On Sunday, February 9, Arcadians in Melbourne were joined by members of the Greek community to honour the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis, who died 182 years ago on 4 February 1843.
Kolokotronis is considered the ultimate symbol of the Greek War for Independence and was also a key contributor in shaping the new Greek state.
A memorial service held at the church of Axion Estin in Northcote was followed by a wreath laying ceremony. Floral tributes were presented by the hosts, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria represented by President George Kotsirilos, and the Panarcadian Federation of Victoria represented by Dimitris Alexopoulos.
Many Greek community organisations also laid wreaths including the Australian Greek Ex-servicemen’s Association, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Pontiaki Estia Melbourne, the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, the Pan Korinthian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Kalamata 23 March, the Association of Thessalonikeans ‘White Tower,’ the Greek Orthodox Community of Whittlesea, the Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Justice for Cyprus (SEKA Victoria), Prasino Arkadia Melbourne, the Greek Australian Cultural League, and Oakleigh Grammar School.
Following the commemoration ceremony, attendees were invited to the building of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’ in North Melbourne. A luncheon was served to guests in the Kallisto Room, and speeches followed by Mr Kotsirilos and Mr Alexopoulos.
In his speech, Mr Kotsirilos spoke about the history of Kolokotronis and his bravery during the Greek Revolution.
“Today, as we lay this wreath in his [Kolokotronis’] memory, let us not only honour his past achievements, but also reaffirm our commitment to the principles for which he fought,” Mr Kotsirilos said.
“Let us strive to embody the same spirit of courage and dedication in our own lives, and let us continue to build a Greece worthy of the sacrifices made by heroes like Theodoros Kolokotronis. May his memory be eternal.”
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) made a significant step towards strengthening bilateral trade ties, through a series of pivotal meetings held in Greece in January 2025.
Dr Elena Mamouni Limnios, Chair of HACCI National Federation, met with representatives of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), and the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE).
These discussions aimed to enhance bilateral trade and cultural connections between Greece and Australia.
It was the first in-person meetings of the newly appointed HNF Council chair with the leading Greek Industry, Commerce, and Export Organisations, following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024.
Through these engagements, HNF reaffirmed its determination to foster strong ties between Greece and Australia, with a focus on driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
Dr Limnios had a warm and fruitful discussion with Vassilis Korkidis, President of PCCI, exploring opportunities for collaboration within Greece’s maritime industry, particularly around the AUKUS agreement and the potential for Greek involvement in submarine construction and specialised training. Discussions also included leveraging Maritime Hellas, Greece’s first official maritime cluster, to foster innovation and strengthen maritime business ties between the two countries.
HACCI National Federation Chair, Dr Elena Limnios, with the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sofia Kounenaki-Efremoglou.
While in Athens, Dr Limnios also met with Sofia Kounenaki Efraimoglou, President of ACCI, discussing opportunities to showcase Greek entrepreneurship and innovation in Australia. Among the topics of focus was ACCI’s Athens Startup Business Incubator (Th.E.A.), which supports new entrepreneurs, and the potential for a future trade delegation from Greece to Australia, with HACCI’s support in coordinating industry-specific events.
A significant outcome from meetings with SEVE representatives Simeon Diamantidis and Panagiotis Hassapis was the confirmation that Mr Hassapis will join HACCI WA’s Back to Business event in February 2025 as a guest speaker. The focus of his presentation will be on trade and export activities between Greece and Australia. Furthermore, discussions centred around organising seminars for members via teleconference and possible sector-specific trade delegations. The HNF also committed to supporting SEVE’s initiatives aimed at enhancing Greece’s export capacity to Australia.
In her meeting with the TCCI, Dr Limnios had the opportunity to touch on a series of issues of mutual interest. One of the key agreements was to survey TCCI members to identify sectors with the highest potential for trade with Australia. Initial teleconference meetings were proposed as a first step toward building relationships between businesses in both countries. Dr Limnios also reiterated the HNF’s ongoing advocacy for direct flights between Australia and Greece to facilitate smoother business exchanges.
Looking ahead: Opportunities for growth
These meetings demonstrated the strong interest in deepening bilateral ties and fostering collaboration across various sectors. One of the common themes emerging from these meetings was the joint commitment to support the ongoing efforts to address any policy barriers impeding trade between Greece and Australia.
Dr Limnios noted that these strategic partnerships, coupled with the potential for future trade delegations and targeted events, will provide valuable opportunities for businesses on both sides of the world.
HACCI National Federation Chair, Dr Elena Limnios, with SEVE Executive Vice President, Panagiotis Hassapis and SEVE Board Member, Vassiliki Lountzi.
“The discussions I had in Greece were incredibly fruitful, and I am excited about the future opportunities for Hellenic Australian businesses,” Dr Limnios said.
“Our ongoing collaboration with the Chambers and associations in Greece will create new pathways for innovation, investment, and trade. It’s an exciting time for our business communities, and the HACCI National Federation is committed to ensuring we continue to support these growing partnerships.”
To that end, there are already a few key initiatives under discussion, not least among them a proposal to hold sector-specific teleconference meetings to connect Australian and Greek businesses as a first step toward deeper collaboration.
The HNF remains committed to advancing its mission of strengthening the bilateral trade relationship between Greece and Australia. Through continued collaboration with key stakeholders, HNF is poised to unlock new opportunities for businesses and professionals in both countries.
“The potential for growth through stronger partnerships with Greece is tremendous. With each meeting, we are creating pathways for businesses to expand and innovate. We are excited for the future and look forward to deepening our relationships with our Greek counterparts,” Dr Limnios said.
Stan Zanakas has pleaded guilty after accepting a sentence indication on two charges of arson and aggravated robbery in connection with a series of firebombings across Victoria.
According to the Herald Sun, the Templestowe man was involved in the deliberate destruction of multiple businesses, including a Moe gift shop and a Croydon tobacco store on Christmas Day 2023. While his co-accused, Ben Valerio, carried out the arson, Zanakas acted as a lookout.
Valerio, the brother of toddler Daniel Valerio, who was tragically killed in 1990, was sentenced to a minimum of four years and four months in prison for his role in the attacks.
A third offender, Finks bikie Murat Shomshe, previously pleaded guilty to similar offences. Judge Peter Lauritsen stated that the crimes were committed for financial gain, with Valerio using the payments to fund his drug habit.
Zanakas will return to court for a plea hearing on March 31.
Ross Savas is understood to have played a key role in brokering Australia’s most expensive home sale, with a grand Toorak mansion changing hands for a record-breaking $150 million.
The Italianate estate, known as Coonac, was previously owned by Toll Holdings founder Paul Little and University of Melbourne chancellor Jane Hansen.
Situated on over a hectare of prime land, the 20-room residence is one of the last surviving mansions from Toorak’s original Crown allotments offered in the mid-19th century.
Ross Savas is said to have brokered the historic deal.
While the buyer’s identity remains unknown, Kay & Burton managing director Mr Savas and chairman Gerald Delany are said to have handled the transaction.
The sale surpasses the previous Australian record of $130 million, set in Sydney’s Point Piper in 2022. It also eclipses Melbourne’s highest property sale of $80 million, paid by Stake.com billionaire Ed Craven for a Toorak mansion in 2022.
Michael Kriticos found himself at the centre of a violent incident involving former bikie Mark Sandery, who has now been jailed for over four years.
In November 2022, Sandery confronted Kriticos at his Exeter home in South Australia over an earlier dispute. When Kriticos’ neighbour, Jodie Wakeling, called the police, she became entangled in the altercation. Sandery’s son was involved in a scuffle with Wakeling, though no charges were laid.
Moments later, Sandery attacked Wakeling, throwing her to the ground and stomping on her head in front of police officers. He was heard shouting, “you bashed my son you… dog.”
Mark Sandery.
The court heard that Sandery’s extreme response stemmed from a “hypersensitivity” regarding his children’s safety, influenced by past violence against his family.
According to The Advertiser, Sandery was found guilty of causing harm with intent but cleared of charges related to Kriticos. His lengthy criminal history, including 13 prior violent convictions, factored into the sentencing.
On Friday, February 7, Judge Michelle Sutcliffe sentenced Sandery to four years and five months jail, with a non-parole period of three years and two months. The sentence was backdated to December 12.
In a letter to AHEPA NSW Inc dated 28 January 2025, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) has confirmed the DiscobolusMonument in Stockroute Park will not be demolished nor disposed of in any inappropriate way.
AHEPA NSW Inc also held meetings with SOPA in November 2024, following the release of the draft Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050 late last year.
In its written submission to the NSW Minister for Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, AHEPA NSW Inc highlighted that “the published draft Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050 had a major omission which has caused great concern amongst our community. The lack of reference to the future of Stockroute Park, which hosts the Hellenic Olympic Tribute – Discobolus – raised fears of the future of this unique monument of Olympic heritage. Essentially, it is feared the public artwork would be demolished.”
The submission continued: “The Media Release of the Olympic Co-ordination Authority (dated Tuesday 21 December 1999) attached to our submission, the Hellenic Olympic Tribute – Discobolus – makes it clear that it was one of the ‘large scale, permanent outdoor public art projects at Homebush Bay and venues in Western Sydney. The AHEPA NSW Inc-led community gift was perceived as being a ‘permanent’ contribution to Sydney Olympic Park’.”
The public artwork will be “relocated.”
Background
In 1998, in the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, AHEPA NSW Inc formed the Hellenic Olympic Tribute Committee. Its purpose was the creation of a public art gift from the Australian Hellenic community to our city, an idea borrowed from the American Hellenic community who developed a similar public artwork in Atlanta four years earlier. Fundraising efforts secured some $500,000 for the project.
Shortly before the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the Hellenic Olympic Tribute by renowned artist Robert Owen – the Discobolus – was unveiled in Stockroute Park at Sydney Olympic Park.
Designed as a lasting acknowledgment of Greece’s contributions to the Olympic movement, the park has since become a significant cultural and historical landmark, and was officially recognised by the NSW Geographic Names Board in 2010.
The park and its installations were enhanced between 2009 and 2010 in preparation for the Sydney Games’ 10th anniversary. Collaborations between Greek Australian groups and international Greek institutions introduced interpretive signage and artistic elements that celebrated Greece’s contributions to the Olympics.
AHEPA NSW Inc has been corresponding and meeting with SOPA regarding the maintenance needs of the Discobolus for many years. In particular the faded inscriptions on the marble markers, honouring the associations, businesses and individuals who contributed to the project.
Moving forward
AHEPA NSW Inc has welcomed the assurances of the SOPA regarding the future relocation of the Hellenic Olympic Tribute – Discobolus.
The multifaceted monument – consisting of the Robert Owen sculpture, a set of mature olive trees with marble plinths bearing (now faded) dedicatory inscriptions and the dedication plaques explaining the public artwork and listing its donors – all need to remain part of the relocated commemorative space.
US President Donald Trump has stated he will give “great consideration” to exempting Australian steel and aluminium exports from new tariffs, shortly after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the exemption was “under consideration.”
Following a “constructive and warm” discussion with Mr Trump, Mr Albanese said both leaders agreed on the public wording, confirming that a carve-out for Australia was being reviewed.
However, in a later press conference, Mr Trump initially ruled out exemptions before acknowledging that Australia’s case would be seriously considered. Describing Mr Albanese as a “fine man,” he noted Australia’s unique trade surplus with the US.
President Trump signs a 25% tariff on steel producers UNLESS they make their product in the United States.
"It's time for our great industries to come back to America."
Australia exported 223,000 tonnes of steel and 83,000 tonnes of aluminium to the US in 2023, valued at $377 million.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton warned that the tariffs could harm US-Australia relations, stressing bipartisan support for their removal.
During a previous Trump administration, it took nearly a year for Australia to secure an exemption from similar tariffs. Mr Albanese declined to speculate on the outcome but reaffirmed the commitment to working with the US to strengthen economic ties.
Takis Oikonomopoulos, one of the greatest goalkeepers in Greek football history, has passed away at the age of 81.
He had been hospitalised in intensive care after suffering a stroke in the days before his passing.
Η οικογένεια του Παναθηναϊκού θρηνεί την απώλεια του κορυφαίου Έλληνα γκολκίπερ, ενός ανθρώπου που αφιέρωσε σχεδόν όλη τη ζωή του στο Τριφύλλι. Αγάπησε τον σύλλογο όσο λίγοι και έγραψε «χρυσές» σελίδες στην ιστορία του Τριφυλλιού. https://t.co/yGY1fh1afqpic.twitter.com/het2SSId65
Oikonomopoulos was a key figure in Panathinaikos’ historic journey to the 1971 European Cup final, playing a crucial role in the club’s greatest achievement. He also represented the Greek national team and was widely respected for his contributions to the sport.
His death comes shortly after the passing of another Panathinaikos legend, Mimis Domazos, who captained the team during their Wembley final.
The loss of these two icons marks a sombre moment for Greek football.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, February 10 at the Élysée Palace in Paris, France for an hour-long discussion covering key geopolitical and economic issues.
Their talks included European security concerns following Donald Trump’s re-election as US President, developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria, as well as European competitiveness in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Both leaders agreed on the need for greater fiscal flexibility for EU member states investing in defence, a stance that aligns with Greece’s push for stronger European defence initiatives.
Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Greece on security matters, particularly in light of regional tensions.
Regarding the alleged sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey, Macron backed Greece’s position but clarified that France is not leading the sales initiative, as the Meteor missile system is developed by the multinational MBDA consortium.
The meeting reinforced the strong strategic partnership between Greece and France, highlighting their shared priorities in defence, economic competitiveness, and European stability.
In response to the persistent earthquakes, residents who are yet to flee from Santorini held a religious procession on Sunday, February 9 to pray for the seismic activity to stop.
Holding banners, Greek flags, and sacred relics – including those of Saint Haralambos, honoured by the Greek Orthodox Church on February 10, the icon of Panagia Prousiotissa, and the skull of Saint Prosdokimos – the faithful from the village of Emporeio in southern Santorini processed through the streets, praying for divine protection and peace for their land.
Thousands have fled from the island. Photo: AP Photo / Petros Giannakouris.
The procession, deeply rooted in the island’s religious traditions, reflected both devotion and anxiety as tremors persisted.
The frequent earthquakes has seen authorities implement precautionary measures on Santorini, including traffic restrictions and the closure of schools, to ensure public safety.
