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Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire deal

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Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire deal

US President Joe Biden has confirmed that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, following months of negotiations.

The agreement, still pending final approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes the phased release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. It also promises to allow displaced Palestinians in Gaza to return home and provide much-needed humanitarian aid.

Biden announced that the first phase of the ceasefire would begin with the release of some hostages, including women, the elderly and injured individuals.

“For the sake of the people of Israel and the families waiting in agony and for the sake of the innocent people in Gaza who suffered unimaginable devastation because of the war,” Biden said.

The deal is set to pause fighting for six weeks, with the goal of opening negotiations for a broader peace settlement. Over six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 Palestinian hostages are to be reunited with their loved ones after months in captivity with no contact with the outside world, though it’s unclear if all are alive. Israel will also withdraw forces from populated Gaza areas.

Despite the optimism, questions remain about the long-term impacts of the ceasefire. Key issues like the future governance of Gaza and the return of all displaced people are still unresolved.

According to 9 News, an estimated 90 per cent of Gaza’s population was displaced amid what became a humanitarian crisis.

Photo: AP.

International leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, have welcomed the ceasefire but urged for lasting peace and the protection of humanitarian efforts.

The ceasefire marks a crucial moment in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions and caused widespread destruction. It offers a glimmer of hope for peace, though many, including families of hostages, remain cautious until they see the agreement fully realised.

Source: 9 News.

Thanasi Kokkinakis faces uncertain tennis future as chronic injury takes a toll

The Greek Herald
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Thanasi Kokkinakis faces uncertain tennis future as chronic injury takes a toll

Thanasi Kokkinakis has expressed serious concerns about his future in tennis after a chronic pectoral injury severely affected his Australian Open campaign.

The 28-year-old suffered a heartbreaking loss to Jack Draper in the second round, following a gruelling five-set match. Despite being in a winning position, Kokkinakis struggled physically, calling for a trainer midway through the fourth set.

Thanasi Kokkinakis grimaces during his second-round match. Photo: Getty.

“I’m pissed. Even if I won, I wouldn’t have been able to play the next match,” Kokkinakis said. He revealed his right pectoral muscle was “gone” before the match, and he is certain of a tear. Kokkinakis has battled the injury for years and is uncertain about surgery, citing the lack of guarantees.

“One thing is for sure: I can’t keep doing what I’m doing. It’s mental torture and physical torture,” he added. The injury has hindered his performance in recent tournaments and may sideline him for an extended period.

Kokkinakis plans to consult medical experts soon, but remains uncertain about his playing future. “I know I don’t have forever left,” he said, acknowledging the doubt surrounding his career.

Source: The Age.

Mitsotakis nominates Tasoulas as next President of Greece

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis nominates Tasoulas as next President of Greece

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has nominated Konstantinos Tasoulas, the Speaker of Parliament, as the next President of Greece.

Praising his broad parliamentary support and unifying leadership, Mitsotakis highlighted Tasoulas’ repeated election as Speaker with historic majorities.

The nomination breaks tradition by selecting a figure from the governing majority, which Mitsotakis justified as prioritising public trust over political alignment.

He also expressed gratitude to outgoing President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and proposed a constitutional reform to limit the presidency to a single six-year term.

Parliament will vote on the nomination within ten days, while Tasoulas’ successor and parliamentary seat adjustments are under consideration.

Source: Ekathimerini

Cretan folk band ‘Xylourides’ to host night of music, culture and tradition in Sydney

The Greek Herald
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Cretan folk band ‘Xylourides’ to host night of music, culture and tradition in Sydney

Xylourides, the electrifying youth brigade of Cretan folk music, are set to take Sydney by storm on Wednesday, February 12 with their debut performance at the Factory Theatre.

Drawing from their legendary Cretan heritage, the trio—Adonis, Nikos and Apollonia Xylouris—are breathing new life into an ancient art form with their youthful energy and unrivalled virtuosity.

Born from the heart of Crete’s musical tradition and the revered legacy of icons like Nikos Xylouris, Psarantonis, and Psaragiorgis, Xylourides are more than just guardians of Cretan folk—they are its bold new ambassadors.

Hailing from the mountain village of Anogeia, a place rich in musical and cultural significance, they have transformed their ancestral craft, combining it with their own distinct style that is as electrifying as it is deeply rooted in tradition.

The trio’s performance is a masterclass in musical synergy. Nikos, renowned for his blistering speed on the lyra (a traditional Cretan string instrument), leads with raw virtuosity. Adonis, wielding the lauto (a Cretan lute), provides rhythmic propulsion, wrenching deep, resonant notes that drive the music forward in thrilling bursts of melody. And Apollonia, with her powerful percussion, brings a pulsating heartbeat to every song, guiding the trio through hypnotic grooves that echo the timeless dances of their homeland.

Together, the Xylourides captivate audiences, combining the fervour of youthful passion with the discipline and wisdom passed down through generations. This synthesis of tradition and innovation has made them one of the most exciting acts in the world of world music today.

Following a rapturous reception at Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival in 2024, Xylourides now bring their unique sound to the Factory Theatre on 12 February 2025.

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as they transport audiences into the heart of Crete’s musical soul—where the nights stretch endlessly, and the rhythms pulse through the mountains and into the morning light.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the future of Cretan folk music live in Sydney. This is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the power of music to unite us all.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2025
  • Time: Doors open at 7.00 PM, Main act at 7.30 PM
  • Venue: Factory Theatre, Sydney
  • Tickets are available to purchase here.

Polites family legal battle heats up with estate investigation

The Greek Herald
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Polites family legal battle heats up with estate investigation

The bitter legal dispute within one of the state’s wealthiest families centred around the estate of Florence Gemenis Polites, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 102, has exacerbated.

The case, which involves her multimillion-dollar estate and a 1999 will, was escalated following claims that an investigation into her assets could expose confidential company files.

Markas Salkanovic, 54, a convicted attempted drug importer, is embroiled in a Supreme Court battle over his late grandmother’s estate. However, his uncle, 70-year-old George Constantine Polites, the estate’s executor, has appealed a court ruling to appoint an administrator, Sarah Hooper, to investigate the estate.

Lawyer Sarah Hooper, the appointed administrator of Florence Polites’ will. Photo: Track Legal.

Dick Whitington, KC, representing Polites, voiced concerns about the potential leak of confidential information. He warned that granting Hooper access to company files detailing assets and finances across multiple trusts could result in sensitive data being shared with third parties, including Polites’ twin grandsons—Con Junior (Alex) and Marcus, 40.

Whitington further argued that such an investigation would be “time consuming” and would likely lead to the disclosure of files to “any interested persons.”

While Whitington denied claims that his client was “deficient” as executor, the court was told that the grandsons had signalled a challenge to the will before recent changes in state law, though no formal claim has been made yet.

On the other side, Graham Edmonds-Wilson, KC, for Salkanovic, dismissed concerns over file access as “overblown” and argued there was no valid reason to block the investigation.

Justice Tim Stanley reserved his decision, and a Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled for later this year.

Source: The Advertiser.

George Peppou’s cultured meat company to make substantial cuts to workforce

The Greek Herald
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George Peppou’s cultured meat company to make substantial cuts to workforce

Sydney-based start-up Vow, pioneering cultured meat production, is laying off 25 staff members, or 30% of its workforce, due to slower-than-expected regulatory approvals.

CEO George Peppou explained this was a difficult decision prompted by a challenging funding environment and the need to focus on market access and product development.

Vow, which has raised over $50 million from investors like Hostplus and Blackbird Ventures, is known for producing innovative products like foie gras from quail cells and woolly mammoth meatballs.

While its products have been served in Hong Kong and Singapore, the company has yet to secure approvals to sell in Australia.

Meat grown from cells.

Despite this setback, Peppou remains confident in Vow’s long-term vision: “Vow is the only company in the world to have solved the first two challenges of scale and market demand.”

However, he emphasised that the regulatory process for cultured meat has been more time-consuming than anticipated.

Peppou expressed hope that the laid-off staff would remain within the start-up ecosystem, as they were integral to the company’s innovation. Investors, including Blackbird, continue to back Vow’s vision despite the sector’s broader struggles, acknowledging the challenges faced by alternative meat companies.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Tennis greats urge Nick Kyrgios to play on

The Greek Herald
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Tennis greats urge Nick Kyrgios to play on

Lleyton Hewitt and Todd Woodbridge have weighed in on Nick Kyrgios‘ future in tennis, urging patience as the 29-year-old star continues his recovery from injury.

After a disappointing first-round loss to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley at the Australian Open, Kyrgios sparked retirement speculation, suggesting he might never return to singles at the tournament. The loss came after battling an abdominal injury leading up to the event, which raised concerns about his ability to remain competitive.

Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge emphasised the need for Kyrgios to keep playing to build stamina for future Grand Slam campaigns. “He was never going to have a great tournament,” Woodbridge said on Channel 9.

“We want him to keep playing, build some stamina, some matches so he can get to Wimbledon, where he is a contender, and be fit, healthy, and back up all the tour.”

Lleyton Hewitt and Todd Woodbridge. Photo: Channel 9.

Kyrgios has been named in Hewitt’s Davis Cup squad for the upcoming tie against Sweden, marking his first inclusion in five years. However, Hewitt noted that Kyrgios’ primary focus for the moment is doubles. “At this stage it was more looking to play doubles,” Hewitt said.

“So that is the main focus for the Davis Cup at this stage but to have him back in the team, this is only the start of his comeback.”

Former player Jelena Dokic also urged patience, highlighting that Kyrgios has been absent from competitive tennis for almost two-and-a-half years, making his return a significant challenge.

“Let’s not forget, it hasn’t been a six-month break, it has been one match in almost two-and-a-half years. That’s massive,” Dokic said.

“The game has moved on, whereas he almost has to come from zero… He is going to potentially play just doubles, play smaller tournaments and put in a year or two of work and really be patient.”

Source: The Advertiser.

Rena Morfi to headline 2025 Antipodes Festival and the Greek Festival of Sydney

The Greek Herald
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Rena Morfi to headline 2025 Antipodes Festival and the Greek Festival of Sydney

The Greek Communities of Melbourne and New South Wales have announced that their headline artist for their respective festivals this year will be the immensely talented Rena Morfi (aka Souli Anatoli) who will bring her extraordinary voice, engaging stage presence and boundless energy to the world-renowned Greek Festivals in Melbourne (Antipodes) and Sydney (Greek Fest @ Darling Harbour) this February.

Catch her live at the Antipodes Festival in Melbourne on Saturday, February 22, and at the Greek Fest @ Darling Harbour in Sydney on Sunday, February 23.

Known for her ability to sing everything from heartfelt ballads to upbeat swing tunes, Rena’s performances promise to be full of energy, emotion, and incredible music.

Rena is one of the most sought-after performers on the Greek music scene. She rose to fame as the lead singer of the acclaimed swing band “Imam Baildi,” in which her unique voice and electrifying stage presence brought a modern twist to traditional Greek sounds.

As a solo artist, she has continued to push musical boundaries, releasing hits like “Otan Sou Horevo,” “Pouli Tha Gino,” and “Ego Esena De Thelo.” Rena’s ability to blend the old and the new has made her a much sought after artist and a favourite among audiences of all ages.

Jorge Menidis, Director of the Antipodes Festival, said: “We are excited that our 2025 program will be headlined by the talented Rena Morfi. She brings something truly special to our festival stage and complements the 75+ hours of programming that the festival team has put together.”

Greek Festival of Sydney Chair Nia Karteris shared Menidis’ enthusiasm for the talented Morfi adding, “Her performances are full of life and soul, and we’re thrilled to have her here in Australia. She will light up Darling Harbour and be the cherry on top of our landmark February event!”

Rena is known not just for her voice, but for her ability to connect deeply with her audience. Whether she’s performing a tender ballad or an energetic dance number, she creates an atmosphere that feels intimate and electric all at once.

Event Details:

  • Melbourne – Antipodes Festival: Main Stage – Saturday, 22nd February
  • Sydney – Greek Festival of Sydney: Darling Harbour – Sunday, 23rd February

Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic and vibrant celebration of community and culture at the Melbourne Antipodes Festival and its Sydney counterpart, the Greek Fest @ Darling Harbour.

For more details visit: www.antipodesfestival.com.au or www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au

Sam Konstas’ heroics help Sydney Thunder break BBL finale drought

The Greek Herald
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Sam Konstas’ heroics help Sydney Thunder break BBL finale drought

Sam Konstas played a starring role in the Sydney Thunder’s crucial 61-run victory over the Perth Scorchers at ENGIE Stadium on Monday, January 13, leading his side to a significant step towards breaking their eight-year BBL title drought.

Opening the batting, Konstas hit a commanding 53 off 42 balls, providing the Thunder with a strong foundation. Despite a middle-order wobble, helped by a late surge from Tom Andrews, the Thunder posted a challenging total of 7/158.

In reply, the Scorchers, battling to end a three-match losing streak, were bowled out for just 97, suffering a heavy defeat. The loss was sealed early as they lost Finn Allen and Sam Fanning within the first two overs, with Fanning’s run-out typifying their disastrous chase.

Photo: Cricket Australia.

While Chris Green also impressed with the ball, taking 3 wickets and celebrating his 100th wicket for the Thunder, it was Konstas who caught the eye in the batting department. The 21-year-old, opening alongside David Warner (8 off 7), immediately capitalised on the hard ball. His attacking play included a top-edge off Lance Morris for six, followed by two more boundaries to complete the second over.

Konstas’ efforts weren’t just about runs—he also made an impact off the field, welcoming his U19 World Cup-winning teammate Mahli Beardman to the BBL in style. His performance was yet another reminder of his growing reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting young talents.

Source: FOX Sports.

Stefanos Tsitsipas attributes early Australian Open exit to ‘karma’

The Greek Herald
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Stefanos Tsitsipas attributes early Australian Open exit to ‘karma’

Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed frustration and reflection after his unexpected first-round exit at the Australian Open on Monday, January 13, admitting that he felt “karma hit me” following his loss to American Alex Michelsen.

The Greek star, who reached the final in Melbourne in 2023, was defeated 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 by the 18-year-old wildcard.

Tsitsipas had withdrawn from doubles play with his brother Petros, hoping to conserve energy for a deep run in singles. “My whole (plan) was to try to go deep. I knew the first thing I had to consider was not playing doubles,” Tsitsipas explained.

“The whole purpose was just to save up on some energy and be fresher hopefully in the deeper draw of the tournament. I guess karma hit me.”

According to 7 News, the 26-year-old acknowledged that his mindset and the game itself had changed. “When I came around in 2018, the game was very different. It wasn’t as physical,” Tsitsipas said.

Despite winning the ace count 13-8 and edging Michelsen in overall winners 46-45, Tsitsipas struggled to capitalise on key moments. Michelsen, in contrast, produced three critical return winners in the decisive ninth game of the fourth set to seal the win.

Source: 7 News.

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