A coroner has found that Christos Panagakos was responsible for the 2019 shooting death of his former partner, Ivona Jovanovic, at his Highland Park home on the Gold Coast.
According to ABC News, the 27-year-old was fatally wounded in the chest when a handgun discharged from inside a bag Panagakos was carrying as he tripped on a staircase.
The weapon was removed from the scene and never recovered.
Despite initially denying having a gun and claiming memory loss due to drug use, Coroner Donald MacKenzie said Panagakos’ version of events could “easily be rejected” and relied instead on a police statement from a witness at the scene, calling it the “most cogent and reliable” evidence.
Ivona Jovanovic. Photo: Facebook.
Panagakos was charged with manslaughter in 2021, but the case was later dropped.
While Coroner MacKenzie concluded the shooting was “essentially an accident” and did not meet the threshold for criminal negligence, he held Panagakos responsible.
The coroner also criticised several witnesses, including Panagakos’ mother, for giving misleading evidence.
He acknowledged the profound impact of Jovanovic’s death on her loved ones, saying, “Her death has had a devastating and lasting impact on her family and those close to her.”
Victorian Government frontbencher Steve Dimopoulos has defended the state’s $15 billion Metro Rail Tunnel project amid reports it will not be fully operational by the end of the year, as originally suggested.
Initial denials from the government were walked back after Nine newspapers reported that while some services will use the new nine-kilometre tunnels in 2025, peak-hour trains will continue to run via the City Loop until early 2026.
The delay is reportedly due to construction setbacks at the Town Hall and State Library stations.
Dimopoulos initially dismissed the report as “wrong” but later admitted it was “pre-emptive,” acknowledging that timetabling was still being finalised.
“We haven’t landed the timetable,” he said, promising further details later in the year.
Despite concerns, Dimopoulos downplayed commuter disappointment: “I don’t think people are going to be anything but overjoyed when they walk through those five stations.”
Victoria’s Liberal leader Brad Battin and Steve Dimopoulos MP clash over the new Metro Rail Tunnel.
He also criticised the article’s reliance on anonymous sources, stating, “Anonymity comes with a lack of responsibility.”
Dimopoulos rejected claims of a delay, saying the project was initially slated to open in late 2026. “It’ll be open by the end of this year, so it’s a year early,” he argued.
However, Opposition Leader Brad Battin criticised the lack of clarity, stating, “No one knows when it’s going to open, which stations, or how many trains will run.”
Commuter advocate Daniel Bowen echoed the public’s confusion, warning a partial opening would be “not ideal” and could complicate journeys.
Prominent Melbourne restaurateurs Chris Lucas and Nik Pouloupatis have joined a growing backlash against the Victorian government’s gas reforms, warning the policy could cripple small businesses and influence the next state election.
Thousands of restaurants are considering a one-day shutdown in protest of the plan to mandate fully electric systems in all new commercial buildings, including hospitality venues, from January 1, 2027.
The strike, organised by the Australian Restaurant and Café Association (ARCA), could cost the state up to $6 million in lost taxes.
Lucas, ARCA’s deputy chair, said the reforms posed a “serious threat” to the viability of the hospitality sector and could shape Premier Jacinta Allan’s political future.
“The next election will, in my view, be a referendum on these gas bans and our rights as citizens,” he said.
Pouloupatis, owner of Astoria Bar Ke Grill in South Yarra, said the shift to electric would strain tight margins and compromise traditional cooking methods.
“A lot of cuisines are heavily reliant on [gas], and probably won’t achieve the same flavours cooking over induction,” he said.
The government said it had consulted industry and had the support of the Australian Hotel Association, while noting that ARCA — mostly NSW-based — did not make a submission during the policy consultation.
With tensions in the Middle East making global headlines, many Greek Australians are wondering whether now is the right time to travel to Greece. To cut through the uncertainty, The Greek Herald spoke with veteran travel agent Denny Petritsis of Denny’s Travel in Earlwood, NSW.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience helping Aussies travel to Greece, Denny offers clear, practical advice for navigating travel in 2025 — from safe routes and delayed flights to flexible ticketing and peace of mind.
Denny and Helen Petritsis. Photo: Vasilis Vasilas.
Is it still safe to travel to Greece this summer? Are people changing plans because of the Middle East?
Absolutely, yes — Greece is open and ready to welcome travellers. We haven’t seen cancellations tied to the Middle East. In fact, more people are booking for August through October. Whether it’s Athens, the islands, or those charming villages, folks are still heading there and enjoying every minute.
What worries are Greek Australians telling you about visiting family or weddings this year?
Mostly, people want to know about flight paths and whether they might get stuck or miss their return flights — especially if they’re going for weddings or visiting older relatives. It’s a valid concern, but so far, everything in Greece is moving ahead without any hiccups. No cancelled weddings, no blocked travel.
How are flights affected right now, especially those going through the Middle East?
There have been some delays and reroutes, especially through Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Airlines are avoiding risky airspace and keeping travellers updated. It can be a bit inconvenient, but it’s not stopping people from getting to Greece.
Are there safer routes that don’t fly over the Middle East?
Yes — if you want to avoid Middle Eastern airspace altogether, we can book you through places like Singapore, Tokyo, or European hubs like Frankfurt, Zurich, or Rome. These routes connect nicely to Athens or Thessaloniki and keep you well clear of any trouble.
Have any clients been affected by cancellations or delays?
A handful, yes. Some travellers got turned away at the gate after getting their boarding passes, which caused missed connections and lost prepaid bookings. We helped them with rebooking and sorting insurance claims — it’s all about having someone to call when things go sideways.
What should people with bookings through Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi do now?
Stay on top of airline updates, watch the news, and keep in touch with your travel agent. We’re tracking everything closely and letting clients know straight away if anything major comes up.
If a layover gets cancelled or disrupted, what rights do travellers have?
It depends on the airline and your insurance. Airlines often offer accommodation or reroutes, but not always. Insurance policies vary widely, so read the fine print and talk to your agent before you travel.
Should travellers be careful about budget or non-flexible tickets right now?
Definitely. Cheap, non-refundable tickets can be a headache if plans change. I always recommend paying a bit more for flexible fares — it’s worth it for peace of mind and support if things go wrong.
What’s your advice when booking now?
Get travel insurance that covers delays and medical issues. Pick flexible tickets, especially if you fly through high-risk regions. Use a travel agent — we’re here to help before, during, and after your trip. And don’t pack your connections too tight — leave some breathing room.
How does this compare with other travel disruptions you’ve seen?
I’ve been through a lot — Gulf War, 9/11, volcanic ash clouds in 2010, Greece’s economic crisis, COVID-19, the Ukraine war — and Greece has always stayed safe and welcoming. Flights may shift, but travellers still get there. Having someone to guide you when plans change makes all the difference.
Final thoughts
Greece is still one of the best places on earth to visit in 2025. With good advice, some flexibility, and a little prep, Aussies can keep enjoying everything from summer holidays to those long-awaited family visits.
If you want to chat about your plans or need help booking, you can contact Denny Petritsis from Denny’s Travel (114 Wardell Road, Earlwood NSW 2206) at (02) 9559 5222 or at sales@dennystravel.com.au.
Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson has arrived at the monastic community of Mount Athos in northern Greece, where he is expected to stay for several days.
The 69-year-old is residing at the Serbian Hilandar Monastery and is reportedly participating in daily liturgical services, according to religious websites.
Gibson is said to have told monks, “I have never felt such a strong connection with God anywhere as here.”
Greek long jumper Miltiadis Tentoglou delivered a dominant performance at the European Team Championships in Madrid on Saturday, June 28, leaping a world-leading 8.46m to win the event and break his own championship record.
The two-time Olympic champion opened with 8.15m and soared to 8.46m on his second attempt, surpassing his previous record of 8.38m set in 2021.
He further impressed with an 8.44m jump in the fourth round. Sweden’s Thobias Montler finished second with 8.08m, followed by Italy’s Mattia Furlani (8.07m).
Tentoglou‘s performance was one of four championship records set on the penultimate day of competition, with Italy leading the overall standings with 290 points, ahead of Germany (266) and Poland (256.5).
One of the most prominent organisations of the Greek diaspora in Australia, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), held elections on Sunday, 29 June, to appoint a new Board of Directors — with Team Papastergiadis securing a resounding victory.
The vote took place at the premises of Alphington Grammar School, with member participation considered highly satisfactory — a reflection of the ongoing discussions and concerns about the future of the Community.
A total of 314 members voted, with 15 ballots deemed invalid by the Electoral Committee. Team Papastergiadis achieved a stunning result, receiving just under 90% of the total vote.
Several members of the previous Board were re-elected, including Nikos Dallas who topped the poll with 299 votes. He was followed by other board members such as Vicky Kyritsis, Spiridoula Demetriou, Michael Karamitos, and current GCM President Bill Papastergiadis.
The executive positions of the new Board are expected to be officially determined within two weeks.
This year’s election comes at a time of heightened interest among community members in the future direction of the Greek Community of Melbourne, with a particular focus on preserving cultural identity, encouraging youth involvement, and strategically repositioning the organisation within an ever-evolving multicultural environment.
Results of the election:
Nick Dallas – 299
Vicki Kyritsis – 298
Spiridoula Demetriou – 297
Michael Karamitos – 297
Nick Koukouvitakis – 297
Tass Sgardelis – 297
Anthie Sidiropoulos – 297
Jim Bossinakis – 296
Mena Giannellis – 296
Stella Moschos – 296
Dora Papamakarios – 296
Marinis Pirpiris – 295
Chris Sikavitsas – 295
Simela Stamatopoulos – 294
Sophia Siachos – 294
Bill Papastergiadis – 292
Leonidas Vlahakis – 291
Helene Hiotis – 289
Manuel Tsirmiris – 285
Peter Diakrousis – 42
Ange Kenos – 37
Declared on behalf of the Electoral Committee: George Kallianis (election day chair), Christos Kalavretinos, Vasilios Tsalkos, Emanuel Starakis, Christos Papadopoulos, Panagiota Dimitropoulos, Vasilios Sapoutsis, Tina Veloff and Kostas Tsoumbakos.
The case centres on OPEKEPE, the Greek agency responsible for distributing EU farming subsidies, which is accused of processing fraudulent land leases and declarations to divert millions of euros to non-existent farmland.
The fraud reportedly occurred between 2019 and 2022, with subsidy applications totalling €705 million despite only €298 million being available for organic farming during that period.
Την 19-6-2025, μόλις ανακοινώθηκε η διαβίβαση της σχετικής δικογραφίας περί «ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ» στην Εισαγγελία του Αρείου Πάγου και χωρίς να έχω δει το περιεχόμενό της, δήλωσα ότι ουδέν επιλήψιμο έχω πράξει. Χθες διαβάστηκε η δικογραφία στην Βουλή και έλαβα γνώση της δικογραφίας.…
The resignations include Migration Minister Makis Voridis, Deputy Foreign Minister Tassos Hadjivassiliou, Deputy Minister for Rural Development and Food Dionysis Stamenitis, and Deputy Minister for Digital Governance Christos Boukoros—all previously linked to the agriculture ministry.
Wiretapped conversations revealed attempts to pressure investigators and remove Popi Papandreou, the EU prosecutor’s representative in Athens, who helped uncover the scheme alongside Chief EU Prosecutor Laura Kovesi.
In response, the Greek government has dissolved OPEKEPE and transferred its functions to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) in coordination with the European Commission.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis admitted to government failings, stating, “We failed… The dialogues now coming to light cause indignation and outrage.”
Mitsotakis stressed a need to “cleanse the rot” and pledged that any recipients of illicit EU funds would be required to repay them.
He condemned clientelist practices and warned that “we cannot tolerate behaviours that are reminiscent of transactions for a few votes.”
Separately, the European Commission fined Greece €415 million for the mismanagement of agricultural aid between 2016 and 2023, also linked to OPEKEPE.
Rural Development Minister Kostas Tsiaras confirmed the financial burden would fall on Greek taxpayers.
Greece is experiencing extreme temperatures nearing 40°C as the first major heatwave of the summer grips the country, prompting wildfires, evacuation orders, and emergency health measures.
A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing authorities to evacuate nearby areas and shut down the coastal road to Sounion, home to the historic Temple of Poseidon.
The fire comes as much of southern Europe also endures severe heat, with conditions exacerbated by strong winds and dry vegetation.
On Friday, Greek authorities imposed a ban on outdoor work for builders and delivery staff between 9.00 am and 2.00 pm GMT, while urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel.
Photo: Alexandros Vlachos / EPA.
Air-conditioned community centres were opened for the elderly. “We have a really nice temperature in here,” said 80-year-old Maro Marneri at one such facility in Athens.
As tourists also struggled with the conditions at major sites, experts warn the Mediterranean country is facing increasingly intense and prolonged heat waves due to climate change.
A Lancet Public Health study has forecast that heat-related deaths in Europe could triple by the end of the century, with southern countries like Greece among the most affected.
Last year was the hottest on record globally, contributing to extreme weather disasters that caused over $300 billion in damages.
Federal MP for Riverina Michael McCormack has called on the Albanese government to urgently support regional universities after Charles Sturt University (CSU) announced staff cuts to address a $35 million budget shortfall.
According to ABC News,the university, with campuses in six regional NSW towns, including Wagga Wagga and Bathurst, cited a sharp decline in international student enrolments — now at just 10% of 2019 levels — as the main cause of the financial strain.
CSU Vice-Chancellor Renée Leon said the drop was a direct result of federal government policies limiting international student numbers.
“In Charles Sturt’s case, international students cross-subsidise students from regional, rural and remote locations,” she said.
“The simple truth… is that international student revenue pays for domestic students and research and, by extension, jobs at universities.”
McCormack warned of broader consequences: “The ripple effect will be like a tsunami across those regional economies,” he said.
“We can’t just have the metropolitan sandstone universities educating the best and brightest of our young people.”
He said he had written to Education Minister Jason Clare demanding urgent policy and funding support: “Now is the time for action.”
Union representative Dr Anna Corbo Crehan criticised CSU for a lack of transparency, saying staff were “stuck in a crushing limbo.”
The university joins others across the sector — including the University of Wollongong — in cutting jobs due to the international student downturn.
