Members of the Hellenic Presidential Guard — the iconic Evzones — paid a formal visit to the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney this week as part of their official program in Australia for Anzac Day commemorations.
The visit took place at the Consulate’s Martin Place offices, where they were warmly received by staff on behalf of the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Ioannis Mallikourtis.
In a statement, the Consulate wrote: “It was with great pleasure that we welcomed today, at the premises of the Consulate General of Greece, Sydney, members of the 🇬🇷 Presidential Guard, the iconic Evzones, currently in town for the commemorations surrounding Anzac Day.”
The visit was a symbolic moment in the Evzones’ itinerary, underscoring the strong diplomatic, cultural and historical ties between Greece and Australia. Representing honour, discipline and national pride, the Evzones’ presence in Sydney has drawn admiration across multiple events this week — from commemorative ceremonies to official receptions.
The Consulate extended its gratitude for the honour of hosting the Evzones, who are in Australia as part of a broader program organised in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and Greek-Australian community organisations. Their visit includes appearances in Sydney and Adelaide.
The presence of the Evzones in Australia continues to serve as a living connection between Hellenes abroad and the traditions of the Greek homeland — particularly during events like Anzac Day, where shared histories of service and sacrifice are remembered.
Former KPMG dealmaker turned Sydney pub baron Jon Adgemis is seeking another extension on a $1 million repayment to former staff and property managers, having only partially met his latest deadline.
According to The Australian, Adgemis has paid just $400,000 of the $1 million promised under a debt rescue deal, with a further $6.7 million due in September.
A spokesperson confirmed he is “currently in the process of agreeing to a short extension for the balance” with administrators BDO.
The repayment deal is part of a broader rescue package for Public Hospitality, Adgemis’ once-sprawling empire of 20+ pubs and venues across Sydney and Melbourne.
Despite ongoing renovations to five key sites, lenders have imposed strict oversight via McGrathNicol, controlling cashflow and requiring approval for all spending.
Meanwhile, The Australian Financial Review reports that Adgemis faces a separate $26 million bankruptcy claim from Monaco-based Richard Gazal, after losing a key court battle.
A bankruptcy petition was filed this week, and a dispute with La Trobe Financial could see Adgemis and his family evicted from a multimillion-dollar home in Rose Bay.
WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has accused the Labor government of misleading the public over its domestic violence GPS tracking policy, citing internal letters that warned the system was not viable outside Perth.
He challenged Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia in Parliament over why he had publicly insisted tracking was possible statewide, despite warnings from the Commissioner that it wasn’t.
In response, Papalia presented updated advice to the ABC stating that electronic monitoring is now suitable in more cases, with additional bail conditions recommended where necessary.
Police Minister Reece Whitby defended the policy, saying: “Western Australians are safer because of these laws and because of this technology,” while accusing the opposition of “undermining and scaring” the community.
Today, 2 May at 1:30 pm, the Evzones will take part in a Guard of Honour Ceremony at the Martin Place Cenotaph, offering a solemn moment of reflection in recognition of the sacrifices made by Australian and Greek servicemen and women — particularly those who fought side by side in the Greek and Cretan campaigns of World War II.
The commemorations continue on Saturday, 3 May at 1:30 pm, with the ANZAC Memorial Ceremony at Hyde Park — the flagship event of the week. The moving tribute will feature a ceremonial march and flag-raising at the ANZAC Memorial. The Evzones will march from Elizabeth Street to the Memorial, representing the proud military tradition of Greece. Attendees are encouraged to bring their Greek flags and show their support.
Both ceremonies are a unique opportunity to honour shared history, celebrate cultural pride, and stand in unity with the Evzones and the wider Greek Australian community.
Before they depart for Greece, the Evzones will also take part in a Doxology and Community Gathering at St. Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church, Parramatta tonight from 7.30pm, as well as a Church Service and Wreath-Laying at the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah on Sunday, 4 May from 9.30am. There will also be a church service at the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Belmore and District “All Saints” on Sunday, May 4.
The proud march of the Hellenic Presidential Guard — the Evzones — into the Hellenic Club of Sydney was met with solemn silence on Thursday, May 1, as over 200 guests stood in reverence for the elite ceremonial unit. The silence was symbolic — a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in war, and of the enduring friendship between Greece and Australia.
The luncheon honoured the contribution of Greek Australians to the ANZAC legacy, with a particular emphasis on the bonds forged between the two nations during both World Wars.
The attendees enjoyed the luncheon. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Master of Ceremonies Peter Raptis welcomed the crowd and paid tribute to the significance of the event.
“We are very fortunate today to not only have the Hellenic Presidential Guard with us, but also the following dignitaries,” he said, acknowledging key guests such as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, His Excellency Antonis Sammoutis, and the Greek Consul General in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
“This special gathering is dedicated to celebrating the bravery, history and traditions upheld by the Evzones — the proud guardians of Greece’s heritage.”
Master of Ceremonies Peter Raptis.
Mr Raptis also announced the launch of the Hellenic Club Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and thanked Peter Andrews and George Thomas who were the founders of the original Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Vice President of the Hellenic Club of Sydney, Bill Kritharas, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the historical significance of the event and the venue.
“We’re honoured to have the Hellenic Presidential Guard with us this afternoon, and we’re delighted that this event has been hosted once again at the Hellenic Club,” Mr Kritharas said.
“With your presence here, you help unite and reunite our community… We are particularly proud as a community when you are here, and we can see the pride on the faces of the members of our Hellenic Australian community and the Greeks in the diaspora.”
Vice President of the Hellenic Club of Sydney, Bill Kritharas.
Lieutenant Ioannis Kontogiannis of the Presidential Guard gave a stirring account of the Evzones’ legacy, their exacting training, and the symbolism behind their traditional uniform.
“When the Evzones go on duty, they walk on a specific path called ‘tsarochodromos,’ stamping their right foot down to let our ancestors hear that we’re still alive and free. They never abandon this path, no matter the obstacles in their way,” Lieutenant Kontogiannis said.
Lieutenant Ioannis Kontogiannis of the Presidential Guard gave a stirring account of the Evzones’ legacy and their traditional uniforms.
This was followed by a ceremonial gift exchange, with the Commander of the Presidential Guard Michalis Tzinieris presenting a commemorative plaque to the Hellenic Club. Mr Kritharas reciprocated with a gift to Commander Tzinieris on behalf of the community, marking the moment with a warm gesture of unity and shared pride.
Commodore John Stavridis of the Royal Australian Navy delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the enduring Hellenic-Australian friendship, dating back to the ANZACs’ landing at Lemnos in 1915 and again during the Battle of Crete in 1941.
“‘Here we bloody well are, and here we bloody well stay’ — that was the uniquely Australian version of ‘Molon Labe,’” he said to emotional applause, in reference to the courage of Australian troops who delayed advancing German forces in Greece.
Commodore John Stavridis of the Royal Australian Navy.
His Excellency Mr Sammoutis offered a heartfelt reflection on the symbolic role of the Evzones in Greek national memory.
“As a six-year-old kid, I couldn’t understand why me and my parents and my brothers and my sister had to spend two days on a boat to sail from Cyprus to Greece,” he shared. “That was because my mum wanted to show us the two holiest places for the Greek people — the Acropolis and Syntagma, where the Presidential Guard stands.”
He also recounted how for decades the word “Cyprus” was absent from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, finally added only 30 years after his first visit.
“I went back to the very place, and I was standing for minutes reading ‘Cyprus, the Battle of Cyprus.’ This is the battle that’s still not over,” Mr Sammoutis said.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis.Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Consul General Mr Mallikourtis spoke candidly about his evolving understanding of Greek Australian identity.
“When I arrived, I was more romantic, then I started to be annoyed that no one spoke Greek… then I started to understand more or less what it means to be Greek Australian. It is primarily to be an Australian citizen of Greek descent, to be able to combine both worlds, to be proud of both countries,” the Consul General said.
Closing out the event was guest speaker Jennifer Gorry, who gave a personal tribute to her father’s involvement in the Greek campaign during the Second World War.
The luncheon served not only as a commemorative occasion but also as a moving celebration of unity, shared history, and national identity — a tribute to the Greek and Australian people’s shared values of liberty, democracy, and resilience, forged in war and honoured in peace.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The eastern Aegean island of Lesvos has been placed under a one-month state of emergency as water reserves drop to critical levels.
The decision affects the municipalities of Mytilene and Western Lesvos and is aimed at cutting through bureaucratic delays to fast-track urgent water-saving infrastructure and emergency measures.
Rainfall on the island has plummeted from 22 inches last year to just 16 inches this year—figures described as among the worst on record. Regions such as Plomari, Polichnitos, and Mytilene are experiencing the most severe shortages.
Lesvos is in a state of emergency for one month. Photo: visitgreece.gr.
The water crisis has sparked alarm among agricultural and tourism sectors, with olive growers particularly hard-hit and currently receiving no compensation.
Local officials are now rolling out initiatives such as the installation of water-saving equipment in schools, public showers, and municipal buildings, as well as the identification of non-potable water sources for agricultural and firefighting use. Awareness campaigns will target both residents and tourists.
Western Lesvos Mayor Taxiarchis Verros said he moved quickly after being briefed by DEYAL, adding that essential works were needed before the tourist season.
Convicted murderer James Vlassakis, one of the perpetrators in the infamous Snowtown “bodies-in-the-barrels” case, has formally applied for release on parole, the South Australian Parole Board has confirmed to ABC.
Vlassakis, now in his mid-40s, was just 19 when he became involved in the serial killings, which took place between 1992 and 1999 and were among the worst in Australia’s history.
He was found guilty of four murders but received a reduced non-parole period of 26 years due to his cooperation with authorities, which was pivotal in securing convictions against ringleaders John Bunting and Robert Wagner.
Frances Nelson has said prisoners with life sentences have their case reviewed by the parole board annually. Photo: ABC News/Lincoln Rothall.
Frances Nelson KC, Chair of the Parole Board, confirmed that a hearing for Vlassakis’ application is at least eight weeks away. His image remains suppressed under court orders.
The case gained notoriety after police discovered the remains of victims in six plastic barrels stored in a disused bank vault in Snowtown in May 1999. Many victims were known personally to the killers.
Victims’ Rights Commissioner Sarah Quick said she had consulted with affected families and made a submission to the board regarding the parole application.
Last year, fellow accomplice Mark Ray Haydon was released after serving 25 years, under strict conditions including electronic monitoring, a curfew, and restrictions on contact with co-offenders and victims’ families.
Greece’s ruling New Democracy party is under mounting pressure following claims that a politically linked communications agency, Blue Skies, served as a covert propaganda and funding arm for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government.
The allegations, reported by Politico, suggest Blue Skies — a lesser-known spin-off of the public relations giant V+O — paid salaries to over a dozen individuals simultaneously holding senior roles within New Democracy. Critics say this amounts to “shadow financing” and accuse the firm of orchestrating online disinformation campaigns, including attacks on grieving families of the 2023 Tempi rail disaster.
“This is an extreme institutional aberration that undermines democracy,” said New Left MP Nasos Iliopoulos, pointing to claims that public money may have indirectly funded these efforts.
The allegations, reported by Politico, suggest Blue Skies paid salaries to over a dozen individuals simultaneously holding senior roles within New Democracy.
Among those reportedly involved are Minister of Labour Domna Michailidou, Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis, and Thanasis Bakolas, outgoing Secretary General of the European People’s Party. Kyranakis confirmed he worked at the agency from 2016 to 2019 while also serving as New Democracy’s deputy spokesman, insisting he was “a normal employee who paid taxes normally.”
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis rejected the accusations as “a relic of science fiction,” stating, “In New Democracy, a position in the party is not a job… We want more professionals involved in political life.”
Blue Skies denied any wrongdoing, claiming the hiring of politically experienced staff is routine and that the company does not police the private social media activities of its employees.
The opposition, including PASOK, Syriza, and the New Left, are calling for an urgent judicial investigation. Syriza MEP Kostas Arvanitis has also called on European institutions to act, warning of a serious threat to democratic integrity.
The procurement of a Greek passport for Greek Australians is, finally, on its way to becoming more efficient. This reassurance comes from Greece’s new Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Michail Loverdos who personally responded to my original article, The Greek Passport for Aussies Debacle: Part One, published in The Greek Herald.
In a detailed and candid address, Mr Loverdos acknowledged the concerns raised and outlined the steps the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking to improve passport issuance and broader consular services—especially in countries like Australia.
“These are my first few weeks in the new important responsibilities I’ve been honoured with,” he wrote, “pertaining with the Greek Diaspora around the world.” Nonetheless, he wasted no time in addressing the issue: “Improving our consular services worldwide is one of our top priorities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” adding that this is one of the “most urgent” goals in the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad.
He confirmed that while many consular appointments globally are “flowing smoothly,” the government is “aware that some of our Consular Authorities, including a few in Australia, need urgent improvements.” However, he cautioned that “this is not a quick-fix issue.”
Mr Loverdos offered a detailed explanation of the existing passport application process. Since the early 2000s, Greek Consulates no longer issue passports directly. Instead, applications are checked locally, then sent via diplomatic pouch to the Hellenic Police in Greece for processing. Once issued, the passports are returned through the same channel. “This process is smooth,” he assured, “but it does take some time, though not as long.”
Importantly, he reiterated a key point for clarity: “Only Greek citizens are entitled to apply for a Greek passport. Greek citizenship is proven through registration in a Municipality in Greece.” Many delays, he said, are caused when individuals—often children or grandchildren of Greek citizens—apply for passports without having completed their municipal registration. “There are cases where, for example, a father or mother applies for a Greek passport, but they have not been registered for two or three generations. These situations can cause delays.”
That said, Mr Loverdos also emphasised that for eligible applicants, the process is becoming significantly more efficient thanks to digital reforms. “Thankfully, this process, which used to take months, is now much quicker,” he said, referring to the retrieval of updated birth certificates from Greek municipalities, which is now handled electronically.
Looking ahead, he described several important initiatives already underway. Among them is the “Citizens’ Registry” (Μητρώο Πολιτών), introduced under Law No. 4674/2020, which allows consular authorities (except honorary ones) to register civil events like births, marriages and deaths “on the spot.” “This is a major step forward,” he stressed, “and we cannot and should not return to outdated methods.”
Another exciting development is the digitalisation of part of the passport issuance process. “We aim to electronically forward passport applications, supporting documentation, and photos directly to the Hellenic Police, bypassing the need for the initial diplomatic pouch procedure,” he explained. This, he said, will “significantly reduce the time it takes to renew or issue a passport.”
To complement these upgrades, a new “Consular Virtual Assistant” using AI has been introduced to answer inquiries online in 19 languages, including Greek and English. The Ministry is also working to increase staffing levels at several consular offices, including in Australia, to address backlogs and improve service delivery.
In Mr Loverdos’ words: “The Greek State is actively working to improve its services to both citizens and non-citizens abroad… We place great importance on strengthening the relationship between Greece and the Greek Diaspora, especially in countries with large Greek communities.”
Though it goes (and went) without saying in Part 1, that the delays we reported referred to those already eligible for Greek passport issuance, Mr Loverdos’ clarification of the application criteria also serves as a helpful guide for new applicants navigating the system for the first time.
Hopefully, with the digitisation of passport administration now on the horizon, these delays will soon become a thing of the past.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s District of Chora and specifically, the Parish of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Thomastown, organised an ANZAC Dawn Service with the support of The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council on Sunday, April 27 at 6am at the Greek-Australian Memorial of the Northern Suburbs.
ANZAC Day commemorates the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought and died in World War I, particularly at the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915.
The landing at Gallipoli was one of the first major military operations of the ANZACs. Greece played a crucial role in the war as an ally of Australia and New Zealand, providing military and strategic support.
Relations between Greek and Australian troops were strengthened through shared sacrifices and military cooperation, particularly later in the Battle of Crete during World War II.
The event began with a Memorial Prayer for the fallen by His Grace Bishop of Evmenios of Chora, assisted by Rev. Father George Frangos. His Grace conveyed the heartfelt wishes of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while he also read his message for ANZAC Day.
The guests were welcomed by Master of Ceremonies, Loukia Andreou from Aetolian College, while an address was also given by the President of the Intercommunities Council of Victoria, Tony Tsourdalakis.
The ceremony was also attended by the Greek Military Guard with Dimitris Anagnostou and Mr. Giorgos Kyprio.
Aetolian College students Andriana Neroupos and Andriana Menikos from the Reservoir campus recited poems about the ANZACs.
Wreaths were laid by: His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, accompanied by the Rev. Father George Frangos, the Federal Minister for Skills & Training, Andrew Giles, the State Minister for Resources, Energy and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, the State MP for Thomastown, Bronwyn Halfpenny, the City Councillor and former Mayor of Whittlesea, Laurie Cox, the President of the Intercommunities Council of Victoria, Tony Tsourdalakis, the President of the Whittlesea Greek Community, Chris Pavlidou, the President of the Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council, Natasha Spanos, the Principal of St John’s College, Andrew Ponsford, the President of the Hellenic Women’s Federation Mary Lalios, the President of the Cypriot Community of the Northern Suburbs Yiannis Christou, the Secretary of the Union of Military Reservists and Veterans George Lambrou, the Director of the Pegasus Dance School Sotiris Sotiriou, and a student from the Aetolian College.
In the ceremonial part of the event the Ode was recited in English and Greek by the leaders of the student body of St John’s College, Daniel Bridgeman and Angeliki Tsiounis, while the Byzantine Choir of the College sang the National Anthems of Greece and Australia. After the ceremony, all those present went to the church for the Liturgy.
