With a resounding win by South Melbourne FC against Melbourne Knights FC last night, Club President Nick Maikousis and Chairman Bill Papastergiadis announced at the first home game that Directed is the major sponsor of South Melbourne FC, aligning two organisations driven by success, innovation, continuous improvement, and a sense of community.
A leader in consumer electronics, enterprise technology, and IoT solutions, Directed spans own-brand and distributed products – including Eufy, Anker, Disney, Oura, Ryze, Pixbee, Zero-X, NIU, Frameo, SoHo, Schosche, Bitty Boomers, Pure, and Playermaker – as well as cutting-edge telematics and connected technology solutions for automotive, mobility, and health sectors.
With a presence in over 25,000 retail outlets across Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and Canada, Directed is dedicated to transforming the way people live, work and move.
As part of the sponsorship, Directed will showcase a selection of its brands with South Melbourne over the coming year.
The first brand to be highlighted will be Playermaker, an advanced sports motion-tracking system built into wearable footwear sensors. Used by elite sports clubs and academies worldwide, Playermaker provides real-time data on player performance, enabling smarter training, injury prevention, and enhanced decision-making for athletes and coaches.
Directed is working with South Melbourne to improve performance by deploying Playermaker in the South Melbourne high-performance program.
Steve Siolis, Founder and CEO of Directed, said: “It’s great to be sponsoring South Melbourne again. South Melbourne FC has a proud history of success over the journey, and we’re excited to be part of its future. The club’s ambition, professionalism, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our values at Directed.”
“Directed and South Melbourne FC are aligned in more than passion for the game. We both put high value on innovation, improving performance, success and community involvement,” Mr Siolis added.
“There’s a real energy around the club right now. From the players to the fans, there’s a sense of momentum and a drive for continued growth. We’re proud to support this iconic club and look forward to what’s ahead.”
As one of Australia’s most successful football clubs, South Melbourne continues to build towards the future, and Directed is proud to support the club in its next chapter.
Mr Maikousis was ecstatic with the announcement and was thrilled to have Mr Siolis at the Club.
“I am excited with this and I am confident of a long term relationship,” Mr Maikousis said.
Mr Papastergiadis said, “it is a historic day for the Club as we embark on the National Second Division. To have Steve Siolis and Directed as partners in this journey is a great coup for the Club.”
“Directed is trusted organisation and Steve is also a great friend with terrific qualities. Football is being reinvigorated in Australia with the new league and we have a great partner with us in this journey. I am thrilled Steve will be with us on this journey,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
Greece is set to establish an evacuation port on the island of Santorini to ensure safe departures in the event of a significant earthquake, Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Monday, February 17.
Since late January 2025, the Aegean island has experienced tens of thousands of mild tremors, leading to evacuations, suspension of construction activities, and school closures.
Santorini is under a state of emergency. Photo: John Liakos / Getty Images.
The proposed evacuation port will accommodate passenger ferries until new infrastructure is developed.
Despite a recent decrease in tremors, emergency measures remain in effect, with authorities advising residents to avoid coastal and landslide-prone areas.
Seismologists indicate that the seismic activity, driven by shifting tectonic plates and magma movements, could persist for several months, potentially altering the island’s subsurface layers.
Australian mother-of-five Debbie Voulgaris has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for smuggling seven kilograms of cocaine and heroin into Taiwan.
The 58-year-old was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport in December 2023 after the drugs, worth $40 million NT, were discovered in her luggage.
Initially denying any knowledge of the drugs, Voulgaris later admitted she had agreed to transport them in exchange for money, flights and accommodation. She claimed her ex-husband, John Voulgaris, was behind the scheme, though he failed to appear in court when summoned.
Despite Taiwan’s severe drug smuggling penalties, which include life imprisonment or the death sentence, the judge reduced her term due to her guilty plea and financial circumstances.
Voulgaris’ family continues to support her, launching petitions and fundraising efforts for visits.
She will be deported to Australia upon her release.
On Sunday, February 16, the Greek Australian community came together at All Saints Grammar Primary School in Belmore, Sydney, for the inaugural fundraising event of the ELPIS Foundation, a charitable initiative under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The event aimed to raise vital funds to support individuals affected by drug and alcohol addiction through rehabilitation, counselling, and withdrawal management programs.
The event was an inspiring display of unity and generosity, with attendees gathering to support the Foundation’s crucial mission.
All photos copyright Eirini Alligiannis.
Among the distinguished guests was Father Angelo Alifierakis, the Parish Priest of St Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Gladesville, who was appointed to oversee ELPIS following its establishment in 2020 and his earlier tenure as CEO of ESTIA Foundation.
On the day, speeches were given by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Secretary of the ELPIS Foundation, Arthur Kopsias APM; and the Vice Captains of All Saints Grammar. All spoke of the importance of the Foundation and its work.
Some of the speakers.
A highlight of the event was a captivating performance by Stephanos Pelekanis, a renowned traditional Greek and Byzantine singer from Cyprus. His powerful renditions of Byzantine hymns and Greek folk songs added a deeply cultural and spiritual dimension to the evening, leaving attendees moved and inspired.
Captivating performance by Stephanos Pelekanis.
Stephanos Pelekanis with his friends and supporters.
The fundraiser saw overwhelming support, with guests contributing through ticket sales and generous donations. Tickets were priced at $50 for adults and $35 for seniors and children, with all proceeds directed towards ELPIS Foundation’s ongoing programs.
The event underscored the collective strength of the community in fostering positive change and ensuring that those in need receive the necessary care and support.
As ELPIS Foundation continues to expand its services, the success of this inaugural fundraiser sets the stage for future initiatives aimed at providing hope and healing.
Brad Battin has spent his career dedicated to serving the people of Victoria, first as a police officer and later as a politician. Now, as the leader of the Opposition and State Member for Berwick, he is focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the state.
His leadership comes at a time of significant change within the Liberal Party, following internal shifts and the need to reconnect with Victorians. With the next state election in his sights, Battin is making it clear he wants to do more than just talk about change – he wants to lead by example.
In an interview with The Greek Herald, Battin outlined his leadership approach, policy priorities, and how he plans to connect with communities across Victoria, including the Greek Australian diaspora.
Taking the helm amid party turmoil:
Assuming the role of Opposition Leader following internal upheaval within the Liberal Party and the ousting of John Pesutto MP, Battin is not shy of acknowledging the challenge he faces to restore confidence among Victorians.
“It all comes down to, from here on, hard work,” he said, emphasising a strong work ethic among his team and pointing to their recent efforts in by-elections.
In terms of major policy priorities, Battin said he will be focused on cost-of-living pressures, crime, and infrastructure.
“We know that our focus is going to be on people in the community who are really suffering when it comes to cost of living, particularly around housing, rental prices, and affording a home,” he said.
He identified high state taxes as a significant barrier to affordability and vowed to explore tax reductions to ease the burden.
Crime and Infrastructure:
Crime also remains a major concern for Victorians. Recent data indicates a 10.7% increase in criminal incidents in the year leading up to June 2024, with thefts reaching their highest level in nearly a decade.
Battin, a former police officer, aims to overhaul the bail system to curb repeat offences.
“One of the first things we would do when we get into Parliament – if we were elected in 2026 – is to fix the Bail Act to ensure that we can stop the catch-and-release program that’s currently running here in the state,” he explained.
With nearly 1,100 vacancies in Victoria Police, Battin also highlighted the need to recruit officers and enhance street patrols to deter crime.
“If you get more police out there, it makes it harder to commit crime and we think that crime prevention is the best model for us moving forward,” he said.
This is what happens when you tear apart the Victoria Police to such a degree that over 1000 vacancies remain on rosters, 24H stations remain closed, police frontline is so stretched they can’t do any preventative work.
Infrastructure is another key issue, with many Victorians struggling due to inadequate transport systems.
“There’s a lot of money sitting in the growth area infrastructure contribution funds that the government hasn’t used, and these people are suffering by sitting in traffic and waiting to get home from work each night,” Battin stated.
“So we want to make sure we have a long-term plan on infrastructure… so we can get people home sooner.”
Economic Revival and Business Support:
Economic concerns are also central to the Liberal Party’s agenda, with Battin pledging to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for businesses and restore Melbourne’s vibrancy.
“The pride in Victoria, and particularly in Melbourne, has been lost. We’re seeing a lot of people who don’t want to come into the capital city anymore,” he said.
He sees cutting red tape and tax reform as crucial steps towards reinvigorating the business landscape and attracting more people back to the city.
Championing multicultural communities
Acknowledging Victoria’s rich multicultural fabric, Battin committed to supporting diverse communities, particularly in areas like small business, aged care, and cultural preservation.
“As a representative of one of the fastest-growing communities in Victoria in Berwick… I understand the importance of the aspirations that these communities have,” he said.
“They want to go out, run their own businesses and operate them. They feel the impacts that every other business feels. They know they’ve got a government that has lost control of the debt and therefore, they’re coming after them for taxes and making it almost unaffordable.
“It’s really important that we put more money back into the pocket of those businesses and the way to do that is to have a fair attack system because at the end of the day, if they employ more people… then it’s only going to be a benefit for the state long-term.”
Addressing concerns about media sustainability, he recognised the role of multicultural outlets in informing and uniting communities.
“The reality is, local papers through multicultural communities are vital so it’s really important as a government that we find ways to support them, whether it’s through advertising or putting in place to work with them in the longer term…” he affirmed.
“We do believe in supporting those local and multicultural papers for the future. They’re just too important.”
Engaging with the Greek community:
The Greek community in Victoria, one of the largest outside of Greece, plays a vital role in the state’s identity. Battin pledged to engage with the community through roundtable discussions and events that celebrate Greek culture.
“We know that the Greek community here in Victoria is not just important – it actually also brings tourism to the area. We know that you have some of the best events in different parts of Melbourne and that creates opportunities for other businesses,” he said.
“We’ve always been very supportive, and have supported in the past many of these festivals and we will continue to do that moving forward. We believe that they are an investment,” he stated.
A call for open dialogue:
As he looks to the future, Battin called for greater engagement between government and community stakeholders.
“It’s really important that we have an open and honest dialogue. As a new leader, I’ve got a lot to learn, so I encourage people within all of our communities throughout Victoria to reach out if they’ve got ideas…” he said.
With the 2026 state election on the horizon, Battin’s leadership and policy proposals will continue to take shape. His commitment to tackling crime, easing cost-of-living pressures, and supporting multicultural communities will be key themes as he positions himself as an alternative to the current government.
When the committee for St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church in Prospect, South Australia put the word out on social media for volunteers to sign up for the inaugural Greek festival, more than 100 people signed up.
On Saturday, February 15, the team effort of different generations culminated in a well-attended festival on church grounds.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Martina Simos.
The paniyiri had been held at a nearby park until 1999, but in April last year the committee began discussing the ‘rebirthing’ of the festival.
President of St Anthony’s, Con Dalas, said ‘persistent requests’ from their local community was a driving force to deliver a festival for the community.
“Over 25 years ago, we hosted an annual Paniyiri Festival at St Helen’s Park -a beloved tradition in our community,” Mr Dalas said.
“Unfortunately, the festival faced various challenges, including changes in committees, funding issues, restrictions on park usage, and insurance premiums leading to its discontinuation.”
Fast forward to Saturday and the festival was back with a bang. Hot food, sweets, drinks and loukoumades were available at stalls. There was also an area for face painting and games.
Entertainment during the night included Greek dancing performances by the St Anthony Greek Language School, St George College School, Cretan Dance Group, St Anthony Youth Dance Group, and the Messinian Dance Group, as well as music by DJ Stelio and the ‘Enosis’ band.
Mr Dalas welcomed the crowd, thanking the volunteers, the VIPs, and sponsors for their involvement in making the event a success.
“The main goal is to celebrate our Greek culture and heritage, to reconnect our older members… who previously organised this event (over 25 odd years ago), with our younger members who have yet to experience the rich traditions of a true Greek Festival,” he said.
He also thanked supporters of the Festival including the state government for contributing $10,000, Multicultural SA ($5,000), Federal Government ($5,000) and the Prospect Council ($3,000).
“This funding has made it possible for us to bring this festival to life, allowing us to celebrate our culture, our community, and our traditions,” he said.
Special guests on the day included Greek Consul General in Adelaide, Alexandra Theodoropoulou; His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide; Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP; State Member for Adelaide, Lucy Hood MP; State Member for Enfield, Andrea Michaels MP; City of Prospect Mayor Matt Larwood; parish priest Father Nicholas, and Archons of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Chris Diamantis, John Kiosoglous and Panagiotis Demourtzidis.
In her speech, Ms Hood spoke highly of all involved in their dedication to bring the inaugural festival event to her local community.
“My heartfelt thanks to the organisers of today’s festival for bringing Prospect and the wider community together for such a beautiful celebration of Greek culture, cuisine, music, dance and community spirit,” she said.
“I also want to express my gratitude for St Anthony’s Church, which brings together community not just for this special day, but every day.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Martina Simos
As a swarm of earthquakes continues to rattle the Aegean Sea, the Greek government has declared a state of emergency on four islands, including tourist hotspot Santorini.
Tens of thousands of tremors have been recorded since January 26, with experts noting the prolonged seismic activity is unusual for Greece.
Despite the concerns, Australian travel companies report minimal impact on bookings.
John Polyviou, General Manager of Sun Island Tours, stated, “As it is winter season, we do not currently have any clients in Santorini, Amorgos or other Cycladic islands impacted by the earthquake tremors.”
He reassured that future travel plans would proceed as scheduled, with bookings for the summer season continuing without disruption.
Photo: Marcos del Mazo / Getty Images.
Similarly, Halina Kubica, Managing Director of Greece & Mediterranean Travel Centre, highlighted that no cancellations had been made so far, and most Australians do not travel to the islands during the winter months.
“We recommend they change destination and of course, we will be flexible,” she added.
Santorini Hoteliers’ Association President Antonis Pagonis echoed these sentiments, confirming that bookings remain consistent with normal patterns.
However, experts warn that the earthquakes could persist for weeks or even months, raising concerns about the potential impact on the upcoming tourist season.
For now, both local authorities and travel experts remain hopeful that the situation will not affect the summer tourism season, urging tourists to stay informed and follow safety protocols.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to advise travellers to “Exercise normal safety precautions in Greece” while monitoring the situation.
Lendlease has revealed its plans for its first luxury apartment tower outside Sydney’s CBD, submitting a Development Application (DA) for the $500 million One Darling Point project in Edgecliff, just four kilometres from the city.
This marks the property giant’s debut in Sydney’s high-demand eastern suburbs, driven by downsizing locals selling large homes.
The development will also integrate the heritage-listed Commonwealth Bank building from 1941.
The tower’s top floor will offer a four-bedroom penthouse with a rooftop pool and panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge and city, while other apartments will offer expansive views over the CBD and eastern suburbs.
In partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Lendlease acquired the site for $132.5 million from Anka Property.
The project will include both market-rate and affordable housing, with a height bonus allowed due to the inclusion of affordable housing for essential workers.
Lendlease hopes to begin construction next year, with sales expected to launch in the next 12 months.
The St George Basketball Association (SGBA) has announced a groundbreaking sister club partnership with Apollon Patras Sports Club from Greece.
This exciting collaboration aims to promote international understanding, enhance the development of players, coaches, and administrators, and foster cultural exchanges between the two organisations.
The official agreement was signed by SGBA Treasurer George Aliferis and SGBA General Manager Valerie Stoddart with the full support of the Board, Ray Barbi, Con Angelis, Luther Shannon and Phillip Towers and with Apollon Patras Secretary General Aristeidis Zervas.
Apollon Patras Sports Club was established in 1926 with a rich history at all levels of basketball, volleyball and football in the past. Today basketball and volleyball are still cultivated within the club.
The partnership symbolises a shared commitment to the growth and development of basketball as a global sport.
“This collaboration presents an incredible opportunity for both organisations,” St George Basketball Treasurer Mr Aliferis said.
“We believe that by working together, we can create a meaningful framework for our members. Our players will benefit from exposure to different playing styles, coaching techniques, and cultural experiences.”
Under the terms of the partnership, the SGBA and Apollon Patras will engage in various collaborative initiatives, including player exchange programs, joint training camps, and workshops led by expert coaches. These initiatives will allow players to gain new perspectives on the game, hone their skills, and build lifelong friendships across the globe.
Mr Zervas expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This is not just about basketball; it is about bridging cultures and creating a community that spans continents. We are excited to work closely with SGBA and share knowledge and experience that will benefit our players and coaches.”
The camaraderie between SGBA and Apollon Patras is expected to blossom over the coming years, culminating in friendly matches and tournaments aimed at strengthening the bond between the two clubs.
SGBA have plans for youth tournaments that will welcome teams from Apollon Patras, providing young athletes with a unique platform to showcase their talents. Apollon Patras will also welcome teams from SGBA and opportunities for rising stars to trial in Greece.
As the local basketball season approaches, both clubs are eager to kick off their initiatives to promote development and foster lasting friendships between their players, families, and fans.
Ms Stoddart, General Manager of SGBA, said, “The partnership is anticipated to forge pathways to success for all involved, creating meaningful opportunities that extend far beyond the court.”
SGBA and Apollon Patras are committed to nurturing the game of basketball, embracing diversity, and celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship through this innovative partnership.
The unexplained void of any Greek representation in the parade has been decades-long (since 1994), and the opportunity to participate is credited to the MANASIS school’s commitment in reviving centuries-old traditions – namely the APOKRIES Carnival Season Processions, Ceremonial/Honorary Parades, and of course, Greek dance.
“We are humbled to have the privilege of representing the entire Greek Australian diaspora through our involvement, alongside countless other organisations, in what is planned to be a celebration of unity and cultural diversity,” MANASIS Director / Instructor, Dimosthenis Manasis, said.
Past parades by MANASIS.
The team will be led by a contingency of the mighty FROURA Hellenic Australian Honorary Guard – by MANASIS, followed by endless rows of dancers from the MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture in an exhibition of costumes, traditions, and dances.
Ultimately, the school has fused: 1) a customary traditional ‘parade’, complete with drummers and flag-bearers carrying all the representative regalia and insignias, 2) countless dancers in traditional costumes reflective of the various regions of Greece, and 3) the most traditional free-flowing ‘patinada’ (street/roving dance).
In addition to the parade, MANASIS will also be hosting an hour-long presentation at the ‘Dance Hub’ by the banks of the Yarra River for the Moomba Festival. This component will include countless performers showcasing dances from various regions of Greece, a workshop where participants will have the opportunity to learn steps to the famous Zorba, and a ‘glendi’ for all as the afterparty to the parade.
The festival is named after the belief that “moomba” is an Aboriginal word meaning “let’s get together and have fun.” The Moomba Parade in Melbourne has been held since 1955, attracts over 100,000 people annually, and the entire 2025 festival programme anticipates an estimated 1.4 million attendees.
For those unable to attend, the parade will be featured on Channels 9 and 9Now via delayed broadcast at 2:30pm.
“We anticipate a gleaming example of esoteric and exoteric unity. We hope to make everyone extremely proud and take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the City of Melbourne and the Moomba Festival Parade Creative team for their support and this honour,” Dimosthenis said.
Dimosthenis said he realises that through his school’s participation in the Moomba Parade, they are not simply representing their dance school, but have the high honour of representing the entire Greek Australian community. For this reason, Dimosthenis is extending the opportunity for participation to the wider Greek community. If interested, dancers, musicians and students from Melbourne’s various Greek language schools, cultural organisations, dance groups, and anyone else passionate about their culture is encouraged to contact the school at their earliest convenience.
