consulate.
Authorities in Greece are concerned the demonstrations could evolve into the largest wave of public dissent since the 2012 economic crisis, with social media amplifying widespread anger.
Greek officials anticipate large-scale unrest, citing a surge in online posts, many demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Analysts have noted an unusual increase in activity from previously dormant social media accounts, raising suspicions that bots may be driving the movement.
Security forces are on high alert, as anarchist and far-right groups have called for mass mobilisations across major Greek and European cities.
Photo: AP Photo / Michael Varaklas.
Activist networks in Athens, Thessaloniki, and beyond are coordinating to make the February 28 protests a pivotal moment of resistance.
While the government is determined to keep protests peaceful, senior officials acknowledged the challenges of managing large crowds, admitting, “In gatherings of thousands, tensions can escalate unpredictably.”
Compounding the unrest, conspiracy theories surrounding the recent death of a prosecutor’s son, allegedly linked to the Tempi tragedy, have gone viral. Despite forensic reports ruling out foul play, opposition politicians have fuelled the controversy, sparking heated debates in Parliament.
The investigation into the Tempi disaster has faced delays, with critics accusing the government of stalling justice. Mitsotakis and his ministers, however, maintain their commitment to transparency.
Political analysts warn that the fallout from the protests could reshape Greece’s political landscape. Some members of the ruling party suggest that escalating unrest could lead to a snap election, positioning it as a choice between stability and chaos.
