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Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney unites generations at vibrant Ypapanti Dance

The Greek Herald
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Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney unites generations at vibrant Ypapanti Dance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney held its second inter-generational Ypapanti Dance in traditional paniyiri style at the Greek Community Club on Saturday, February 8.

The night was thoroughly enjoyed by the 240 guests in attendance, with more than half of them under 30 years of age. The success arose from the active participation of so many young people and community associations, including the Cretans, Thessalians, Pontians, AHEPA, Samians, Peloponnesians and islanders.

hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance
hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance
hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance
hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance

Everyone was taken on a new journey embracing old traditions through music and dance under the guidance of the Lyceum’s new dance instructor Vas Aligiannis and Dance Ephor Irene Tsenkas.

A special touch was added by the musicians led by the Lyceum’s very own incredible vocalists Olga Kremissis and Dionysia Dragonas, accompanied by traditional instruments played by Eric Fotiadis (Pontian Lyra), Christopher Lampropoulos (Gaida), Aris Paraskakis (Cretan Lyra), Alexander Mountakis (laouto and askomandoura), George Siganakis (laouto), Peter Tsenkas (Daouli ), Peter Mangafas (bouzouki ), Tasos Tsagaris (percussion), and DJ Tones.

hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance
hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance
hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance
hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance

The Lyceum Dancers put on their own very special floor show rendering a memorable tribute to the beautiful Hasapiko.

Speeches were given by Lyceum President Liana Vertzayias who explained the meaning of the Ypapanti Feast.

hellenic lyceum of sydney ypapanti dance

Ms Tsenkas mentioned that artists such as musicians and dancers are also historians and curators of culture and provide a sense of identity and continuity.

The success of the event proves that the Hellenic Community has a bright future by involving the youth and immersing them in their traditions and culture.

Greek Glendi shines at Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival

Andriana Simos
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Greek Glendi shines at Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival

Canberra came alive with the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of Greece over the weekend as the National Multicultural Festival once again showcased the rich Hellenic culture through the much-loved Greek Glendi.

Held from Friday, February 7, to Sunday, February 9, the event was a resounding success, drawing thousands of festival-goers eager to experience Greek hospitality, traditional performances and authentic cuisine.

Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival

The festival’s Greek presence was powered by dedicated volunteers from various community organisations, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The Philoptochos Ladies from the local St Nicholas parish and members of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra & Districts (GOCCC) delighted the crowd with freshly made loukoumades, while the Canberra Olympic Football Club wowed festival-goers with their succulent lamb souvlakia and lamb souvla. Meanwhile, volunteers from the Cyprus Community of Canberra and ACT served up grilled halloumi and olive pites, providing a true taste of Cypriot tradition.

Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival

The Greek Glendi was officially opened on Sunday, February 9, by Attorney General and ACT Minister for Government Business Tara Cheyne MLA, a longtime supporter of the event. Also in attendance were ACT Multicultural Affairs Minister Michael Pettersson MLA, Ambassador of Greece to Australia His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, and High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, who addressed the crowd with inspiring speeches. John Loukadellis, President of GOCCC, was also present.

Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival

The opening coincided with International Greek Language Day, adding a meaningful cultural dimension to the celebrations.

Entertainment was a highlight of the Greek Glendi, with the Canberra Hellenic Dancers captivating audiences with their spirited performances. Their dazzling display of traditional Greek dance left spectators cheering, while the beloved local Greek band KEFI ensured the festival atmosphere remained electric with their infectious live music.

Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival
Greek Glendi Canberra Multicultural Festival

As the National Multicultural Festival wrapped up for another year, the Greek community reflected on a weekend filled with joy, community spirit and cultural pride. With its overwhelming success, anticipation is already building for next year’s Greek Glendi, promising yet another unforgettable celebration of Hellenic heritage in the heart of Canberra.

*All photos supplied by John Loukadellis.

Cousins Danielle and Vicki Vlahos battle over $800k loans and fashion label

The Greek Herald
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Cousins Danielle and Vicki Vlahos battle over $800k loans and fashion label

Two cousins, Danielle and Vicki Vlahos, who founded the $7 million fashion label Portia & Scarlett, are embroiled in a legal battle over personal loans and the sale of their company.

The dispute, heard in the NSW Supreme Court this week, follows a breakdown in their relationship, which began when Vicki sought to sell the business in early 2023.

Danielle, a former head designer, is trying to recover a $170,000 loan she provided to help Vicki pay a divorce settlement, claiming it was never repaid.

In contrast, Vicki alleges she is owed $645,000 by Danielle, referencing an oral agreement for a home loan, which Danielle claims has already been repaid with interest.

The cousins founded fashion label Portia & Scarlett. Photo: portiaandscarlett.com.

The court is also deliberating on the cousins’ company loans, after a receiver sold off business assets, with $7 million in the account awaiting final disbursement.

The hearing revealed deep personal tensions, including allegations of verbal abuse between the cousins. Vicki argued that Danielle’s claims for repayment were part of a “double dipping” strategy, as funds were used to settle Vicki’s divorce.

Additionally, Vicki is seeking reimbursement for trade show expenses, unpaid annual leave, and accommodation services, which Danielle contests, calling the business arrangements informal.

The case, which continues before Justice Scott Nixon, highlights the personal and professional rifts that led to the collapse of their once-thriving fashion empire.

Source: News.

David Catsoulis promotes new $477m mining venture amidst past failures

The Greek Herald
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David Catsoulis promotes new $477m mining venture amidst past failures

David Catsoulis, a twice-bankrupt mining promoter, is once again pursuing a new venture, despite past failures. His company, AU Finance, is attempting to raise $US300 million ($477 million) for a “hi-tech refinery project” in Queensland.

According to The Advertiser, the project claims to hold one of the world’s richest precious metals deposits, with an estimated value of $1 billion in gold and precious metals.

The refinery is reportedly expected to generate five times the initial investment within the first year. However, the project is shrouded in mystery, with Catsoulis denying its existence when questioned.

Catsoulis has a history of failed ventures, including Warwick Gold Holdings and Impact Gold, both now in liquidation. These companies promised major returns from precious metals projects in Queensland and Papua New Guinea, but neither materialised.

Warwick Gold had its mining tenements stripped by the Queensland government after its application was deemed inadequate.

The AU Finance website highlights Catsoulis’ leadership and portrays him as the “founding force” behind National Storage, a $3 billion ASX-listed company, though National Storage did not respond to inquiries.

The website also promotes Catsoulis’ new project, calling it a bold and ambitious endeavour aimed at proving his critics wrong.

AU Finance’s website lists Kamal Kumar Karia, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, as the company’s CEO, claiming Karia is behind the creation of a blockchain-backed cryptocurrency, Zenga Gold Coin (ZGC), linked to investment-grade gold.

However, no evidence of the cryptocurrency’s existence could be found online, and the company’s global presence remains unclear.

Source: The Advertiser.

Sarantis Parissos faces victim impact statements over hit-and-run and police car theft

The Greek Herald
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Sarantis Parissos faces victim impact statements over hit-and-run and police car theft

A female police officer who was dragged along the ground in a horrific hit-and-run has expressed doubts about continuing her career in the force due to the trauma.

The incident, involving former seafood heir Sarantis Parissos, 41, took place in January 2022. Parissos showed “complete disregard” for the officer’s life and later stole a police car in a separate incident.

In a victim impact statement read at the District Court on Friday, February 7, the officer shared how the event “tipped her life upside down” and left her “frozen in pain.”

She said, “2022 was the worst year of my life, physically and mentally,” and added, “I try my best to enjoy my job but I don’t think I can remain as a police officer due to the trauma of this incident.”

She emphasised that her health was more important than being “treated like a speed bump.”

Photo: 7NEWS.

The incident occurred when police spotted Parissos speeding along Sir Donald Bradman Drive in a black Range Rover. As officers attempted to arrest him, he reversed the vehicle, dragging the female officer for several metres before fleeing.

Parissos later abandoned the car near Grange Rd, but ran into oncoming traffic and was hit by a car, suffering a broken neck. Both he and the injured officer were hospitalised.

Parissos had also stolen a police car in December 2021. In that incident, he was confronted by police while on a motorcycle, leading to a dramatic chase. One officer was thrown 10 metres from the vehicle, suffering a dislocated shoulder.

Parissos, from West Lakes, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including dangerous driving and hindering a police officer. His lawyer acknowledged the “catastrophically bad” decisions made by Parissos, who was under the influence of drugs at the time.

Parissos, who had previously worked at his father’s seafood business, has since apologised to the officers. Sentencing is scheduled for March.

Source: The Advertiser.

Basil Zempilas faces Labor’s attacks in WA election race

The Greek Herald
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Basil Zempilas faces Labor’s attacks in WA election race

Basil Zempilas, a prominent television figure and Lord Mayor of Perth, has become a central target in the Western Australian election campaign, despite being a key figure in the Liberal Party’s strategy.

Labor Premier Roger Cook and his team have prominently featured Zempilas in their attack ads, portraying him as a polarising figure.

Labor’s research, including door-knocking, suggests he is divisive among voters, and they have used this to shift focus away from their own record.

Zempilas, however, defended his involvement, saying Labor’s focus on him was a diversion from its failures, particularly in health and cost of living.

Photo: ABC News / Andrew O’Connor.

“If you hear the Premier or a minister mention my name, they are doing that because they want you to take your eye off their chronic un-delivery,” he said.

Zempilas is widely expected to win the seat of Churchlands in Perth’s affluent western suburbs, a seat lost by the Liberals in 2021. He appeared alongside Liberal leader Libby Mettam to announce the party’s latest health policy.

Mettam, who had previously faced a leadership challenge, praised Zempilas as an asset to the Liberal team, contrasting him with Cook’s handling of the state’s health system.

Premier Cook criticised the Liberal opposition for its perceived inaction, calling it the “laziest opposition” in WA history. Zempilas, in turn, expressed his support for Mettam, calling her leadership inspiring given the party’s resource limitations.

Source: The Australian.

Jon Adgemis settles debts and plans venue relaunches

The Greek Herald
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Jon Adgemis settles debts and plans venue relaunches

Sydney pub mogul Jon Adgemis has paid $400,000 to creditors as part of a deal to settle debts from his former hospitality empire, Public Hospitality Group, which fell into administration late last year.

This payment, the first of two instalments, is part of an agreement that will see Adgemis contribute a total of $1 million in cash, plus $6.7 million in the form of a convertible note.

According to The Australian, the remaining $600,000 is set to be handed over in the coming months.

As part of his recovery plan, Adgemis is focused on the completion of several significant renovations, including the 19-room boutique hotel, The Flinders in Darlinghurst, and the Exchange in Balmain.

Photo: David Swift.

Additionally, he is looking to sell off some of his Melbourne venues, including the Saint, Vine, and Clifton hotels, in favour of concentrating on his Sydney properties.

Meanwhile, several of Adgemis’ former venues have been taken over by new operator Linchpin, led by industry veteran Terry Soukoulis.

Linchpin is now managing venues such as the Empire Hotel in Annandale, the Clifton Hotel, and the Lady Hampshire Hotel. The group also plans to reopen the Bayswater Sydney Hotel and Noah’s Backpackers in Bondi.

Soukoulis emphasised that Linchpin is distinct from Adgemis’ former operation and is focused on building a separate identity.

Source: The Australian.

Pharos Alliance meets with the Honourable Jenny Mikakos

The Greek Herald
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Pharos Alliance meets with the Honourable Jenny Mikakos

On the occasion of International Greek Language Day, members of Pharos Alliance recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jenny Mikakos, a Member of Victorian Parliament between 1999 and 2020. 

Ms Mikakos, a supporter of Pharos since its launch in 2021, was happy to hear of the Alliance’s advancements in promoting and maintaining Greek in the state of Victoria.

During her tenure as a Minister and as an MP for the Victorian government, Ms Mikakos was instrumental in ensuring the maintenance of many Greek language programs in the public education system. She was also responsible for introducing languages as part of the Early Years curriculum.

It is Pharos’ intention to continue advocating for the Greek language and seeking support from interested individuals, stakeholders, as well as by meeting with members of government and other Victorian parliamentarians.

Stay informed about the Pharos Alliance’s work via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pharos2021 or email them at pharos.au@gmail.com

Dennis Bastas secures entire $1 billion MCoBeauty empire

The Greek Herald
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Dennis Bastas secures entire $1 billion MCoBeauty empire

Billionaire Dennis Bastas has fully acquired MCoBeauty, the cosmetics brand known for creating affordable versions of popular products, in a deal valuing the company at approximately $1 billion.

Bastas’ DBG Group initially took a 50% stake in MCoBeauty in 2022, but now owns the entire business, with the latest transaction reportedly costing at least $500 million.

Founded in 2020 by Shelley Sullivan, MCoBeauty has seen remarkable growth, with revenue forecasted to reach $300 million this year.

The brand is renowned for replicating viral beauty products at a fraction of the cost, making its mark in supermarkets and chemists.

MCoBeauty has expanded internationally, launching in 1800 Kroger stores in the US and recently in 1200 Target locations.

Sullivan, who will step down as CEO, credited DBG’s investment for accelerating MCoBeauty’s growth and enabling its entry into major global markets. As part of the transaction, Sullivan will focus on new ventures, including joining Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles.

Source: AFR.

Greek Community Women’s Cup heats up as finalists emerge

The Greek Herald
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Greek Community Women’s Cup heats up as finalists emerge

The Greek Community Women’s Cup delivered another round of exhilarating football, with teams showcasing skill, determination, and heart in a series of intense matchups. 

Spectators were treated to thrilling goals, dramatic saves, and last-minute heroics as the competition edges closer to its grand finale.

In a gripping contest, Heidelberg and Box Hill battled fiercely, with Box Hill taking an early lead through a brilliantly executed corner kick that soared past the Heidelberg keeper.

Determined to fight back, Heidelberg pressed forward relentlessly, and their persistence paid off late in the game with a stunning strike from outside the box to equalise.

As both teams pushed for a winner, Box Hill’s keeper made a crucial last-minute save, ensuring the match ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

The showdown between Oakleigh Cannons and Malvern Valley saw Malvern dominate with composure and precision, securing a commanding 3-0 victory. Their controlled possession and strategic long balls kept Oakleigh’s defence under pressure throughout the match.

Despite the scoreline, Oakleigh’s young squad put up a valiant fight, with their goalkeeper making a series of outstanding saves to prevent further damage. The energy from the crowd fuelled both teams, but Malvern’s experience ultimately sealed the win.

The most fiercely contested match of the round saw Keon Park edge out East Kew in a high-intensity 2-1 victory. The game was marked by relentless attacks and impressive defensive efforts, with East Kew creating multiple chances to equalize.

However, Keon Park’s keeper proved to be the difference, pulling off crucial saves to keep their lead intact.

Despite East Kew’s valiant effort, Keon Park held strong to secure their place in the tournament final.

With the Greek Community Women’s Cup Final set for next Sunday, anticipation is at an all-time high. Keon Park will now prepare to battle for the championship, as this year’s tournament continues to deliver top-tier competition and thrilling football moments.

Stay tuned for more updates on the road to the final! Full fixtures, scores, and updates will be announced at: https://www.greekcup.com.au/

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