Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou has warned that closing Glebe Island port would threaten Australia’s national security and undermine the Royal Australian Navy’s operational readiness, as the Defence Department confirms the strategic value of the site.
Nicolaou, a member of the Working Port Coalition, said the Defence Department’s position “should put to rest any thought of closing Sydney Harbour’s last remaining deepwater port.”
“National security has never been more important,” Nicolaou said.
“In an era of increasing regional tensions, every operational berth is a strategic asset – without them, Defence’s capacity to respond swiftly to crises, protect trade routes and support national security would be compromised.”
His comments come as the NSW Government reviews the future of the Bays West precinct, which includes plans that could see Glebe Island redeveloped into high-rise apartments.
Despite warnings from business and industry leaders about potential economic fallout, stakeholders remain concerned the Minns Government is still considering the closure.
The Department of Defence confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the Royal Australian Navy uses Glebe Island and nearby White Bay to berth vessels when Garden Island is at capacity—especially during military exercises, foreign naval visits, or ship maintenance.
A recent Urbis report highlighted Glebe Island’s importance in national disaster response, military mobilisation, and law enforcement, warning that the loss of the port would create major logistical challenges.
The report also cautioned that shutting down the port could worsen the NSW housing crisis, as Glebe Island plays a critical role in the construction materials supply chain.
The NSW Government confirmed it has held discussions with the Navy about the future of the port, stating: “No decisions have been made.”
Artists competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will only be permitted to display their country’s official flag at Eurovision events, under new rules that effectively ban Pride and other non-national flags from official spaces, including the main stage and the opening ceremony.
The updated policy, first reported by Danish broadcaster DR and shared by PinkNews, restricts contestants and their delegations to using only the national flag of the country they represent at all official Eurovision venues and performances. This includes the Eurovision stage, Green Room, Opening Ceremony, and the Village Stage.
As a result, LGBTQ+ contestants such as Malta’s Miriana Conte, Austria’s JJ, and Finland’s Erika Vikman will not be allowed to display Pride-related flags during performances.
Contestants are also barred from showing solidarity with other nations, such as by holding Ukraine’s flag.
A Eurovision spokesperson confirmed the policy was developed by Swiss host broadcaster SRG SSR in coordination with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), “to provide clarity for audiences and delegations.”
“In line with other international competitive events, the policy for participating broadcasters is that only one national flag can be used in official spaces,” the spokesperson stated.
“Outside of these official spaces, the flag policy for delegations is the same as for audiences, where all flags permitted under Swiss law can be used.”
Photo: Getty Images.
Last year’s winner, Switzerland’s Nemo—who identifies as non-binary—revealed they were forced to smuggle the non-binary flag past security to display it during the flag parade. “I had to smuggle my flag in because Eurovision said no, and I did it anyway,” they said.
This year, only official country flags provided by SRG SSR will be allowed in the flag parade. The EBU confirmed there would be “consequences” for breaking the rules, though no specific penalties have been outlined.
In contrast to the stricter rules for performers, flag regulations have been relaxed for fans attending the contest in Basel’s St. Jakobshalle arena.
Audience members will be allowed to bring “all flags and banners” into events, provided they do not pose a safety or production risk and comply with Swiss law. This includes the previously banned Palestinian flag, which will be permitted this year.
Flag policies have been a contentious issue in recent years. At the 2023 contest in Sweden, fans reported being denied entry with certain Pride and EU flags. Eurovision previously limited fan flags to those of competing countries and the general rainbow Pride flag.
Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, with semi-finals scheduled for May 13 and 15, and the grand final on May 17.
Football Australia has confirmed the group stage draw for the inaugural Australian Championship including two blockbuster opening round fixtures set to launch a bold new chapter for Australian football in October.
South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC will renew one of the game’s most iconic rivalries when they meet at Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne to launch the Championship. With proud histories, passionate supporters and many unforgettable NSL battles this clash between two Foundation Clubs is a fitting way to kick-start the competition.
The following day, another storied Foundation Club, Preston Lions FC, will host the reigning NPL NSW Premiers at BT Connor Reserve, Melbourne. Backed by decades of tradition and one of the most loyal fan bases in the country, Preston’s clash with the top-performing state champion promises to continue the strong start with another high-quality encounter.
Two feature matches will be played across each group stage round, on a Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Remaining matches are scheduled to be played consecutively on a Sunday across two provisional match start times of 2:00pm AEST and 5:00pm AEST.
Opening Fixtures
Friday, 10 October – South Melbourne FC v Sydney Olympic FC at Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, 11 October – Preston Lions FC v NPL Premier (NSW) at BT Connor Reserve, Melbourne
Round two feature matches will showcase NSW-based Foundation Clubs. Apia Leichhardt FC hosts Sydney United FC at Leichhardt Oval on Friday, 17 October in what promises to be a fierce battle for 3 points, and Wollongong Wolves FC will return home to WIN Stadium and face the reigning NPL VIC Premiers on Saturday, 18 October.
The Australian Championship will bring together 16 teams in a dynamic and sustainable format, featuring eight Foundation Clubs and eight invited NPL champions from the National Premier Leagues (NPL). This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s pathway, helping reshape the national football pyramid and unlock new opportunities for clubs and players.
Four seeded Foundation Clubs including South Melbourne FC (Group A), Marconi Stallions FC (Group B), Avondale FC (Group C) and APIA Leichhardt FC (Group D), will be joined by the remaining Foundation Clubs and top-performing teams from each NPL division to create four balanced and equal groups.
Following six rounds of group stage matches, the top two teams from each group will advance to a knockout Finals Series, culminating in the Championship Final in early December. This structure has been designed to ensure the competition model is sustainable while maintaining a high degree of competitive integrity and commercial appeal.
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, said, “The Australian Championship is an exciting new annual tournament bringing together Foundation Clubs with their rich histories and top-performing NPL Clubs to showcase their talents and culture to our growing national football audience.”
“The Australian Championship will bring a sense of nostalgia to our football community. Genuine rivalries will be on full display to supporters of all generations, and new stories will be created on and off the field,” Mr Johnson added.
“Football supporters across the country will get a taste for what our national competitions will look like in years to come, enriched with talented state-based players and aspirational Foundation Clubs.
“The Australian Championship draw strikes the perfect balance with groups made up equally of Foundation Clubs and NPL Champions, delivering a rare combination of unpredictable interstate clashes and traditional historic rivalries.
“We can expect big crowds for the opening round matches, and excitement will continue to build throughout the tournament with must-win matches played across the group stage draw. The inaugural winners of the Australian Championship will also need to navigate their way through a highly competitive knockout finals series before being crowned Champions.
“We encourage fans to visit their local clubs and experience the excitement of the Australian Championship and witness the talent and clubs of tomorrow.”
Group Stage Draw
Group A: South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, NPL Premier (Football QLD), NPL Premier (NNSW Football)
Group B: Marconi Stallions FC, Wollongong Wolves FC, NPL Premier (Football VIC), NPL Premier (Football TAS)
Group C: Avondale FC, Preston Lions FC, NPL Premier (Football NSW), NPL Premier (Capital Football)
Group D: APIA Leichhardt FC, Sydney United 58 FC, NPL Premier (Football SA), NPL Premier (Football WA)
Knockout Finals Series
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, with the higher placed team hosting each crossover encounter:
Quarter Finals: A1 v C2, B1 v D2, C1 v A2, D1 v B2
Semi Finals & Grand Final: All matches to be staged at a neutral venue, culminating in the Championship Final on either 6 or 7 December 2025.
Football fans are encouraged to follow the NPL competitions and Hahn Australia Cup around the country throughout the 2025 season to get a glimpse of the talent and rivalries set to feature in the Australian Championship.
Further announcements, including fixtures, participating NPL teams, broadcast details and commercial partnerships will be made in the lead-up to the competition’s historic debut on Friday, 10 October 2025.
Thomas Niles, a career diplomat and US Ambassador to Greece from 1993 to 1997, has died at the age of 85.
His death from cancer was announced Wednesday, April 30, by his brother, John Edward Niles, in a social media post.
Niles served in Athens during a particularly volatile period in the Balkans following the breakup of Yugoslavia and amid escalating tensions between Greece and Turkey.
His tenure included the 1996 Imia crisis, in which both nations deployed special forces to disputed islets in the Aegean Sea.
A Greek Navy helicopter crash during the standoff killed three officers, and a military escalation was narrowly avoided through high-level US diplomatic intervention, including direct talks by President Bill Clinton with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel.
Reflecting on the crisis a year after leaving Athens, Niles criticised the US decision to remain neutral on the sovereignty dispute.
“We knew by the time we took this position that the Greeks were right on the sovereignty argument,” he said.
“When we refused to take a position it sent a signal back to the Turks that we were prepared to countenance or not do anything about aggressive Turkish behaviour toward the Greeks.”
He also defended then-Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke’s sharp criticism of the European Union’s inaction during the crisis, calling it “unkind, perhaps unnecessary, but true nonetheless.”
The crisis occurred just days after Simitis replaced ailing PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou as prime minister. In a parliamentary debate, Simitis acknowledged US help by stating, “I thank the Americans,” a remark that drew widespread backlash from Greek politicians across the spectrum.
Before his posting in Greece, Niles served as US Ambassador to Canada (1985–89), Ambassador to the European Union (1989–91), and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs (1991–93). He was succeeded in Athens by R. Nicholas Burns.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 22, 1939, Niles studied at Harvard and earned a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky.
He served 36 years in the US Foreign Service, with earlier assignments in Belgrade, Moscow, and the US Mission to NATO in Brussels.
Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, a US citizen living in Thessaloniki and known online as “War,” has been arrested in Greece for his alleged role in a global child exploitation ring linked to the extremist group “764.”
According to an affidavit unsealed in the District of Columbia, Varagiannis and co-defendant Prasan Nepal, 20, of North Carolina, ran a criminal enterprise exploiting children online. Nepal was arrested in the US on April 22. Varagiannis was taken into custody in Greece yesterday, April 30.
The 764 network, described by authorities as a nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) group, aims to destabilise society by targeting vulnerable populations, including minors, with disturbing acts of abuse.
The group’s accelerationist ideology promotes social collapse and the destruction of governments, including that of the United States.
“These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered — a network built on terror, abuse, and the deliberate targeting of children,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
The Justice Department alleges Varagiannis was a core leader of a subgroup called “764 Inferno,” which used encrypted platforms to direct, produce, and distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The affidavit details how Varagiannis and others coerced minors into creating graphic content, often involving self-harm, extreme violence, and psychological torment.
Victims were reportedly forced to carve symbols into their bodies, perform sexual acts, and endure escalating abuse under threats.
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “The FBI and our partners are determined to protect juveniles from predators, and we will track down and hold accountable those who engage in these criminal activities.”
Authorities say the network created digital “Lorebooks” from CSAM and violent material, which were traded within the 764 group as a form of currency and used to recruit or elevate members.
Varagiannis also allegedly instructed others in grooming techniques and demanded specific content from new recruits.
US Attorney Edward R Martin Jr. called the case “every parent’s nightmare,” noting the “staggering” scale of abuse and number of victims—at least eight minors, some as young as 13, across multiple jurisdictions.
If convicted, Varagiannis faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Wildfires swept through the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday, April 30, forcing the evacuation of three communities, injuring at least 13 people, and prompting Israel to appeal for international assistance — including from Greece — as flames spread rapidly due to strong winds.
Fires ignited near the Eshtaol Forest and along the main Route 1 highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where people were seen abandoning vehicles as thick smoke engulfed the area. Authorities closed the highway and urged the public to avoid the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that firefighting aircraft from Italy and Croatia are expected to assist, while Israel has formally requested aid from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. International assistance is not expected to arrive until Thursday morning.
“By order of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, a Canadair CL-415 aircraft from the Croatian Air Force with two crews, a total of 11 members of the Croatian Armed Forces, will be sent to the State of Israel to assist in extinguishing the fire,” Croatia’s Defence Ministry stated.
Photo: Ahmad Gharabli / AFP / Getty Images.
Cyprus is expected to send aid first, with Spain and France also pledging aircraft to support efforts. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has contacted several European and global counterparts — including officials from the UK, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Spain, and Argentina — to seek further assistance.
Israel deployed 119 fire crews, 10 aircraft, and one helicopter to fight the blaze. Military search and rescue units, including the Israel Air Force and Unit 669, are on standby. Rescue teams pulled nine people from smoke-filled vehicles; three cars were reported burning with no one trapped inside.
The wildfire broke out on Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, prompting the cancellation of numerous ceremonies, including the main Independence Day event in Jerusalem. A Remembrance Day ceremony at the Latrun memorial site was also stopped as police cleared the area.
The blaze comes one week after another wildfire scorched approximately 10,000 dunams (2,470 acres) of nearby forest. Firefighting teams from the KKL-JNF are working to prevent the current fire from reaching local settlements.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly en route to assess the situation as emergency operations continue.
The atmosphere at the Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged in Earlwood, Sydney, was filled with joy and pride as the Hellenic Presidential Guard – the Evzones – paid a visit on Wednesday, April 30.
The elderly residents of the aged care facility, many in wheelchairs and supported by their families, greeted them with enthusiastic claps and cheers as the Evzones, clad in their iconic traditional uniforms, walked into the room.
Evzones at the aged care home. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Emotions were high as the Evzones entered the room.
For many, the moment was an emotional one. 96-year-old male resident Triantafyllos, who was surrounded by his two daughters Poppy Iakovidis and Kim Koutsioukis, burst into tears as he saw the Evzones. His daughters recalled how their father was overcome with pride, unable to contain his emotions at the sight of these guardians of Greek history.
“It’s lovely. It brings back memories and we are very proud of our country and our culture,” Poppy told The Greek Herald.
Kim added, “Dad is so proud of the Greeks and anything Greek.”
96-year-old Triantafyllos (left) with his family and friends.
The event, which was part of the Evzones’ week-long tour of Sydney to coincide with ANZAC Day commemorations, was made even more special by the speeches delivered by key figures from the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) and the Hellenic Presidential Guard.
Emcee Vicki Tomaras opened the event by expressing heartfelt appreciation for the presence of the distinguished guests, Lieutenant Ioannis Kontoyiannis of the Hellenic Presidential Guard, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Hellenic Republic in Canberra, Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, and Nia Karteris, Vice President and Secretary of the GOCNSW.
Mr Danalis, in his address, spoke of the significance of the visit not only as a cultural moment, but also as a celebration of Greek heritage.
“This is a moving day for us with the visit of the Evzones to the Greek Home for the Aged. This facility was built many years ago and, as you know, it only has residents of Greek heritage. That’s why it is an honour that the Evzones visited us here today,” he said.
Harry Danalis.
Lieutenant Kontoyiannis also took to the stage, offering a detailed explanation of the history behind the Evzones and their iconic uniform, which symbolises the struggles and sacrifices made by Greece during its War of Independence.
“The long history of the Presidential Guard begins on the 12th of December, 1868, with the establishment of a combat and, at the same time, ceremonial unit for the Hellenic Army called ‘Agema.’ Since 1974, when democracy was installed in Greece, the unit has ultimately been named the Presidential Guard, retaining a purely ceremonial character,” he explained.
Lieutenant Ioannis Kontogiannis.
The Lieutenant later recited a quote by Greek poet Kostis Palamas: “The Presidential Guard proudly continues the national tradition of the Agema, demonstrating the nation’s gratitude, paying tribute to our fallen heroes, and serving as a reminder that the greatness of nations is not measured by land, but by the strength of their hearts and by their blood.”
The emotional tone of the event was heightened by a gift exchange at the end, where Mr Danalis, Lieutenant Kontoyiannis, and Colonel Kyriakakos exchanged tokens of appreciation.
This gesture of goodwill was met with applause and cheers from the residents, who felt honoured to be part of this memorable occasion.
As the event came to a close, the community was left with a sense of pride, connection, and deep gratitude.
This special visit to the Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged in Earlwood was more than just an event; it was a moment of cultural pride, joy, and shared history that will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
More than 250 guests from across Sydney’s Greek Australian community and business sector gathered at Business Sydney Events Centre on Tuesday, April 29 to officially welcome the Hellenic Presidential Guard, known as the Evzones, in a ceremony that combined military pride, cultural heritage and heartfelt reflection on the enduring ties between Greece and Australia.
Hosted by Business Sydney in partnership with the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, the welcome reception featured speeches, formal presentations, and a panel discussion exploring the historical bonds between the two nations.
More than 250 guests from across Sydney’s Greek Australian community and business sector gathered at Business Sydney Events Centre. All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
Guests were treated to drinks, canapés and the opportunity to take photos with the Evzones before being seated for the formal proceedings.
Business Sydney’s Executive Director Paul Nicolaou opened the event by highlighting the symbolic importance of the evening. He welcomed a long list of dignitaries including His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Chrysa Prokopaki, the Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, NSW Minister for Finance, representing the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Chris Minns, and Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Hellenic Republic in Canberra.
Business Sydney’s Executive Director Paul Nicolaou.
In his address, Bishop Iakovos conveyed the blessings of Archbishop Makarios and noted, “It is indeed a great honour for all of us as Greek Australians to experience the prestige and might of the Evzones who are not merely a distinguished and historical military unit of the Hellenic Army, but moreover, constitute a living symbol of the eternal ideals of faith in God, love of our Hellenic motherland, courage, determination, freedom and self-sacrifice.”
His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis speaks.
Speaking on behalf of the NSW Government, Minister Houssos reflected on the strong emotional impact of the Evzones’ visit.
“Visits like this from the iconic symbols of Greece mean so much to us as parents, to our kids, and particularly to members of the Greek diaspora who perhaps are not able to go back to Athens and visit and see them firsthand,” she said.
“We are inspired by their incredible discipline, by their beautiful and immaculate uniforms, but it’s the deep symbolism that we see — even down to the fustanella — that’s just inspiring for all of us.”
The Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, NSW Minister for Finance, represented the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Chris Minns.
The Minister also shared a personal story of marching alongside the Evzones at Bondi Beach in 2018, calling it “something that will certainly stay with me for the rest of my life.”
In his formal welcome, Consul General Mr Mallikourtis offered a reflection on the historic and symbolic role of the Presidential Guard.
“In modern Greek history, the term Evzonos, denoting the lightly armed soldier in traditional national dress, has appeared since 1864… They were the Special Forces of the time,” he said.
“Their presence here in Australia is relevant, especially during the ANZAC Day commemorations… For Greek Australians, it maintains the connection to the ancestral homeland, and it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the relations between our two countries.”
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, gives and address.
Mr Mallikourtis added, “Australians are buried in Faliro, in Crete and elsewhere. They have shed their blood in Vevi, Thermopylae, Kalamata and in Crete. The least we can do is to remember them and to honour their legacy.”
Lieutenant Athanasios Loulas of the Presidential Guard followed with a detailed and powerful address on the Evzones’ history, selection process and ceremonial responsibilities.
Lieutenant Athanasios Loulas of the Presidential Guard.
“The Presidential Guard proudly continues the national tradition of the Evzones, demonstrating the nation’s gratitude, paying tribute to our fallen heroes and serving as a reminder that the greatness of a nation is not measured by land, but by the strength of their hearts and by their blood,” Lieutenant Loulas said.
The Lieutenant also explained the symbolism of the Evzones’ uniform, noting that the fustanella has “400 pleats symbolising the 400 years of Ottoman occupation” and that their heavy red shoes (tsarouchia) are “entirely handmade… weighing about 2.5 kilos.”
Following the speeches, a series of gift exchanges took place. Minister Houssos presented a gift on behalf of the NSW Government to the commander of the Presidential Guard, Michalis Tzinieris, which was reciprocated with a commemorative gift to the Minister. Mr Nicolaou also received a personal gift from the Guard and, in return, presented a photographic book of Sydney to each of the Evzones as a memento of their visit.
The evening concluded with a panel discussion on the shared history and future of Greek and Australian relations. The discussion featured the Consul General, author and former TV producer Craig Collie, and Nick Andriotakis, Secretary of the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign. It was facilitated by Theodora Minas Gianniotis, Director of Built Environment Heritage Group.
The panel explored the importance of intergenerational storytelling and preserving collective memory through both military and cultural traditions.
The panel discussion.
Special thanks were extended to former Socceroo Peter Raskopoulos from Rasko Group for supporting the event, along with coordinators Nick Bourdaniotis and Sophie Balayannis, whose efforts helped ensure the successful visit of the Evzones to Sydney.
As the crowd stood in applause to farewell the Presidential Guard, the mood in the room was one of deep pride and connection — a shared reminder of sacrifice, identity, and community.
*All photos supplied by Bourdo Photography (unless specified otherwise).
Greek music icon Peggy Zina is set to make her long-awaited debut performance at the Hellenic Club of Canberra on May 2, 2025. Ahead of her performance, she spoke exclusively with The Greek Herald about her deep connection with the Greek community in Australia, her musical journey, and what fans can expect at the upcoming concert.
How is Australia?
I have been here many times since 2006 until today. I have a close relationship with the Greeks of Australia and I feel that they are a little more Greek than those of us who live in Greece.
You have been singing for over 30 years and have left your own mark on Greek music. What inspires you to continue, especially in countries like Australia?
The only thing that inspires me is the love of the people. What makes me continue is neither showbiz nor readership nor the glory and lights that our work has. The only thing that moves me is that if you can touch people’s souls with your song and keep them company from one end of the world to the other, that for me is therapy, it is a purpose. Knowing that you are keeping someone company even though you don’t know them personally. That is the main reason I do this job. That I help some people to externalise their emotions, to laugh, to dance, to cry. Emotions are life and they have to come out of us and we have to live them all.
It will be the first time you will sing at the Hellenic Club in Canberra. What can your fans expect on the night?
We will ‘inaugurate’ Canberra. My program will be exactly the same. In the era we live in, what we do is greatly influenced by social media. So, we must not present anything less anywhere. That’s why wherever I sing, I have my entire team, musicians, singers and sound engineers with me so that the show comes out the way I present it in Greece.
Has your music changed over the years? Which songs would you most like to sing to the Australian audience?
We made a selection of my own songs that have been loved the most by the world. They haven’t changed too much, they are just now in a more emotional and popular style.
We have great songs and we must pass them on to the new generations. Especially to the generations that have been born in Australia, in America… They have them in their DNA, but they don’t yet know them from their parents. We must pass on our great composers and singers. What we have done, therefore, is to include great, old Greek songs and make them known to the new generations: Mitropanos, Kazantzidis, Moscholiou, Sakellariou, Vanou, and Poulopoulos.
Greeks abroad have a deep love for your music. How is it to sing for the Greek community and especially in cities like Canberra compared to Greece?
It is very moving because it is like meeting an audience for the first time, to which you have to reintroduce yourself. This renews you and makes you feel like you are taking your first steps. It has a sweet anxiety, a sweet anticipation to create a relationship that will last for many years. We have built this with Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide for at least 20 years. Now we will build it with both Canberra and Brisbane.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 2nd May 2025
Doors Open: Show starts at 8:30pm – doors open from 8pm. Arrive early to enjoy dinner and drinks before the show.
Venue: Hellenic Club of Canberra, 1 Matilda Street, Woden
Accommodation: Official ABODE HOTELS CANBERRA – promo code for 15% discount from Fri 2nd May until Sunday 4th May – promo code is PEGGY.
The launch featured speeches and performances, with thanks extended to speaker Con Pakavakis for his thoughtful contribution and to Dean Kalymniou for his musical performance on the violin.
Anthea Jewels Sidiropoulos served as MC and also joined in song, sharing her English version of the featured folk tune.
The event was jointly organised by Cathy Alexopoulos of the Greek Australian Cultural League and the Greek Community of Melbourne.
Attendees also enjoyed screenings of two trailers from the documentary Whose is this Song? by Adela Peeva.
The gathering offered guests a chance to engage with the topic of Balkan cultural intersections while enjoying live music and community spirit.
