TikTok influencer Amelia Findlay has been ordered to pay $20,000 in damages for defaming University of Sydney student Bearte McDonald.
The case stemmed from a video Findlay posted in November 2024, in which she identified McDonald and other students involved in an incident at a Student Representative Council (SRC) meeting.
During the meeting, male students were filmed tearing up a report on sexual violence in the university’s colleges.
The Red Zone Report, which documented incidents like male students ejaculating into female students’ shampoo and an event called “The Purge,” highlighted disturbing behaviour in the university’s colleges.
@australiancommunitymedia The University of Sydney has launched an immediate investigation after Liberal students tore up a report into rape, harassment and hazing during an SRC meeting. #USyd The Students Representative Council meeting was held on October 30, 2024, and saw elected Liberal student councillors and members of the campus Conservative Club ripped up copies of the Red Zone Report on the rape and sexual violence epidemic at the colleges. #redzonereport#hazing#universityofsydney#politics#youth#auspol♬ original sound – Australian Community Media
In her video, Findlay called McDonald’s actions “hilarious,” referring to her as someone who “finds rape and assault hilarious” and mocked her involvement in tearing up the report.
McDonald, with the help of defamation lawyer Sue Chrysanthou, filed a lawsuit against Findlay, seeking the removal of the video. The video gained significant attention, with nearly 300,000 views and 2 million likes before being deleted.
Findlay did not file a defence, and the defamation case was settled by consent. On February 12, Justice Nicholas Owens ruled that Findlay must pay $20,000 in damages plus legal costs.
The University of Sydney and the Liberal Party condemned the incident, with Vice Chancellor Mark Scott affirming support for the Red Zone Report. McDonald was suspended from the Liberal Party for six months.
The student newspaper Honi Soit also issued an apology to McDonald in December after receiving a legal threat similar to Findlay’s.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia led the Doxology service marking the start of the new Law Term in New South Wales at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney on Tuesday, February 11.
The service was attended by Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW The Hon. Andrew Bell, members of the judiciary, lawyers, law students, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Students from Saint Spyridon College and clergy from the Parish of Saint Spyridon also participated.
After the service, Archbishop Makarios extended his best wishes to the judiciary officials for the new Law Term, emphasising their role in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms. He encouraged them to find strength and inspiration in Christ as they carry out their duties.
A reception followed at Saint Andrew’s Theological College, where Chief Justice Bell praised the Archdiocese for instituting the Doxology celebration, noting that many members of the judiciary in NSW are of Greek descent and devout Orthodox Christians.
He also highlighted the importance of mutual respect and equality in Australia’s multicultural society, regardless of religion, language, or origin.
The Chief Justice thanked Archbishop Makarios for his steadfast support of the Doxology service and congratulated him on the impressive renovation of the Cathedral of Sydney.
The Victorian government has announced an extended duck hunting season for 2025, allowing hunters more time and a larger daily bag limit.
The season will run from March 19 to June 9, lasting 83 days, up from 56 days in 2024.
Hunters will now be permitted to take up to nine ducks per day, an increase from six, and seven species of ducks will be allowed. However, the blue-winged shoveler has been excluded from the list, and lead shot will be banned for quail hunting.
Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria’s Minister for Outdoor Recreation, defended the decision, stating, “Duck hunting is a legitimate activity that can be done sustainably and responsibly.”
He emphasised the introduction of a wounding reduction action plan to enhance animal welfare and ensure sustainable recreational hunting practices.
Victorian Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos.
Despite this, the decision has sparked backlash. Georgie Purcell, MP for the Animal Justice Party, criticised the extended season as “the most reckless season” in over a decade, condemning 400,000 native waterbirds to “ruthless” slaughter. She accused Premier Daniel Andrews of caving to the gun lobby.
The move follows a significant decline in waterbird populations, with numbers dropping nearly 50% due to drought, according to the Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey.
The Victorian government had previously ignored a 2023 parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation for a ban on duck hunting, opting instead to shorten the season in 2024 and introduce new measures like hunter education and wounding reduction strategies.
Wildlife Victoria has called for the abolishment of duck hunting in the state, citing the public’s overwhelming desire for a ban.
The meeting, initiated by the Ambassador, aimed to strengthen the already strong ties between the two nations.
Iatridis highlighted the historical connections between Greece and Australia, noting that since 1890, the migration of Kastellorizo residents and others from the Dodecanese islands, such as Kalymnos, Karpathos, Rhodes, and Symi, contributed to the formation of a thriving Greek and Dodecanese community in Australia. This community has significantly impacted Australia’s economy.
The Ambassador praised the achievements of the Dodecanese community in Australia, recognising their success in both the private sector and public offices across the country.
The two agreed to collaborate on initiatives to further enhance bilateral relations in tourism, trade, and women’s empowerment.
Iatridis also briefed the Ambassador on a draft law aimed at increasing women’s participation in corporate boards in Greece.
At the end of the meeting, both sides committed to maintaining open communication to further promote the discussed initiatives.
Nick Kyrgios has criticised the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) settlement with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, which sees the Italian receive a three-month ban for an anti-doping violation but retain all titles and prize money.
Kyrgios, vocal about doping in tennis, called the decision a “sad day for tennis,” adding that “fairness in tennis does not exist.”
Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol last year, which he claimed entered his system through massages and sports therapy from a member of his support team.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared Sinner of wrongdoing, but WADA appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
So wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously sinners team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3 month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.
WADA accepted Sinner’s explanation, stating that he did not intend to cheat, and that his exposure to clostebol provided no performance-enhancing benefits.
However, under the code, athletes are held accountable for their entourage’s negligence. As a result, a three-month suspension was deemed appropriate.
Kyrgios took to social media, expressing frustration over the outcome, saying, “Obviously Sinner’s team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3-month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.”
Sinner’s ban runs from February 9 to May 4, 2025, allowing him to return to training in April.
The Civil Protection Ministry confirmed that the measure, effective until March 14, aims to manage the ongoing tremors. This decision follows similar declarations for Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi, as the area remains on high alert.
Between January 26 and February 12, over 17,500 earthquakes were recorded in the region, according to the Seismology Laboratory of the National University of Athens.
The seismic activity, originating from submarine faults in the sea area between Andros, Santorini, and Amorgos, is attributed to a combination of tectonic and deeper magmatic forces.
Seismic activity within the Santorini caldera remains steady, though increased ground deformation has been noted, prompting continuous monitoring. Public buildings have shown good resistance to seismic forces so far.
Precautionary measures advised by the Civil Protection Ministry include avoiding large indoor gatherings, staying clear of abandoned buildings, and steering clear of certain coastal areas and ports.
Schools in Thera, Ios, Anafi and Amorgos will remain closed until February 21. The Committees will reconvene on February 21 for further updates.
Panathinaikos BC claimed their 21st Greek Cup title on Sunday, February 16, defeating reigning champions Olympiacos BC 79-75 in a thrilling final in Heraklion, Crete.
The intense clash featured star-studded rosters, including former NBA players Kendric Nunn, Jerian Grant, Evan Fournier and Sasha Vezenkov.
Sloukas led the Greens with 17 points and 5 assists, while Nunn also contributed 17 points. Hernangómez added 11 points and dominated the boards with 17 rebounds.
The two teams will meet again in the Greek League and Euroleague later this season.
Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year where florists are booming with business and supermarkets bring out their best blooms and seasonal sweet treats to accommodate all those who want to spoil that special person in their lives.
This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met, how long they’ve been together and how they embrace their love on Valentine’s Day.
Juliana and Elias
Who are you and where are you from?
“We are Juliana and Elias Psomas, and we’re from Sydney, Australia,” Juliana told The Greek Herald.
The newlyweds both come from a mixture of islands and mainland in Greece, with Juliana’s family coming from Kalamata, Samos and Lesvos, and Elias’ from Lemnos and Farkadonna.
How did you both meet?
“We had added each other on Instagram. But it wasn’t really until two years later that we met, after I noticed him driving in front of me in traffic one day with his red Holden. I then decided to send him a DM (direct message),” the 30-year-old newlywed said.
“Our first date took place a week later at Kafeini in Ramsgate, and we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since.”
How long have you been together?
“We’ve been together for just over four years now,” Juliana said.
“Two weeks into dating, he had asked me to be his girlfriend. Two weeks after that, he told me he loved me, and a year and a half later, he proposed in Disneyland in 2022. We just married last year in Lemnos in July.”
What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
“We believe in loving and appreciating each other every day, and we do like to be romantic as well,” Juliana said.
“Elia especially, always has small romantic gestures like leaving notes for me sometimes before I go to work and small things like that, and it just make me feel loved every day. But I think Valentine’s Day is just an amplification of all of that, and it’s a day to celebrate all kinds of love.”
“For me, every day feels like Valentine’s Day, because I get to wake up next to the most beautiful, amazing woman in the world,” Elias said.
“February 14th is a day set aside to celebrate love, but for me, it’s a chance to express my love and gratitude to my wife, the one person who makes my world brighter and my life better.”
What will you be doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?
“Growing up, my mum used to give my sisters and I roses and chocolates pretty much our whole lives for Valentine’s Day, until we had Valentines of our own,” Juliana said.
“This year, Elia and I will be going for coffee in the morning at the place we had our first date, Kafeini, which is what we do every year. We also do that for our anniversary. Then we’re probably going to go for a nice dinner at night.”
“For Valentine’s Day, even though we’ll both be working, I want to make the morning special by waking up early, making Julz a cup of Greek coffee, and sitting together on the couch, chatting about our dream holidays, whether it’s a getaway to Greece or a fun adventure in Disneyland,” Elias said.
“After work, I’ve planned a beautiful dinner to enjoy together, where I’ll surprise her with a meaningful gift that shows how much she means to me. To end the night, I’ll give her a massage to help her unwind, and we’ll wrap it all up by spending some quality time, just the two of us, savouring every moment.”
Stella and John
Who are you and where are you from?
“I am Stella Voudouris and my husband’s name is John Voudouris and we are both born and raised in Canberra,” Stella told The Greek Herald.
Stella’s parents are from Loutraki and Giannitsa in Greece, and John’s parents are from Sparti and Cyprus.
How did you both meet?
“I met John at school in college when I was in year 12 in 1991. We started dating soon after we met. There was instant spark and connection between us,” Stella said.
“We dated for 7 years, before we got married on Valentine’s Day in 1998. It’s not very often that Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, and we both thought it was the perfect day for us to get married.”
How long have you been together?
“We have been together for 34 years and will be married for 27 years this coming Valentine’s Day,” Stella said.
What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
“Valentine’s day to me means to be grateful for all the love that I receive from my family, friends and the people that we have in my life,” Stella said.
“Our wedding anniversary makes it extra special as John and I celebrate each other and what we have achieved in lives.”
“Prior to Valentine’s Day being our wedding anniversary, I would have considered Valentine’s Day to hold the same value as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day – a day where a person that has value in your life is celebrated,” John said.
“However, considering that it is our anniversary, it holds deeper value as I celebrate our commitment and progress as a couple and a family.”
What will you be doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?
“Our four children are the best gift we have ever received. We usually celebrate Valentine’s Day all together, whether we have a feast at home or go out for dinner, and this year will be no different,” Stella said.
“Now that our children are older, we also have new additions to add to our Valentine’s Day love. Our celebrations are held much earlier these days, and the kids go out after.”
For some, the day is anticipated; for others, it’s nothing special. While the movies depict singles swooning over secret love admissions, grand gestures, and surprise deliveries of bold, bigger-than-my-head bouquets of red roses come Valentine’s Day, reality suggests it’s quite the opposite.
But as the cynics continue their mission to boycott the day altogether, remain steadfast in the pursuit of love and remember, “If you look for it… you’ll find that love actually is all around.”
In today’s age, where meeting your partner IRL (in real life) is dubbed ‘old school,’ ghosting is the new norm, and “because they ran for the bus” is a viable excuse to say ‘see ya later,’ consider yourself a trooper if you put yourself out there at all – let alone broadcast it on TikTok for all to see.
A self-confessed lover girl (her words), and dating expert (mine), Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine, awkward dinners, or “What do you do for fun?” it takes.
Sophia’s TikTok mini-series has two main origins: First, she used to have a dating podcast, and is therefore dipping her toe back in. Second, after a viral TikTok about a Jonas Brothers concert, she decided to share her love life next.
“I’ve been doing my mini-series for close to a year now. Do I have thousands of followers? No. But if someone gets a laugh out of it, then it’s worth it. It shows that dating isn’t always fun or easy, but it’s worth it if it’s what you want,” she says.
As for falling in love, Sophia sees it as exactly that – falling. When asked what it means to her, and whether it’s something we have control over or if it just happens to us, I expected the usual responses: “You have control over your life,” “You just have to make it happen,” or “It’s a numbers game.” Instead, her answer was straightforward, understated, and perfectly simple.
“I feel like falling in love is not something that you can create. When you fall in life, you trip – it’s done without purpose. It just happens, and you have no control over the outcome. Falling in love is kind of the same. You’ve got no control over the moment and it just happens,” she explains.
When the inevitable blunder does come around, and you trudge home with heavy heels after yet another disappointing date, there’s only ever one thing, person, or place that can make you feel like everything’s okay – for most, it’s our best friends.
“After a crappy date, I pick myself up by making sure I’m surrounded with good people and great food. I go to one of my best friends’ houses for dinner and wine, and we just hang out; it just refreshes my soul,” Sophia says.
Just like Bridget Jones goes hand in hand with The Weather Girl’s ‘It’s Raining Men,’ the soundtrack of songs Sophia’s dream love life includes ‘Dela’, the last song in George of the Jungle, where they’re dancing around the tree singing, “I’ve been waiting for you all my life.”
For now, though, her playlist is about hope, patience, and waiting for what she wants.
“I’m learning about what I want and need in a partner, and that dating should be fun. I’ve realised that it shouldn’t be this heavy, anxiety-provoking thing. I’m learning to trust my gut and to ask for what I want,” she says.
As for her self-confessed lover-girl mentality – that hasn’t changed. Once a hopeless romantic, always a hopeless romantic.
Over 200 people attended the annual award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University’s Arts Precinct on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
The event was held as part of the celebration of the International Day of Greek Language 2025, making it an even more special occasion.
Among the attendees were the successful candidates and their families, school principals, Greek language teachers, Heads of Languages in NSW schools, representatives of community organisations, and Greek community media.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, with Certificate recipients of A2 level. All photos copyright Effy Alexakis, photowrite.
Distinguished guests included His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yiannis Mallikourtis; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Head of the School of International Studies of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Professor Julian Droogan; the Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of the School of International Studies, Dr Wes Robertson; the President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd., Theophilos Premetis; the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Michael Christodoulou; and members of the board of directors of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.
(L-R) Professor Julian Droogan, Head of the School International Studies of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, Mr Michael Christodoulou, Chief Executive Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies, and Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate Macquarie University.(L-R) Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of InternationalStudies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate Macquarie University, Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies, Mr Yiannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Mr Michael Christodoulou, Chief Executive Officer NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Mr Leon Bombotas, and Mr Paul Tsanis Board Members of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd. and Mr Theophilos Premetis, President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Giorgios Kotsiras, the Deputy Minister for Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece, Zetta Makri, and the President of the Centre for Greek Language in Greece, Emeritus Professor of the Philology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Theodoros Papaggelis, delivered brief speeches via video and warmly congratulated the successful candidates, their teachers and their families.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece, Ms Zetta Makri delivering a video message.The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Mr Giorgios Kotsiras delivering a video message.
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate, warmly congratulated the successful recipients and acknowledged their achievement which made their teachers, their schools and their families proud.
Dr Koromvokis also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of parents and families by saying: “Somehow, in the midst of this whirlwind of modern family life, you make time for Greek education, whether it’s waiting in your cars during lessons, helping with homework late in the evenings, or driving long distances to ensure your children can attend their Greek classes. Your presence here today demonstrates this unwavering commitment.”
“Without your daily support, encouragement, and sacrifice, none of this would be achievable. You transform what could be seen as just another academic requirement into something far more meaningful – and we greatly thank you for that!” she added.
Dr Wes Roberston, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages of International Studies delivering his speech.
The event and the Greek language exams 2024 were sponsored by the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd. MC was the Greek language teacher, Mary Vartzoumas.
The Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language is a globally recognised title that proves the level of proficiency of its holder in the market and is considered a prerequisite for the practice of various professions in Greece. The registrations for the Exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek 2025, which is conducted under the auspices of Macquarie University, are now taking place. For more information click here.
