The AO Legends’ Cup has begun on an entertaining note Australia’s Mark Philippoussis and Pat Rafter faced off against international duo Marcos Baghdatis and Tommy Haas in a doubles match.
Tension flared early in the first set when Haas, irritated by Philippoussis‘ banter, deliberately served at the Australian net man.
“Shut up Tommy, I’m not talking to you,” Philippoussis responded, narrowly avoiding the powerful serve to the delight of the crowd.
The match, filled with lively exchanges, concluded with Cypriot Baghdatis and Germany’s Haas edging out Philippoussis and Rafter 7-5, 6-4 in a tightly contested round 1 men’s doubles match at Rod Laver Arena.
Tourism from Australia to Greece has shown a strong recovery, with Australian visitors staying longer and spending more than other overseas markets.
In the period from 2019 to 2023, the number of Australian arrivals dropped slightly from 339,000 in 2019 to 289,000 in 2023, but the total receipts increased significantly from €371 million to €460 million.
Photo: AAP via EPA / Alexandros Beltes.
Australian tourists have the longest average stay, spending more than 12 days in Greece, well above the global average of 7 nights.
Their per capita expenditure in 2023 reached €1,594.4, much higher than other nationalities. Popular destinations include Attica, where many Australian visitors flock to explore.
Greek tourism has also been buoyed by strong performances from other long-haul markets like the US and China, with overall international interest helping restore the country’s tourism sector after pandemic restrictions.
South Melbourne, Box Hill and Port Melbourne Sharks thrilled fans with action-packed performances that showcased the passion and skill of the competition. From commanding victories to nail-biting battles, the matches delivered excitement and left spectators wanting more as teams fought for a place in the quarterfinals.
South Melbourne cruised to a commanding 4-1 victory over Kingston City, reaffirming their position as strong contenders. Leading the charge was their star striker, Tobi, who delivered a stellar performance with a brace. Tobi gave South Melbourne an early lead with a composed finish around the keeper, setting the tone for the match.
By halftime, South Melbourne had established a dominant 3-0 advantage. Although Kingston City lifted their game in the second half and pulled one back with a spectacular goal to make it 3-1, Tobi struck again to seal the victory.
In contrast to South Melbourne’s commanding display, Box Hill’s victory over Bentleigh Cobras was a tighter, more tactical affair. Box Hill claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win in a match filled with tension and defensive grit.
The Cobras thought they had taken the lead in the first half when their number 13 found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled offside. Despite their solid defensive work, they struggled to contain Box Hill’s relentless pressure. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Box Hill capitalised on a quick counterattack to score.
The second half was equally intense, with the Cobras gaining momentum and creating several chances. However, Box Hill’s disciplined defence held firm, securing a vital win.
Meanwhile, the Port Melbourne Sharks faced a spirited challenge from Keon Park in another gripping contest. The Sharks delivered an impressive 3-1 victory in a game brimming with quality football and dramatic moments.
Despite being short-staffed, Keon Park displayed remarkable resilience and determination throughout the game. The Sharks, however, showcased their attacking flair early on, taking a 2-0 lead into halftime through sharp play on the wings.
Keon Park fought back valiantly in the second half, with their number 10 scoring a crucial goal to narrow the deficit. They came close to an equaliser but were ultimately undone by Port Melbourne’s youthful energy and squad depth, which saw the Sharks add a third goal late in the game.
These matches delivered unforgettable moments and set the stage for more excitement in the Greek Community Cup. South Melbourne and Port Melbourne Sharks advance confidently, while Box Hill’s fate hinges on upcoming results.
For competition details, full fixture and results check out www.greekcup.com.au
Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas has seen a surge in high-end dining demand, with caviar sales “through the roof” at his recently opened Maison Batard on Bourke Street.
Despite economic uncertainty, Lucas has opened three new venues in just three months, including Mediterranean restaurant Carlotta in Canberra and Japanese-inspired Tombo Den in Melbourne.
“All our new restaurants are trading very well, demonstrating that people are still prepared to go out, and new restaurants are exciting,” Lucas said.
His Canberra venture, Carlotta, has exceeded expectations, highlighting the strong appetite for premium dining experiences.
Lucas Restaurants’ growth contrasts with tougher conditions for mid-tier establishments, which are struggling with rising costs. However, the top-end of the market, including Lucas’ offerings, continues to attract diners willing to spend on memorable experiences.
Skopelos is unlike most Greek islands. This is not a cliché, but a fact you can only truly understand by visiting the island yourself.
Known for its natural beauty, Skopelos, unlike its neighbour Skiathos, hasn’t been affected by ‘overtourism.’
The island is perhaps best known as the backdrop of the blockbuster musical movie Mamma Mia! (2008), with many of its outdoor scenes filmed there. The beautiful beach of Kastani is the jewel that the producers chose for the scene where the character Tanya sings “Does Your Mother Know?”. It’s also where the characters Sky and Sophie sing “Lay All Your Love on Me.”
There’s a rumour that the producers visited 21 Greek islands before selecting Skopelos as their island of choice.
According to Nancy Tsirona, a local travel creator, Skopelos is not just a famous movie set—it’s paradise on earth.
“Skopelos gained international acclaim when Hollywood chose it to shoot Mamma Mia!, but to me, it’s more than that—it’s a small earthly paradise,” says Nancy, who runs the blog Skopelos Island and has lived there for over ten years.
Talking about tourism last year, Nancy observed it was “generally the same as 2023.”
“Unfortunately, most tourists are quite restrained with their spending, which I think is understandable given current global instability. They might still splurge on a nice hotel, but they’re not dining out as much,” she says.
Even though not accessible by air, it was reported that Skopelos had occupancy rates of 85-90% in August 2024. Municipal Tourism Councillor George Papadavid attributed this to the island’s diverse visitor markets.
“2024 has been a challenging year for both travellers and tourism professionals across many Greek destinations. Besides Greece, our visitors during the peak season primarily come from the UK, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Italy, France, and Germany,” George says.
Recently, the island has seen an influx of French tourists. According to Generation Voyage, a French website, Skopelos was ranked as the most beautiful among Greece’s six most picturesque film locations. The site highlighted the iconic church of Saint John (Agios Giannis) at Kastri, perched on a rocky islet with a breathtaking panorama of the Aegean.
Nancy also mentioned that Skopelos gets many repeat visitors.
“People from all over the world visit every year. They’ve fallen in love with the island, and they keep coming back,” she says.
Nancy recommends outdoor activities as the best way to experience the island’s beauty.
“Visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Skopelos’ beaches, go hiking, dive at the Christoforos Shipwreck, and take in the natural scenery,” she says.
Skopelos is also ideal for those seeking a quiet sanctuary to relax.
“If visitors are looking for a peaceful place where they can discover the unspoilt beauty of our island paradise, this is the place for them,” Nancy adds.
Regarding overtourism, which plagues most of the more popular Greek islands like Santorini, Skopelos has remained largely unaffected. Nancy believes this is why the island has maintained its natural beauty over the years.
Peri, a visitor to Skopelos in August 2024, spoke to TheGreek Herald about his experience on the island. He explained that while the Mamma Mia! film highlights many aspects of Skopelos, it doesn’t do the island justice, as there’s so much more to explore.
“There are many beaches to discover, the food is fresh, and the people are friendly. The water is heavenly—very calm—and the views from any of the beaches are serene. The way the sun reflects off the water, the temperature of the water, the crystal clarity, and the view of the other islands and the mainland make you feel like you’re in another world compared to the concrete cities we live in,” Peri says.
Peri also shares why he chose the island for his vacation.
“Skopelos is a ‘less touristy’ island compared to Mykonos, Crete, and Paros. It offers a more laid-back approach to Greek island holidays, where time moves slowly,” he explains.
“Many tourists travel to the island every year for their summer vacation, and it’s easy to make friends with them. You don’t feel the congestion of tourism that other islands have, which is why tourists on Skopelos are often return visitors.”
As we’ve discovered, Skopelos offers a unique Greek island experience. This peaceful spot in the Sporades is perfect for enjoying Greek hospitality and sunshine, even if it doesn’t have the same trendy appeal as some of the other Greek islands.
Find out more about Skopelos and things to do here and here.
Eirini Alligiannis, a Greek Australian artist celebrated for her work in photography and filmmaking, is set to showcase her latest project, Art on the Wall, in Sydney. This marks her first solo exhibition in over a decade and follows the highly successful launch of her book in New York.
Known for her internationally award-winning documentary Louie (KR.ONE) Gasparro: 5POINTZ and her dedication to preserving the vibrancy of graffiti and street art, Alligiannis invites audiences to explore her artistic journey through this stunning collection.
The exhibition will debut at The Shop Gallery in Glebe on January 31, 2025.
‘Art on the Wall’ book flatplan.
“It feels amazing and nerve-wracking at the same time,” says Alligiannis about her return to solo exhibitions. “It’s been such a long time, and my style and work have changed so much over the years.”
Reflecting on her artistic evolution, Alligiannis notes, “My first solo show included paintings, printmaking, and a section of photography. Over the years, my focus has shifted entirely to photography. The medium has definitely changed, but the subject matter has evolved too. My work now focuses more on street art and graffiti, capturing the raw essence of urban creativity.”
The New York Launch
Earlier this year, Alligiannis launched Art on the Wall in New York, an event that exceeded her expectations. “It was amazing! Initially, it wasn’t planned to include a book signing, but it all came together when Louie Gasparro, the subject of my documentary Louie (KR.ONE) Gasparro: 5POINTZ, had an exhibition at a gallery. The gallery owner suggested I launch my book there as well. The feedback was incredible. I was nervous about how graffiti artists would react, as their work is so personal, but Louie reassured me, and the response exceeded my expectations.”
Eirini Alligiannis during her trip to New York.
The Inspiration Behind the Book
The roots of Art on the Wall trace back to 2013, when Alligiannis was documenting the vibrant graffiti culture at 5POINTZ in Queens, New York. “Back in 2013, I shot a documentary about Louie Gasparro and the iconic graffiti mecca 5POINTZ in Queens, New York.
My roommate at the time, Ze Motion, a professional breakdance, told me the building was about to be demolished, and we decided to photograph it to preserve its memory. Those photos became the foundation for this book.”
Screenshot
Sadly, the iconic building was painted over just days before its demolition.
“A few days before the demolition, they painted over all the murals in white paint, effectively erasing the vibrant art that once covered the building. It was heartbreaking, but it also made me realize how important it is to document and preserve graffiti and street art.”
When asked about her favorite piece in the book, Alligiannis reflects on the image chosen for the cover. “The cover photo is my favorite. It was the first photo I took for the book with Ze Motion. He spotted this stunning piece with a green background and hands, and before I knew it, he jumped into the frame. I started shooting nonstop and caught him mid-air.”
Video creator and Youtuber Brett Conti enjoys a sneak preview of the book in NYC.
As she prepares for her Sydney exhibition, Alligiannis is already looking toward future opportunities. “Right now, the book is available at MoMA’s PS1 bookstore in Queens, which is a huge milestone for me. I’m also hoping to take the exhibition to Miami and collaborate with the Museum of Graffiti there. I’m excited to see where these collaborations lead me. My process is very organic—I love working with other creatives and letting things evolve naturally, much like how this book came together.”
This Sydney exhibition is just the beginning for Australian audiences. “For now, the focus is on the Sydney exhibition, but I’m open to exploring opportunities in other states. Let’s see what happens!” With her book and exhibition, Alligiannis hopes to inspire audiences to see the beauty and significance of street art. “I hope this book and exhibition inspire people to see the beauty and significance of street art. It’s more than just art on walls; it’s a cultural archive, a snapshot of creativity and community.”
Eirini with Coke La Rock (L) rapper from New York City who is sometimes credited as being the first MC in the history of hip-hop.
Event Details:
What: Book Launch and Photography Exhibition – Art on the Wall by Eirini Alligiannis
When: Friday, January 31, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Where: The Shop Gallery, 112 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW 2037
Join Eirini Alligiannis at The Shop Gallery in Glebe for an evening of art, inspiration, and storytelling. Don’t miss this chance to experience Art on the Wall and celebrate the vibrant world of street art through her lens.
Brisbane Roar have secured the services of 19-year-old forward Nathan Amanatidis on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The talented Young Socceroos striker joins from Sydney FC, where he made 14 A-League appearances, scoring once in this season’s AFC Champions League.
Amanatidis, who can play as a winger or forward, began his career in Adelaide United’s youth system before moving to Sydney FC. He gained significant attention for his performances with the Joeys at the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, where Australia reached the quarter-finals.
The young attacker also featured in the 2024 Panda Cup, helping the Young Socceroos go undefeated to win the tournament.
“I’m thrilled to be signing with a fantastic club like Brisbane, known for its rich history in the A-League,” said Amanatidis.
“I’m eager to create something special with the club and its fans. One of my main goals is to secure a spot in the starting 11, contributing with goals and assists, while helping the team achieve victories and compete for silverware.”
Amanatidis, who will wear the number 17 jersey, is available for selection in Brisbane’s upcoming A-League match against Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday.
Many Greeks shudder when they hear the word ‘proxenio’ (matchmaking). Visions of arranged marriages or being forced on an awkward date with a friend might spring to mind.
While the matchmaking tradition may not be as common today, it still appears in various forms in our dating world.
Many opt to swipe left or right on dating apps rather than meet people ‘naturally.’ Dating apps can be an easier option and may remove the uncertainty that can occur during in-person interactions.
When there may not be a friend or a family member taking on the role of ‘matchmaker’ and setting you up on a date, dating apps like Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble become the matchmaker. They use algorithms designed to pair people with similar interests, goals, and ultimately based on whether they find each other attractive. It might not be an arranged marriage, but it is certainly a modern interpretation of the proxenio.
NYC-based personalised matchmaking service Agape Match is led by CEO and matchmaker Maria Avgitidis. Having built quite a social media presence, Maria—better known as ‘Matchmaker Maria’—gives daily dating advice to her followers and each Wednesday answers personal questions sent in by them.
Maria describes herself as having “successfully combined four generations of family matchmaking tradition with modern relationship techniques.” Having come from a long line of matchmakers, her matchmaking skills are used by people in the NYC Metropolitan Area. Agape Match’s website shares they are proud they have a “success rate of 93%.”
Agape Match removes the mystery behind dating and helps match couples based on personality traits and compatibility. With services like this available, as well as other dating apps where people can take their dating lives into their own hands (with the help of the algorithm of course), matchmaking now presents itself in all shapes and forms.
Matchmaking caught Melbourne couple Carissa and Nikola K. by surprise when a mutual family friend played matchmaker and organised for them to meet. They have been together for 10 years and married for five. Here’s their story, told from Carissa’s perspective:
“My Godmother, who was also friends with Nikola, had a Godmother’s intuition that we would be a good match! … My Godmother showed me a video that she captured of Nikola chanting a hymn on a parish bus outing (yes, as in church-chanting) and I was left somehow blushing and intrigued. Nikola was also left interested by the image my Godmother showed him of me…
On my 18th birthday… my Godmother organised to meet me in the city for brunch. Low and behold, without providing me with much more than a few hours’ notice, she also invited my future-husband Nikola to the brunch! As I tapped off my Myki at Flinders Street Station and met them both under the clocks, it was surprisingly obvious to us both that we had an immediate connection. So much so, that my Godmother left us both within 30 minutes of breakfast as she ended up third-wheeling us both. The rest is history!”
Referring to the idea of the proxenio, Carissa and Nikola said that “the tradition of the proxenio has been looked down upon by the modern generation for obvious reasons—namely that it seems old-fashioned, and… soon-to-be-married couples were not provided with the opportunity to meet or date one another before the wedding day.”
Carissa and Nikola hope their love story is a “testament to the fact that the ‘proxenio’ concept in the modern day is still possible and has its place, especially when the mutual friend of both parties has the best interests in mind for the couple.”
Matchmaking through dating apps removes the mutual connection of meeting through friends or family.
Carissa shared how “the proxenio process can personalise the connection. It’s real, potentially safer, will be less likely to create instances of catfishing.”
The modern day proxenio and matchmaking through friends and family means the person you might be set up with is known to your loved ones, who have presumably already checked that they are interested in developing a relationship.
Carissa said “what’s better than getting to know someone who you already know is trustworthy, potentially good-looking and has similar family values?”
While we have come quite a long way from arranged marriages and the traditional forms of the proxenio, there are hidden ways the matchmaking tradition remains in our society. For some, the thought of a “nouna” getting involved in their love life may be a nightmare, for others it can set the stage for bliss. And then there are many who are happy to sit on their couch, swiping left or right based on a hairstyle.
Whether you have help from a robot or an enthusiastic family member, matchmaking can spark a new beginning.
South Australia is home to some of the country’s most affluent families, many of whom have made their mark through generations of wealth, property investments, and successful family businesses. These families have shaped Adelaide’s landscape, from its leafy suburbs to its iconic street signs, and are renowned for their luxury lifestyles.
Among the most prominent is the Angelopoulos family, who run the Duke Group of Companies. Founded in the 1970s by Chris Angelopoulos, the family has built a substantial property portfolio, including commercial spaces on King William Road, Unley Road, and Rundle Mall.
SA businessman Constantine (Con) Polites.
Another key player is the Polites family. Known for the signature blue-and-white signs throughout Adelaide’s CBD, Constantine George Polites rose from humble beginnings in Port Pirie. After a series of ventures, including real estate, Polites’ legacy lives on in the family’s expansive property holdings, following his death in 2001.
Fitness mogul Kayla Itsines, co-owner of the Sweat fitness app, has also joined the ranks of South Australia’s wealthiest. As of June 2023, Itsines’ net worth is reported at $165 million. Her rise to fame began in 2009 when she started posting client transformations on Instagram, leading to the global success of Sweat, which she co-founded with ex-partner Tobi Pearce.
These families, along with others, embody the old-money elite of Adelaide, contributing to the city’s status as a hub for property moguls and successful entrepreneurs.
The renewed international dialogue is partly attributed to Italy, especially Sicily, which played a key role in 2022 by returning the Fagan Fragment, a piece of the Parthenon’s eastern frieze, to Greece.
The fragment, previously held in the Salinas Museum in Palermo, was returned through direct negotiations between Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Acropolis Museum Director Nikolaos Stampolidis, and the Salinas Museum’s then-director Caterina Greco.
Photo: Jeff Overs / BBC.
Alberto Samonà, former cultural heritage adviser to the Sicilian regional government, who spearheaded the return of the fragment, expressed confidence in the future return of the Parthenon Marbles.
“The day when the Parthenon Sculptures will finally return to Athens is approaching,” he said.
“Thanks to our initiative, the international conversation about returning the sculptures has gained new momentum.”
Samonà emphasised the importance of international cooperation in cultural matters, stating, “The path we must follow, in a world full of conflicts and divisions, is precisely international cooperation and partnership in the name of culture, which always carries a message of dialogue and peace.”
