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Nick Kyrgios remains hopeful about Australian Open participation

The Greek Herald
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Nick Kyrgios remains hopeful about Australian Open participation

Nick Kyrgios has revealed he will avoid serving for the next few days to give himself the best chance of being fit for the Australian Open.

The 29-year-old, aiming to play in Melbourne for the first time in three years, withdrew from an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic on Wednesday, January 8, due to a grade-one abdominal strain.

“I’ve still got five days up my sleeve, so I’m just going to probably not serve for the next couple of days,” Kyrgios told Seven. “I’ll do everything I can to be ready in time.”

Nick Kyrgios to team up with Novak Djokovic for Brisbane International doubles
Nick Kyrgios teamed up with Novak Djokovic for Brisbane International doubles this year. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.

Kyrgios, who returned to competition last week after 18 months due to knee and wrist injuries, expressed concerns about his wrist holding up for the Australian Open, stating it felt like “I’ve been hit by a bus” after his doubles matches in Brisbane. The abdominal strain, however, was an unexpected setback.

Kyrgios has had a busy summer off the court, from sparring with Jannik Sinner to his return to the Davis Cup fold after a four-year absence.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Jon Adgemis’ pub group rescue plan approved despite ATO objection

The Greek Herald
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Jon Adgemis’ pub group rescue plan approved despite ATO objection

A rescue plan for Jon Adgemis’ Linchpin Group (formerly Public Lifestyle Management – a key pillar of his Public Hospitality Group), has been approved despite a last-minute attempt by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to block it.

Adgemis, a former KPMG deal-maker, must pay $400,000 by Friday, January 10 to finalise the deal, which aims to settle $64 million in debts with a $7.7 million plan, including a $1 million cash payment and a $6.7 million convertible note from Archibald Capital.

While staff will receive full entitlements, unsecured creditors will only recover 13.3 cents on the dollar.

Peter Crinis and Jon Adgemis. Photo: David Swift.

The plan covers only part of the group’s debts, and if Adgemis fails to meet payment conditions by March 2025, the deal may collapse.

Adgemis is also facing legal battles, including a court case with his former business partner, Peter Crinis, and multiple claims from lenders, such as Milbrook and Angas Securities, over properties and assets. Adgemis’ yacht has also been seized.

Despite approval, concerns about financial mismanagement, including allegations of withdrawing $9 million from the business, remain unresolved.

Source: The Australian Business Review.

Program released for Semaphore Greek Festival 2025: A weekend of Greek culture and festivities

The Greek Herald
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Program released for Semaphore Greek Festival 2025: A weekend of Greek culture and festivities

The Semaphore Greek Festival 2025 is just around the corner, set to take place on January 18 and 19 at Semaphore Foreshore, South Australia. 

Known as one of the state’s most beloved summer events, this festival promises a vibrant celebration of Greek culture with a packed programme that offers something for everyone.

Under the theme “Όλοι Μαζί” (All Together), the festival will immerse attendees in Greek traditions, from tantalising food and drink to traditional music, dance, and even unique competitions. 

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

Saturday, January 18: A day of energy and tradition

  • 11:00 AM – DJ Apostal
  • 12:30 PM – Who Loves Pita Competition
  • 1:00 PM – DJ Apostal
  • 1:30 PM – Honey, I Ate the Loukoumades Competition
  • 2:00 PM – DJ Apostal
  • 2:30 PM – Half-time with Port Adelaide AFL Players
  • 3:00 PM – Spasta! Plate Smashing Competition
  • 3:15 PM – DJ Apostal
  • 4:00 PM – St George College Dance Group
  • 4:15 PM – Messinian Dance School SA
  • 4:30 PM – Port Adelaide Greek School Dance Groups
  • 5:00 PM – Official Opening Ceremony
  • 5:30 PM – Just Dance Fitness with Martha
  • 6:00 PM – Enosis Band feat. Xara Dimitriou
  • 7:15 PM – Greek Orthodox Community of SA Dance Academy
  • 7:30 PM – Enosis Band feat. Xara Dimitriou
  • 8:30 PM – Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy
  • 8:45 PM – Enosis Band feat. Xara Dimitriou
  • 11:00 PM – See You Tomorrow!

Sunday, January 19: Family fun and Cultural highlights

  • 11:00 AM – DJ Apostal
  • 12:00 PM – Yiros Yiros Oli Competition
  • 12:30 PM – DJ Apostal
  • 1:00 PM – Honey, I Ate the Loukoumades Competition
  • 1:30 PM – DJ Apostal
  • 2:00 PM – Half-time with Port Adelaide AFLW Players
  • 2:30 PM – What-A-Melon Eating Competition
  • 2:45 PM – DJ Apostal
  • 3:15 PM – Messinian Dance School SA
  • 3:45 PM – Port Adelaide Greek School Dance Groups
  • 4:00 PM – DJ Apostal
  • 4:45 PM – Cretan Association of SA Dance Group
  • 5:00 PM – Greek Lyceum of SA School of Greek Dance and Culture
  • 5:15 PM – Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group
  • 5:30 PM – Just Dance Fitness with Martha
  • 6:00 PM – Enosis Band feat. Xara Dimitriou
  • 8:15 PM – Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy
  • 8:45 PM – Raffle Draw
  • 9:00 PM – Enosis Band feat. Xara Dimitriou
  • 10:00 PM – See You Next Year!

This year’s festival promises to be a true celebration of community, culture, and connection. Whether you’re there to dance, eat, compete, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the Semaphore Greek Festival 2025 is an event not to be missed.

Mark your calendars and join the fun – Όλοι Μαζί, All Together!

For more event information, please visit the website here or contact hello@justgold.net / admin@pagoc.com.au.

Remembering Philhellene and prominent Australian football legend Stefan Kamasz

The Greek Herald
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Remembering Philhellene and prominent Australian football legend Stefan Kamasz

The Australian football community is united in mourning the passing of Football Australia Hall of Fame Inductee, Stefan Kamasz, a revered figure whose contributions to the game shaped its landscape across decades. 

Kamasz passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday night at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional service and dedication to football in Australia. He was also a prominent Philhellene, with a love of the Greek island of Poros. 

Kamasz was born in England in 1949 and began his football journey playing for Farsley Celtic in the Yorkshire League. In 1969, he migrated to Newcastle, Australia, at the age of 19, joining Northern NSW club Weston Bears. 

As a player, Kamasz achieved remarkable success, winning three championships in 1971, 1972, and 1973, after falling short in the 1969 Grand Final. These early years reflected his deep love for the game, which would continue to define his life and career.

After hanging up his boots, Kamasz transitioned into football administration, where his influence was profound. He served as Treasurer and later President of the Northern NSW Soccer Federation between 1978 and 1982, overseeing the creation of the Northern State League. His leadership extended nationally as a Director of the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF) and Team Manager of the Socceroos during their victorious Merlion Cup campaign in Singapore in 1982.

 Kamasz’s administrative acumen shone during his tenure as General Manager of the National Soccer League (NSL) from 1982 to 1988 and again from 1996 to 2004. He was instrumental in professionalising the league and establishing its key accolades, including the Joe Marston Medal for the Grand Final’s best player and the Johnny Warren Medal for the league’s most outstanding player. These awards remain cornerstones of Australian football today.

 In addition to his work in the NSL, Kamasz served as Acting CEO of Soccer Australia and later as CEO of A-League club Sydney FC. He was also General Manager of Sydney Olympic FC from 1990 to 1993, Head of Competitions for Football NSW from 2005 to 2006, and CEO of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation. 

When the NSL was restructured in 2004, Kamasz played a key role in the development of the A-League as a member of the implementation panel responsible for the landmark Kemeny Report.

Kamasz’s dedication extended to governance, serving on the Board of Football Australia from November 2020. He was an active member of the Football Australia Referees Committee and the Football Development Committee, contributing his wealth of knowledge and strategic insight. Kamasz stepped down from the Board in March 2022 due to personal reasons but remained a passionate advocate for the game. 

His lifetime achievements were recognised when he was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2014.

 Beyond his formal roles, Kamasz was known for his mentorship, kindness, and ability to inspire those around him. His vision for football as a unifying force for communities was deeply felt, and his influence extended from grassroots initiatives to the elite levels of the sport.

 Anter Isaac, Chairman of Football Australia, paid tribute to Stefan’s immeasurable contributions: “Stefan Kamasz was a giant of Australian football, whose influence and vision have left an enduring legacy.”

“His dedication to the game, from grassroots to the professional level, helped shape the sport we know and love today. Stefan’s knowledge, leadership, and passion for football inspired so many within our community,” Isaac added.

“Stefan was universally admired across the Australian football community as both a pioneering sports executive and a dignified gentleman who consistently championed the protection and well-being of everyone within the football family. 

“He will be deeply missed, but his contributions will never be forgotten. On behalf of Football Australia and the entire Australian football family, I offer our sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones, and friends during this difficult time.”

As people honour the remarkable life and contributions of Stefan Kamasz, Football Australia extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know and work with him.

Young Greek Australians speak out about new TikTok sun tanning trend

The Greek Herald
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Young Greek Australians speak out about new TikTok sun tanning trend

A rising trend of sun tanning among teenagers is raising alarms about long-term skin cancer risks, with experts warning that sun exposure in the first 15 years of life plays a crucial role in determining future skin cancer risk.

Social media platforms like TikTok have fuelled the trend, with young people, particularly girls, posting videos of themselves sunbathing without sunscreen, often on days with high UV ratings.

Teenager Mya Nicolitsi, 14, told The Advertiser she tans regularly, typically two to three times a week in summer.

“Everyone wants tan skin,” she explained, adding that while she checks the UV index and uses sunscreen, she’s aware of the potential risks. “I do worry about it even though it seems like I don’t.”

In contrast, Adelaide twins Jacqui and Victoria Hondrou, who have fair skin, have turned to self-tanning products instead of sunbathing. The pair, who launched their own self-tanning brand, are encouraging young women to seek safer alternatives to sun tanning.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of Tik Toks of young girls sort of (wanting) the tan lines, and loving that the UV is over a certain number, so they can get the tan lines from the sun so we come up with creative ways of how to have an alternative to get them, but not using the dangerous sun,” Victoria told The Advertiser.

“There is definitely a better way of doing it, and you can achieve that using self tan, and it takes quicker than you can get it from the sun.”

This comes as data from the Cancer Council shows that one in five Australians aged 15-24 tried to get a suntan in the past year. This age group is also less likely to use proper sun protection compared to older Australians, and young women are more likely to seek a tan than men.

Cancer Council SA’s Diem Tran cautioned that the desire for a suntan is “something to certainly avoid,” as any change in skin colour signals damage, including DNA damage.

“Melanoma is the most common cancer in young people aged 15 to 39,” she said, urging young people to take the risks seriously. She also recommended South Australians “slip, slop, seek and slide” when the UV index is three or above.

Source: The Advertiser

Greek and Australian passports among the most powerful in 2025

The Greek Herald
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Greek and Australian passports among the most powerful in 2025

Greece and Australia are tied for 6th position in the ranking of the world’s most powerful passports according to the Henley Passport Index. It gives unrestricted access to 189 destinations.

This puts both countries ahead of Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, which hold 5th place out of 190 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index, now in its 20th year, uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to track the visa freedoms of 227 countries.

The gap between the most and least powerful passports has never been wider, with experts calling for a rethinking of citizenship, especially as political instability and climate crises displace communities globally.

Singapore has reclaimed its spot at the top, with its passport offering visa-free access to 195 destinations worldwide. Japan follows closely in second place, with access to 193 countries, thanks in part to regaining visa-free entry to China after the pandemic.

The third spot is held by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland and South Korea, which enjoy unrestricted access to 192 destinations, while seven EU countries, including Austria, Denmark and Sweden, share fourth place with 191 destinations.

The UAE has made the most notable improvement, jumping 32 places to 10th, with access to 185 destinations. Meanwhile, China has climbed from 94th to 60th over the past decade.

As global mobility continues to shift, Greece and Australia remain among the top 10 most powerful passports, alongside other European and Pacific nations.

Source: CNN Travel.

Man detained after terrifying home invasion of Melbourne woman Flora Socratous

The Greek Herald
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Man detained after terrifying home invasion of Melbourne woman Flora Socratous

A 29-year-old man has been charged with aggravated burglary and burglary following an alleged break-in at the home of Flora Socratous in Melbourne, Victoria on January 5.

The man was due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, January 8.

Socratous, who was shaken by the incident, was overcome with relief that the alleged intruder is now in custody.

Melburnian Flora Socratous confronts masked home intruder
Melburnian Flora Socratous confronted her masked home intruder. Photo: 9News.

The incident occurred after Socratous’ quick thinking to film the intruder helped police track him down. She recalled hearing footsteps and finding the intruder in her kitchen, but she was unsure how to react.

“I don’t know what possessed me to take a photo or video footage of him, but I’m glad I did,” she said.

Socratous also expressed concerns about the lack of self-defence options for women, citing her inability to legally carry pepper spray. She fears for others who may not be as lucky.

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas snubbed for SAG award nomination

The Greek Herald
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Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas snubbed for SAG award nomination

The nominations for this year’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards have been announced, with Wicked leading the way with five nominations, including individual nods for Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey.

However, a notable snub came for Angelina Jolie, who missed out on a nomination for her portrayal of Greek opera singer Maria Callas in Maria.

This marks Jolie’s second consecutive omission, following her absence from the BAFTA longlist last week, signalling a potential loss of momentum for the Oscar contender.

The nomination success for Wicked is closely followed by A Complete Unknown, which earned four nods, including one for lead actor Timothée Chalamet. Anora and Emilia Pérez each received three nominations, while Conclave and The Last Showgirl garnered two.

On the TV side, Shogun leads with five nominations, while The Bear follows with four.

The SAG Awards, which are voted on by the 130,000 members of the SAG-AFTRA union, are often a key indicator of who will secure Oscar nominations.

Turkish officials insist on two-state solution in Cyprus

The Greek Herald
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Turkish officials insist on two-state solution in Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Ankara’s stance on a two-state solution for Cyprus during a joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in the occupied part of Nicosia on Wednesday, January 8.

Fidan emphasised, “There is no alternative to a two-state solution for Cyprus,” asserting that Turkey would not accept any arrangement that places Turkish Cypriots in a minority position.

Fidan suggested that dialogue between Turkey, Greece, and both Cypriot communities could pave the way for a resolution, urging, “Let Greece, Turkey, the TRNC, and Greek Cypriots focus on building an environment of peace and stability in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.”

The two-state proposal remains a central point in the long-standing Cyprus dispute, which began in 1974 after Turkey’s invasion. Turkey has advocated for a solution where Turkish Cypriots are guaranteed equality in any power-sharing agreement. However, Greek Cypriots opposed this, fearing it would formalise the island’s partition and cement Turkey’s military presence on the island.

The United Nations and European Union reject a two-state solution, calling instead for a federal agreement between Turkish and Greek Cypriot zones.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to host informal talks in March to explore potential solutions. However, prior negotiations have stalled, primarily due to disagreements over Turkey’s military presence in the north.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed readiness to resume talks but ruled out any two-state discussions.

Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, stated that future meetings will include both sides, along with representatives from Greece, Turkey, and the UK, to chart the next steps for Cyprus’ future.

A peace agreement could not only resolve regional tensions but also unlock potential energy resources in Cyprus’ offshore economic zone, which Turkey disputes.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Greece, Egypt and Cyprus discuss regional stability, energy and migration at Summit

The Greek Herald
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Greece, Egypt and Cyprus discuss regional stability, energy and migration at Summit

Energy, regional security, and migration were key topics at the 10th Trilateral Greece–Egypt–Cyprus Summit held in Cairo on Wednesday, January 8, where Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides gathered to discuss pressing regional issues.

In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting “peace and stability in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa,” urging regional countries to “refrain from provocative actions.”

The statement also called for a complete ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, in line with a UN Security Council resolution. It further emphasised the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We underscore the importance of protecting members of religious and ethnic minorities and safeguarding Syria’s cultural heritage,” the statement read, adding that efforts should be made to reunify Libya’s institutions and address the Sudanese conflict, with Egypt playing a key role.

On Cyprus, the leaders called for the resumption of a peace process led by Cypriots to reunify the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty.

During the joint press conference, Mitsotakis spotlighted the “GREGY” Interconnector, a landmark project aimed at linking Greece and Egypt and facilitating the transfer of clean energy from North Africa to Europe.

On migration, Mitsotakis praised Egypt for securing its maritime borders and highlighted the country’s essential role in curbing illegal migration. “Egypt plays a critical role in addressing illegal migration,” he said, while stressing the need for enhanced cooperation on legal migration.

“We already have a bilateral agreement with Egypt, which we are implementing and wish to expand further,” Mitsotakis added, emphasising that migration is a key issue in relations between Cairo and Brussels.

Source: Ekathimerini.

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