Dr Christos Papadimitriou, CEO of Tessara Therapeutics, is leading an innovative approach to drug development by using micro tissue technology to mimic the human brain.
His team aims to provide a more accurate method of testing for neurodegenerative diseases, moving beyond traditional animal trials.
“We trick the cells to believe that they are inside the human brain,” said Papadimitriou.
This technology is being developed at the Jumar incubator in Melbourne, a collaboration between CSL, Melbourne University, and WEHI.
The incubator supports 24 biotech startups, including Papadimitriou’s, by providing laboratory space, shared equipment, and access to investors.
The goal is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that promising research reaches the market and benefits patients.
Papadimitriou is hopeful that his work, along with a growing database of information, will be adopted globally within the next 25 years.
“We’ve cured anything in mice from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases, but the research does not translate,” he said.
His vision is for his technology to help accelerate drug development and improve the translation of research into treatments for patients worldwide.
This week, major sponsor of the Antipodes Festival OASIS coffee unveiled their newly packaged decaf.
“The 2025 Antipodes Festival was the perfect event to launch our refreshed decaf in a Cyclades inspired shade to the Greek community. In Australia, blue is the category convention so with a fresh blue look, same decaf kaimaki it’s the perfect go-to for those who enjoy a full-flavoured traditional briki brewed coffee all day,” Chris Togias, OASIS Coffee Director, says.
Chris adds that OASIS is truly a multicultural brand.
“Australia’s Greek, Turkish and Arabic communities have long relied on OASIS to keep them in touch with the flavours and traditions of their families. For many, drinking a cup of OASIS pulverised coffee made in a copper briki is part of what it means to be Greek, Turkish or Arabic,” Chris says.
“As time has gone on, the range has broadened to include a caffeine-free option who are focusing on their health and wellbeing, evening coffee drinkers, those who experience caffeine sensitivity along with the pregnant and or elderly.”
Peter comments that, “OASIS’ recipe for success is that we roast seasonally harvested water decaffeinated green beans from the world’s finest farmers locally in ‘Sunny’ Mulgrave, by our family run, Griffiths Bros Coffee Roastery. Coffee beans are blended and pulverised through OASIS’ one-of-a-kind manufacturing process with specialised equipment to achieve a texture that is much finer than the grinding. It’s Australia’s finest decaf coffee, and it tastes so good, it’ll have you reaching for another cup.”
Product Details
Blend Origin: Multiple. Seasonally harvested.
Water process
Caffeine Free
Chemical Free
Cup Notes: Rich & Smooth
Medium Roasted
Strength ●●●○○
Medium body to deliver a traditional tasting caffeine free cup brimming with nutty, woody and earthy notes. OASIS Decaf is available online and select Continental Grocers, Foodstores and Delis.
Basil Zempilas, the high-profile Liberal candidate for Churchlands, is facing off against sitting Labor MP Christine Tonkin and community independent Lisa Thornton in what has become one of Western Australia’s most competitive electoral contests.
Zempilas, a prominent media personality and current Perth Lord Mayor, is raising funds and engaging voters, claiming that his visibility is energising his campaign.
“I think I can win,” Zempilas said, stressing the importance of working hard until the election.
Elsewhere, Tonkin is confident her hard work and the electorate’s dissatisfaction with Zempilas’ past will help her expand her slim margin.
“The more signs Mr Zempilas puts up, the more volunteers I get saying they want to vote for me,” she remarked.
Zempilas has made efforts to meet voters, with his supporters praising his energy and ideas for improving the state.
Volunteer Vivien Porzig called him “honest and personable” while emphasising his focus on economic growth and healthcare.
Despite these efforts, Zempilas remains a polarising figure. His controversial comments about transgender people, made during his radio show, have created lasting tensions.
Photo: ABC News / Nic Perpitch.
Churchlands resident Libby Byers, for instance, stated, “If he’s not going to be accepting of all communities, then he shouldn’t be a leader.”
Meanwhile, independent candidate Thornton, who is campaigning on issues like climate change and integrity, is hoping to capture undecided voters by presenting an alternative to the major parties.
Thornton has the support of former independent MP Liz Constable, who believes Churchlands voters appreciate change and may opt for an independent candidate.
For his part, Zempilas has garnered support from the Australian Christian Lobby, which is campaigning heavily for his election. However, questions remain about his stance on transgender issues, and he has not responded to inquiries from media outlets, leaving his views unclear.
With both Zempilas and Tonkin working hard to sway voters, and Thornton aiming to tap into a growing independent movement, Churchlands is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the upcoming election.
Recently, when Roger Cook and Libby Mettam took to the stage to launch their respective election campaigns, the appearance of Zempilas quickly became the main event.
Here, Zempilas alluded to previous Liberal leaders who he said delivered “magnificent and ambitious projects” while getting the basics right, unlike this Labor government.
“I think that our leader and deputy leader have run an outstanding campaign,” he said. “They know what they’re doing, their answer will be a good enough answer for me.”
Bill Gravanis, the new owner of Sydney’s Luna Park through his family-run Oscars Group, has raised $37.4 million to fund the park’s revamp by selling The Village on Summer Street mall in Orange, NSW.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the mall was co-sold by architect Paul Saunders, who had partnered with Oscars to acquire the centre for $22 million in April 2019.
The 21,090-square-metre property, which includes a 4947 sqm mall and 2573 sqm of developable land, was purchased by Centennial and its partner, Parkstone Funds Management.
Centennial’s executive director, Paul Ford, highlighted the centre’s stable income from its non-discretionary retail mix and positive growth outlook for the region.
“This deal positions us well as we continue to scale our retail portfolio,” Ford said.
Metlen is unlocking assets worth approximately $3.5 billion through a strategic partnership with multinational giant Rio Tinto, securing a stable bauxite supply and “locked-in” sales for the next decade.
This agreement positions Metlen to expand its role in the international alumina market, particularly within Europe.
As part of this deal, Metlen is activating the extension of its “Alumínio” plant, which will process bauxite sourced from Rio Tinto’s CBG mine in Guinea.
The supply of 14.9 million metric tons of bauxite over 11 years (2027-2037) will support the production of 3.9 million metric tons of alumina, which will then be purchased by Rio Tinto.
This partnership addresses a critical shortage of bauxite, a major challenge in the global alumina market, and strengthens Metlen’s market position.
According to WoodMac estimates, by 2027, Metlen will represent over 25% of Europe’s total alumina production.
The deal also includes technological collaboration between Metlen and Rio Tinto, particularly to drive the transition towards low-carbon aluminium production.
Both companies share a vertically integrated business model and are active in renewable energy, further enhancing their synergy.
Rio Tinto, a leading global producer of bauxite, alumina, and aluminium, operates in key regions including Australia and Guinea.
The company is fully integrated in the aluminium industry, with a presence in 35 countries, employing 57,000 workers.
Cyprus’ Supreme Court Plenary has rejected an appeal by forensic pathologist Panikos Stavrianos regarding the death of Thanasis Nicolaou.
The court upheld its earlier ruling that Nicolaou’s death was a result of murder, stating that the Plenary could not overturn its own previous decision.
The case now moves forward with a report from criminal investigators, due by March 7, to determine the cause of death and any potential criminal responsibility for Nicolaou’s death and the handling of the investigation. The investigators will also address whether the case was properly handled.
Nicolaou, a 26-year-old architect from Australia, was found dead on September 29, 2005, under the Alassa Bridge in Cyprus.
Thanasis Nicolaou.
Initially ruled a suicide by Stavrianos, who conducted the autopsy, the case gained new attention when forensic pathologist Marios Matsakis re-examined the evidence in 2012 and concluded that foul play was likely involved.
In 2020, the European Court of Human Rights condemned Cyprus for its inadequate investigation and awarded the family €32,000 in compensation.
The family’s efforts, including the exhumation of Nicolaou’s body in 2020, led to new forensic findings in 2021 that confirmed the cause of death was strangulation, overturning the initial suicide ruling.
Amid increasing pressure to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received strong support from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a phone call on Friday, February 21.
Mitsotakis reiterated that Ukraine should decide the terms of its peace framework, stating, “Nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Spoke on the phone with President @ZelenskyyUa. We discussed the latest developments and I had the opportunity to reaffirm that nothing can be decided for Ukraine without Ukraine. I will join Monday’s leaders’ call marking three years since Russia’s invasion.
He also informed Zelensky that he would participate in a virtual meeting organised by Kyiv on Monday, February 24, to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for Greece’s steadfast support, emphasising on X, “We deeply appreciate the solidarity of the Greek people, Greece’s firm stance in condemning aggression, and its commitment to the principle: ‘Nothing for Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing for Europe without Europe.’”
I spoke with Greek Prime Minister @kmitsotakis and thanked him for Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
We deeply appreciate the solidarity of the Greek people, Greece’s firm stance in condemning aggression, and its…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 22, 2025
He also highlighted the importance of European involvement in negotiations for a just peace and discussed further cooperation on joint European projects, security, and defence.
Zelensky added that he is counting on Greece’s contributions during its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Seismic activity on Santorini is expected to continue for an extended period, according to Professor Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation.
In an interview with ERTNews, he stated, “It will be a prolonged sequence lasting several weeks, possibly even a few months. This type of seismic activity does not subside easily.”
The total number of tremors has already surpassed 20,000, and Lekkas warned that “the risk has not been eliminated, just as the risk is never zero anywhere in Greece.”
While a 6.0-magnitude earthquake remains possible, he stressed the likelihood is much lower.
A team from the Department of Geology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA), led by Professor Manolis Vasilakis, has been stationed on Santorini since Saturday to assess the risk of landslides.
Photo: Getty Images.
They are using advanced remote sensing technology to identify high-risk areas, as landslides are frequent on the island.
Meanwhile, seismic activity in the sea area of Anydros, between Santorini and Amorgos, is showing signs of recession, as reported by the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment.
The committees also announced that schools on Santorini, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed until February 28, with further decisions to be made at the next meeting.
Seismic activity within the caldera remains stable, though a reduction in ground deformation rates has been observed.
A vibrant celebration of Hellenic culture filled Lonsdale Street on Saturday, February 22, as the Antipodes Festival reached its peak.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan took to the stage at 6.30 pm, delivering a passionate speech to a cheering crowd, many waving Greek flags. She called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, sending a message to 10 Downing Street, London.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan (left) with Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis. All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
“I’ve written to the British Prime Minister and called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles,” she announced, describing them as a “priceless treasure” and a “precious part of the Greek soul.”
She argued that the marbles, “stolen” from Greece, belong in their rightful place, completing the majesty of the Parthenon.
“I look forward to seeing one day at the Parthenon, those marbles where they truly belong,” Allan concluded, while acknowledging the replica at the Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street, created by Kostandinos Vousis and Panagiotis Vasilakis, as a tribute to both Greece and Melbourne’s Greek history.
“It’s an absolute privilege to join you here this evening for the Antipodes festival,” Allan declared, celebrating Greek culture, history, and contributions to the world, from philosophy and science to art, architecture, and the very principles of democracy.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
She emphasised the strength and resilience of the Greek diaspora, acknowledging Melbourne’s status as the third largest Greek city outside of Athens and Thessaloniki.
“Whether you’re born in Thornbury or Brunswick, Oakleigh or Lonsdale Street,” Allan stated, “the power of Greek culture and Greek communities is plain to see.”
She also warmly acknowledged the strong presence of Greek members within the Labor caucus, including Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos MP; Minister for Consumer Affairs and for Local Government, Nick Staikos MP; Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP; and Lee Tarlamis MP, alongside Nina Taylor MP.
The Premier also welcomed the new Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and gave special recognition to Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, for his leadership and dedication.
Following her speech, Papastergiadis engaged in a brief conversation with the Premier, asking about a potential future visit to Greece, a question Ms Allan allowed the enthusiastic audience to answer for her, before stating, “Who am I to disagree?”
Earlier in the day, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles MP, and Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O’Neil MP attended the festival and participated in Greek dancing, while David Davis MP also visited the festival.
The Antipodes Festival in Melbourne roared to life on its first day, offering a vibrant tapestry of Greek culture, music, dance, and food. While the daytime heat kept some at bay, a surge of attendees flooded Lonsdale Street after 6pm, confirming the festival’s Tier 1 status and setting the stage for a spectacular evening that continued until dawn.
Social media buzzed with excitement over Rena Morfi’s electrifying performance. Her energy captivated the crowd as she and fusion band Imam Baildi delivered fresh takes on classic hits, including the world premiere of her new song “Ithaca”, performed with a selection of dancers from the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Around the stage, a spontaneous dance party kicked off, as the crowd pulsated to old and new tunes.
Further down the street, younger festival-goers danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Timo, many arriving prepared with Greek flags, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Youth was particularly vibrant with stalls from NUGAS, Go Youth and youth factions of other communities.
People of all ages enjoyed the festival and summer weather.
Throughout the day, 97 diverse market stalls offered unique experiences. At the Pharos stall, Jo Lo Bianco provided valuable advice to Greek parents on preserving the Greek language at home. Litsa Athanasiadis from Pontian Estia shared a message of support for Klavdia and her Eurovision entry, “Asteromata“.
“Klavdia Papadopoulou, we wish you the best. We are proud that you are singing ‘Asteromata,’” Athanasiadis said. “We have translated this song in English, Greek and the Pontian dialogue and are handing out copies today so that others can enjoy it.”
Litsa Athanasiadis from Pontian Estia.Official guests appeared on the main stage throughout the day.
The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria stall showcased a unique blend of tradition and modern art. Following the theft of their Kolokotronis flag from the festival last year, the stall featured Warhol-inspired and graffiti-style artworks by Anthony Tartaglia, the same artist whose work adorns George Calombaris’ restaurants. The Association’s president George Kotsirilos has donated a new flag to the club that he kept carefully locked away in his car boot this year.
Warhol-inspired and graffiti-style artworks by Anthony Tartaglia.
The festival’s cooking demonstrations, supported by The Greek Herald, proved a major draw. Attendees travelled from near and far to witness the culinary artistry. Rozelle, a member of the Asian community, shared her enthusiasm for Greek cuisine after attending Philip Vakos’ Ryzogalo segment.
“I came to the festival today just for the cooking shows,” she said. “I want to learn more vegetarian recipes, especially. At home, I love making loukoumades.”
From energetic music and dance performances to engaging cultural activities and mouthwatering food, the first day of the Antipodes Festival showcased the richness and diversity of Hellenic heritage. The two days bring more than 500 performers and are expected to draw more than 100,000 people.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis
