For restaurateur Angie Giannakodakis, the launch of Taverna as a permanent restaurant is a homecoming in more ways than one, according to theage.com.au
Originally conceived as a pop-up with Guy Holder in late 2024, Taverna is a heartfelt tribute to her Greek heritage and parents. It follows the closure of her acclaimed Carlton restaurant, Epocha, after 12 years. But its new home in Brunswick East is also deeply familiar—she helped establish George Calombaris’ original Hellenic Republic at the very same site years ago.
“It was quite emotional stepping into that space, I’m pinching myself a little bit every day,” says Giannakodakis to the age.
Located on Lygon Street, the restaurant has been transformed into an inviting Greek haven, with crisp white and Aegean blue hues, Baltic pine tables, earthenware pots, and rattan light fixtures. It embodies the warmth of home-style cooking and philoxenia—Greek hospitality’s spirit of welcoming strangers.
“It’s more than a restaurant,” she says. “When my mum, the matriarch of our family, entered care after a fall, I realised how much her food represented love and survival. Taverna is … my way of honouring her and my dad.”
Her mother’s recipes appear on the menu, including horta (seasonal greens), keftethes (pan-fried meatballs), and Katina’s moussaka when eggplant is in season. Other highlights include arni kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb shoulder), Corfiot pastitsada (beef ragu with macaronia pasta), and vegetarian options like revithokeftethes (chickpea fritters) and silky fava with Cretan olive oil.
As Melbourne’s Greek dining scene flourishes, Giannakodakis remains a pioneer. “You put 10 good Greek restaurants in Melbourne, I don’t think that’s enough any way.”
For dessert? Fresh watermelon or a sundae of kataifi, mastic ice cream, and seasonal sorbet. You’ll have to wait for the liquor licence to sip her signature blue-tinged Aegean Negroni.
China and Australia will be the next destinations for major exhibitions showcasing treasures and masterpieces from ancient Greece. According to apogevmatini newspaper, these exhibitions, part of Greece’s cultural diplomacy efforts, highlight the country’s pivotal role in shaping global civilization.
Powergame.gr has reported that a significant dual presentation is set to take place. The exhibition “A Journey to Ancient Greece“ will feature 177 ancient artifacts and nine replicas from archaeological museums and antiquities collections. It will be hosted at the Sanxingdui Museum (April–September 2025) and later at the Liangzhu Museum (October 2025–March 2026) in China.
The exhibition opens with “Dawn of Civilization,” focusing on the Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean cultures. It will then explore “Glory and Grandeur,” showcasing achievements in politics, philosophy, theater, and the arts, as well as Greek expansion through travel and colonization. Greek mythology, artistic pursuits, the Olympic Games, and Alexander the Great’s conquests—spreading Greek culture across three continents—will also be featured.
Meanwhile, in Australia, the exhibition “Rituals – Gifts to the Gods” will be held at the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne from March 25 to November 25, 2025. Featuring 119 selected antiquities, it aims to illustrate humanity’s timeless need for connection with the divine through religious beliefs and rituals.
These prestigious exhibitions further enhance Greece’s global cultural influence, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of Western civilization and a highly sought-after destination.
The highly anticipated Greek Community Cup Women’s Tournament is set to kick off this Sunday in John Cain Memorial Park 3070/281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury, bringing together teams from across the Greek Australian community in a spirited showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and cultural pride. This marks the first-ever edition of the women’s tournament, and we are excited to continue this tradition in the years to come, highlighting the amazing skills of women in the sport.
Teams from Malvern City FC, Keon Park, Oakleigh Cannons FC, East Kew FC, Heidelberg United, Box Hill United FC, South Springvale FC, and Northcote City will go head-to-head in battles, promising to not only showcase their skills but also deliver thrilling moments for lovers of the sport.
Hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), this tournament highlights the growing presence and achievements of women in football, celebrating their dedication and passion for the sport. Teams will compete in an exciting round of matches, with fans invited to cheer on their favourite players and enjoy a day filled with thrilling competition and community spirit.
The Greek Community Cup has become a staple event in Melbourne’s sporting calendar, fostering unity and friendly rivalry while promoting Greek heritage through football. This year’s women’s tournament marks an important step toward greater inclusivity in the sport and aims to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Anthea Sidiropoulos, GCM Vice President, stated, “I’m proud that the Greek community has initiated this event, creating opportunities for women to compete in a tournament like this. It’s amazing to see our community embracing equality and supporting both women and men in sport.”
Nick Koukouvitakis, GCM Secretary, shared his thoughts, “Women’s participation in sport is crucial—not just for fitness, but for building lifelong friendships. Clubs like Northcote City play a vital role in fostering these connections.”
Michalis Skliros, President of Northcote FC, expressed his excitement, “We’re truly grateful and humbled to host this tournament. If our founders, 65 years ago, had imagined a dedicated female football tournament, they might have laughed at the idea. Now, it’s a reality. It’s incredible to be part of this moment in history.”
Arthur Zygouris, Secretary of Northcote FC, added, “Growing our women’s program has been a major focus for years, and hosting the Hellenic Community Greek Girls’ Cup is a fantastic milestone. This event is a great way to showcase our club and encourage more young girls to get involved.”
Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating:
“The Greek Community Cup is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of our culture, our passion for sport, and the incredible talent of female footballers. We are proud to organize this initiative and encourage everyone to come down and be part of this fantastic day.”Showcasing women athletes is vital in fostering inclusivity, inspiring future generations, and demonstrating that talent and dedication know no gender. This tournament is a step forward in ensuring that female footballers receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.”
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply looking for a great way to spend a Sunday, the Greek Community Cup Women’s Tournament is an event not to be missed
Event Details: Date: Sunday, 2 February 2025 Location: John Cain Memorial Park, 3070/281 Darebin Rd, Thornbury
For competition details, full fixture and results check out www.greekcup.com.au Presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne in Association with Australian Football Schools and supported by LV FURNITURE, ACCOUNTANCY GROUP and ACTIVE ORTHOPAEDIC CENTRE, Orthodox Funerals Peter Tziotzis.
Through New Zealand’s supervisory authority, the Department of Road Transport (TOM) will identify drivers who are unaware that their vehicles are equipped with Takata airbags, according to an article by Marios Christofis in kathimerini.com.cy. This step comes after some import companies failed to provide the necessary information, as revealed to K by the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades.
During a closed-door session of the Parliamentary Transport Committee on Tuesday morning, the Ministry of Transport and the Legal Service informed committee members about the ongoing efforts to notify vehicle owners with Takata airbags. However, according to the committee’s president, Marinos Mousiouttas, the process did not unfold as originally planned, as the response from import companies was not as expected. While some companies fully cooperated by providing the required data, others did not respond adequately, making the identification process more challenging.
The Role of New Zealand’s Authority
Following this development, the Ministry of Transport acted swiftly, turning to New Zealand‘s supervisory authority to prevent delays, as decrees related to the issue are set to be issued on February 3.
As Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades explained to K, this authority maintains an up-to-date database of all vehicles up to 2020. Using this resource, TOM was able to retrieve essential information on vehicles equipped with Takata airbags—details it did not previously have access to. This process is expected to be completed by Wednesday, January 29, allowing authorities to determine the exact number of affected vehicles. Once finalized, drivers will be notified accordingly.
Decrees to Be Issued in the Coming Days
The Ministry of Transport and the Legal Service are currently in discussions regarding the drafting of decrees concerning the Takata airbags. The Legal Service is expected to issue an opinion on how the decrees should be structured. According to Vafeades, all options remain open; however, the decrees will be finalized in the coming days and officially issued on Monday, February 3.
Hotels on Greece’s islands could soon be filling their swimming pools with seawater due to worsening drought conditions, under new legislation currently under parliamentary review.
According to AP, over the past two years, Greece has experienced severe drought, with the influx of tourists during peak season placing additional pressure on water supplies, particularly on popular island destinations.
Elena Rapti, Deputy Minister of Tourism, announced government plans to remove existing legal barriers, allowing hotels to pump seawater into private pools as a response to dwindling freshwater reserves.
“This (draft legislation) regulates the framework for carrying out seawater extraction and pumping it for swimming pools. The focus, of course, is to conserve water resources,” Rapti told a parliament committee.
Her remarks, made on Monday during discussions on a broader hospitality industry reform bill, were published on the Greek parliament’s website on Tuesday.
Have you been on the lookout for a new spot to enjoy some freshly battered fish and chips in Sydney? Let us introduce you to Paris Seafood Café.
The Greek family-run fish and chip shop has been around for more than 25 years and is known for its wide-range of quality seafood, as well as its burgers, souvlakia, salads, octopus and much more.
It was originally opened in 1997 by the Mavropoulos family in La Perouse, and in 2018, relocated to a seaside location in Cronulla.
Run by Paris Mavropoulos, his wife Helen and their two children, Christos and Sofia, the Paris Seafood Café family spoke to The Greek Herald via zoom and shared how the business came to be.
“Our dad has always been passionate about the hospitality industry,” 23-year-old Christos said.
“Like many Greeks who migrated from Greece in the ‘80s, he began working in the hospitality industry from a young age and eventually gravitated towards opening his own cafe.
“He grew up in Greece, with his grandfather’s cooking and always loved everything he’d make and just the idea of serving people. So running his own business was something that just came naturally to him and was something really rewarding.”
Paris was born in Wollongong, New South Wales in 1963 and left for Greece when he was only six months old. He grew up in Northern Greece, in a village called Protochori in Kozani.
“My dad came back to Australia when he was 18, and worked in various roles within the hospitality industry,” Christos said.
“He had later decided he wanted to be his own boss, and in 1990, he decided to open his own business, Olympic Yeeros on Oxford Street.
“It was one of the first gyros shops on Oxford Street at the time too, and he kept it running until 2000. He also opened an adjoining shop, Paris Fruit and Veggies, which was a fresh produce grocery store.”
Unlike many other businesses, Paris Seafood Café remains unique as the next younger generation is taking over and helping run the family business. Sofia and Christos said they love being able to support their parents.
“Working together as a family has its moments, but it’s incredibly rewarding, especially when we see how successful the shop is and we hear great feedback from our customers,” Christos said.
22-year-old Sofia added, “I feel like a lot of people our age haven’t been in the position where they’ve had to work in a family business, it’s very rare.
“It’s more of our parents age who are used to working with their families. However, I feel like it’s given us so many more skills in life compared to our peers.
“We are very grateful that we have been put in this situation and we have learned from a young age what hard work, dedication and sacrifice looks like and it’s been really great.”
Sofia added that their La Perouse café was also significant to them as it’s where her parents first met in 1999. Her mum Helen would regularly dine there with her friends. Shortly after, Paris and Helen married and had their first child, Christos, in 2000, and Sofia in 2001.
Sofia said there were some key factors that make Paris Seafood Café unique from other fish and chip shops.
“We are known for having a pretty big selection to offer our customers. Everything we sell, we make ourselves,” Sofia said.
“It’s fresh, it’s not pre-cooked, and we make it on the spot for our customers. We also make our own patties, homemade chicken schnitzel and use fresh oil daily. My dad puts all his passion and energy into everything he makes, not just the fish and chips, so you can expect everything to be tasty, fresh and of the best quality.”
“When dad found out we were on the list, he was so surprised and grateful. It was very humbling for him,” Christos said.
“It was a great sense of pride for all of us. I even started tearing up because it was just so nice for our family to finally get some recognition because I think, as a business, we’re very underestimated and under the radar.
“After all these years of serving so many great people and bringing them together, it’s made us feel so happy.”
The Mavropoulos family was beyond grateful for the recognition.
“We were surprised at how many customers reached out to us to congratulate us,” Christos said.
“Our customers are always positive and supportive towards the business and without them, we wouldn’t be here. When they dine with us, they become part of our family.
“We want to thank our existing and new customers for all their support, and we promise to continue to serve the food that they all know and love that we’ve been serving since 1997.
“We’re constantly trying to meet our customers’ expectations and make them happy.”
Paris Seafood Café is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm. It is located at 136 Cronulla St, Cronulla, Sydney.
The ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Cyprus Community of NSW Limited has taken another turn, with new legal filings indicating that Cyprus Capital Limited and Dr Costas (Con) Costas are actively pursuing further legal action following the Supreme Court of NSW’s 18 December ruling.
Legal Actions and appeal plans
Cyprus Capital and Costas Costa have recently filed two key legal documents on 23 December 2024. The first is a Notice of Intention to Appeal the decision of Justice Ashley Black, which validated the appointment of voluntary administrators to the Cyprus Community of NSW. The second is an Interlocutory Application under Corporations Law, which is set to be heard in the Supreme Court on 3 February 2025.
The Notice of Intention to Appeal, filed with the Supreme Court of NSW Court of Appeal, lists the Cyprus Community of NSW Limited and Morgan Kelly, the administrator from EY, as prospective respondents. However, no formal appeal has yet been lodged, leaving the legal status of the challenge uncertain.
Refinancing proposal and potential end to receivership
The administrators filed an application on 29 January 2025 in the Supreme Court of NSW seeking approval for a refinancing proposal. The proposed refinancing aims to discharge all current secured debts, including loans from Cyprus Capital Limited and The Trust Company (PTAL) Limited, which acts as an agent for Sydney Wyde Mortgage Management Limited. One of the Cyprus Capital loans is due for repayment in March 2025, and the company does not have sufficient funds to meet this obligation, making refinancing necessary.
If approved, the refinancing would allow the company to cease incurring ongoing costs associated with the administration and receivership. Additionally, full repayment of Cyprus Capital’s debt would result in the retirement of the Receivers, reducing the financial strain on the Cyprus Community of NSW.
The administrators have received a confidential conditional term sheet and letter of offer from a prospective financier who is prepared to provide funding upon acceptance. The administrators believe this to be a commercially viable solution that serves the best interests of the company, creditors, and members.
Dispute over financial obligations
A key point of contention remains the payout figure, which refers to the total amount required to fully repay Cyprus Capital’s secured loan facilities, including principal, interest, and any associated fees. The administrators had previously demanded this figure be provided, arguing that failure to do so would warrant legal action. However, the legal representatives for Cyprus Capital stated that the external accountant responsible for calculating the payout was on leave and that they could not provide a full response yet.
Furthermore, they argued that the secured debts owed to Sydney Wyde and Cyprus Capital are not immediately due. Interest on the Sydney Wyde loan is capitalised until June 2025, while Cyprus Capital is open to extending loan terms.
The legal representatives also proposed a meeting to discuss a potential resolution, including the retirement of the Receivers and Managers, but urged the opposing side to delay any further court applications until a more substantive response is provided.
What happens next?
The deadline for Cyprus Capital to provide the payout figure, as requested by the administrators, is approaching. The Supreme Court is now scheduled to hear both the Interlocutory Application on 3 February 2025 and the refinancing proposal submitted by the administrators.
If the refinancing is approved, it could significantly impact the direction of the legal battle by eliminating the need for receivership and addressing financial concerns. However, if an appeal is formally lodged, it could further extend legal proceedings and impact the governance and financial future of the Cyprus Community of NSW.
This legal battle remains a pivotal moment for the future of the Cyprus Community of NSW, with significant consequences for its leadership, financial stability, and community operations.
The Greek Herald will continue to provide updates as the case unfolds.
Melbourne Victory has confirmed that Arthur Diles will continue as Head Coach of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s team until the end of the 2025/26 Season.
After 18 months at the Club as the Senior Assistant under both Tony Popovic and Patrick Kisnorbo, the first six weeks have been a whirlwind for the Melbourne Victory Head Coach.
“Stepping into the role in the circumstances I did, is obviously unusual and it was a busy period through Christmas and New Year with trips to Sydney and New Zealand and a heavy schedule, but I think the group navigated the upheaval well,” said Diles.
“As a Club, our expectations and standards have not changed over the period. We want to keep following our processes, ensure we deliver consistent and high-quality performances playing the exciting style of football our fans expect from us, and importantly see those processes and performances translate into points and trophies this season and beyond.”
Originally from Sydney, Diles enjoyed strong success at National Youth League level and spent time coaching with the Wanderers, in Europe and with the Newcastle Jets before landing at Melbourne Victory under now Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.
Diles played a significant role in Victory reaching the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s Grand Final, as well as supporting our VPL1 team throughout 2024 which ultimately went on to win the championship, and promotion to the NPL for the 2025 Season.
He continued in that role at the start of this season, playing an important part in helping the team both qualify for the 2024/25 Australia Cup Final, and have an impressive start to the A-League Men’s season.
Melbourne Victory is pleased to announce that Arthur Diles will continue as Head Coach of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s team until the end of the 2025/26 Season.
“Since joining the Club almost two years ago, Arthur has demonstrated his commitment and his capacity to instil a game model that we want to see, build a team that taps into the great talent that sits within our Academy and to have the absolute respect of everybody within our program,” said Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica.
“Our focus in recent weeks has been building support for Arthur and the players and ensuring we maintain the highest possible standards of performance and commitment.
“Whilst we have dropped points through this process, we are confident we have the calibre of squad to reset, and we are still well positioned to achieve silverware in 2025.”
Diles has been joined by newly appointed Assistant Coach Nick Stavroulakis and Football Analyst Patrick Hooper, both of whom commenced with the Club in the past fortnight and arrive at Victory not only as emerging talents within Australian football but with extensive experience in the game.
Stavroulakis guided Rockdale City to the Premiership and Championship double in the NSW NPL last season, whilst Hooper has spent time in competitions such as the Europa League with leading Danish side FC Midtjylland.
Melbourne Victory Chairman, John Dovaston, said the Club welcomes the continuity presented by Diles appointment.
“During 2024, we have made the Grand Final, Australia Cup Final and won promotion to the NPL, all of which Arthur has contributed to in a meaningful and positive way.
“While we want and expect more, Arthur has earnt the opportunity to continue to lead our Men’s program and deliver the success that our members and fans deserve.”
Melbourne’s vibrant Greek music scene is about to experience an unforgettable event as Estudiantina of Melbourne launches their debut album at Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday, March 9. As part of this year’s Brunswick Music Festival, this event, Journey to Rebetika, will celebrate the timeless and evocative sounds of Rebetika and Smyrneika, two musical traditions deeply rooted in Greek history and culture.
A Passionate Tribute to Greek Musical Heritage
Formed in January 2024, Estudiantina of Melbourne is more than just an ensemble – it is a dedicated group of musicians committed to preserving and reviving traditional Greek music. Specializing in Smyrneika—a genre shaped by Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian influences—the group brings a rich, authentic sound to Australian audiences. Their instrumentation, featuring the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of sounds that transport listeners to another era.
Beyond Smyrneika, Estudiantina of Melbourne also delves into Rebetiko, a poignant expression of urban Greek folk music. Originating from the working-class struggles of early 20th-century Greece, Rebetiko’s deeply moving melodies and lyrical storytelling resonate with themes of adversity, displacement, and resilience. The ensemble masterfully blends the traditional sounds of the bouzouki, baglama, and accordion, capturing the spirit of this genre with authenticity and passion.
Meet the Musicians
The group’s diverse and talented lineup includes:
Paul Karalis (bouzouki) – A lifelong musician inspired by family support and a passion for sharing Greek music with new generations.
Jenny Dixon (violin, viola) – A classically trained musician with an impressive career spanning major orchestras and folk ensembles.
Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (accordion, vocals) – A self-taught accordionist whose love for Rebetika was inspired by childhood memories of her yiayia’s singing.
Alex Petropoulos (vocals, violin) – A classically trained violinist turned Rebetiko enthusiast, deeply connected to Greek musical traditions.
Camille El Feghali (qanun, nay, mizmar, buzuq) – A multi-instrumentalist specializing in Middle Eastern maqam music, enriching the group’s sound with his vast experience.
Vagellis Ginis (vocals) – A seasoned Rebetiko performer from Athens with a career spanning Greece’s most renowned music venues.
Con Kalamaras (vocals, baglama, guitar) – A key figure in Melbourne’s Rebetiko scene, co-founder of the Melbourne Rebetiko Festival, and a passionate advocate for the genre.
The Cultural Heartbeat of Brunswick
Brunswick has long been a hub for Melbourne’s Greek community, serving as a cultural melting pot where Rebetika thrives. With its rich immigrant history, the suburb has fostered a deep connection to the music, with venues, festivals, and community events keeping these traditions alive. Journey to Rebetika at Brunswick Ballroom is not just an album launch – it is a cultural celebration that pays homage to the resilience and artistry of the Greek-Australian musical heritage.
This is a unique opportunity to experience the raw emotion and exquisite musicianship of Estudiantina of Melbourne as they take audiences on a journey through the heart and soul of Rebetika.
Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM Venue: Brunswick Ballroom Tickets: Get your tickets here
Be part of this unforgettable afternoon of music, history, and cultural celebration. Secure your tickets today and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Rebetika.
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac shared his thoughts, in a recent interview with Optus Sport, on the newly established National Second Division (NSD), highlighting the need for greater media and financial backing for the competition.
His remarks come as South Melbourne FC, one of Australia’s most historically significant Hellenic heritage football clubs, prepares to compete in the inaugural season of the NSD, set to begin in October 2025.
Kalac, who came through the ranks during the National Soccer League (NSL) era, expressed optimism about the NSD’s potential, emphasizing its importance in preserving and celebrating the nation’s football history.
“I think the concept is fantastic. I actually think it’s a very sellable product,” Kalac stated.
“I would love to watch Sydney United play South Melbourne. It recreates a bit of history. We try to walk away from history here in Australia, but history is important. This is a good way to start.”
His comments underscore the excitement surrounding the competition, which will feature several clubs with deep-rooted football legacies, including South Melbourne FC. The club, which has a storied past in Australian football and won multiple NSL championships, sees the NSD as a pathway to re-establishing itself on a national stage.
South Melbourne FC prepares for the National Second Division. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
However, Kalac also raised concerns about the challenges clubs may face in making the NSD sustainable and competitive. He pointed out that critical aspects such as travel costs, accommodation, and investment will play a significant role in ensuring the league’s success.
“We’ll see what the flights are like. We’ll see what accommodation is like. What’s it going to cost the clubs? You know, you’ve got to take it seriously. These clubs need to go into the B League and invest and try to win the B League. It’s got to be real,” he stressed.
A central theme of Kalac’s comments was the ongoing struggle for media and financial support in Australian football. He lamented the lack of recognition for clubs outside the A-League and reiterated the resilience of traditional football institutions despite the challenges they face.
“We are the most played sport in Australia. Where’s the media support? Where’s the financial support?” Kalac questioned.
“They still try to kick us in the guts, but we’re still there. We’re still there.”
His call for greater support resonates deeply with clubs like South Melbourne, which have long advocated for increased visibility. As one of the eight foundation clubs in the NSD, South Melbourne FC carries the weight of history and ambition, hoping to lead the resurgence of football at this level.
For South Melbourne and other participating clubs, the competition represents a long-awaited opportunity—but one that must be backed by tangible support if it is to thrive.
