During a meeting with the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yiannis Loverdos, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, received updates on the issues of double taxation and consular support.
Both Mr Kaklamanis and Mr Loverdos were well acquainted with the areas of concern with Greek Australians, with the Deputy Minister even raising issues of the Consulate in Melbourne immediately.
Bill Papastergiadis with Nikitas Kaklamanis.
Mr Loverdos explained to Mr Papastergiadis that the government in Greece is working hard to find solutions and that they are very conscious of the issues. When asked for a timeline, Mr Loverdos was optimistic with the hope to be able to communicate a solution shortly.
Moreover, Mr Loverdos spoke in depth in regard to the issue of double taxation. It was made very clear that Greece has progressed the negotiations and that the matter was now in the hands of Australia.
With an upcoming visit to Australia in October, Mr Loverdos expressed his intention to visit most of the capital cities and was excited to engage with Australia’s large and thriving diasporic community.
A pioneering piece of surgical technology at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) has been named Alexis in memory of Alexandria Phirros – a woman of quiet generosity, enduring friendships and a deep belief in the power of progress.
Thanks to a significant bequest from the Estate of Alexandria Phirros, the hospital has welcomed the arrival of the Da Vinci Xi surgical system – a state-of-the-art robot that will transform the way complex procedures are performed.
“The Alexis surgical robot will enable greater surgical precision and improved outcomes for our patients,” Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive of Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), said.
“It also enhances our ability to attract the very best surgical talent, who can now come to Royal North Shore Hospital to train with world-class technology.”
Alexis the Robot, Gil Lorquet, CEO NORTH Foundation, and Michael Ellis, Chair NORTH Foundation. All photos Peter Kelly.
Philanthropy through the NORTH Foundation made this groundbreaking step possible.
“Alexandria has single-handedly levelled a great inequity between public and private in the Northern Sydney Local Health District,” Dr Kai Brown, Liver and Pancreatic Surgeon and Academic Lead for Robotic Surgery at RNSH, said.
“Hers will be a permanent legacy. She has opened a world of opportunity for not only patients, but also for our surgical team – allowing NSLHD to become a leader in minimally invasive robotic surgery.”
Robotic-assisted surgery has been a trusted and advanced option in Australia for over two decades, becoming the standard of care for many procedures. Now, with the introduction of Alexis, Northern Sydney Local Health District will proudly offer its own publicly available robotic platform – ensuring that even more patients can benefit from this cutting-edge technology.
Dr Kai Brown and RNSH Staff.
With surgeons across urology, colorectal, cardiothoracic, upper gastrointestinal, gynaecology and ENT already trained in robotic-assisted techniques, the hospital is ready. The first case – a minimally invasive procedure to dramatically improve quality of life for a patient with chronic pancreatitis – will take place in early August.
“The robot is similar to laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgery, but with significant advantages,” Dr Brown said.
“Instead of being limited to their two hands, the surgeon controls four articulated robotic arms via a console. With 10x high-definition 3D magnification, it allows for extraordinary precision, dexterity and visualisation. It means many operations that once required large incisions can now be done with smaller ones – reducing pain, shortening hospital stays and speeding up recovery for our patients.”
For Dr Brown and the wider team at RNSH, the importance of philanthropic support cannot be overstated.
“It is difficult for public health to make long-term investments when faced with so many immediate demands. This kind of giving helps leapfrog an institution from keeping up to leading – nationally and internationally,” he said.
Alexandria’s friends – Maxxine Peacock-Smith, Diedre Robertson and Beth Pratley.
For Deidre Robertson, executor of the estate and Alexandria’s best friend of more than 70 years, it is a gift that beautifully reflects the woman she knew.
“Alexandria had a love of music, antiques, restoring furniture and was a skilled tailoress,” Deidre said.
“She was incredibly proud of her Greek heritage and worked with her father building houses – I remember them growing strange vegetables like eggplant and zucchini in the backyard long before they were common. We were like family. She was part of ours for as long as I can remember.”
Alexandria, who passed away at age 89 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, had experienced first-hand the care of RNSH after being successfully treated for throat cancer years earlier.
Alexandria Phirros.
“Alexandria’s generosity will touch the lives of thousands of patients and support the next generation of clinical innovation in Australia. Her legacy is not only one of kindness and generosity, but of vision – a belief in a future where advanced healthcare is accessible to all,” Gil Lorquet, CEO of the NORTH Foundation, said.
Deidre said Alexandria would be humbled by how she is being remembered.
“She always felt enormous gratitude for the care she received,” said Deidre.
“She believed in science and progress – and she would be so proud to be remembered this way. To have a surgical robot named after her, helping people for years to come, is something she would be honoured by.”
The Greek Film Festival, which marks its 30th anniversary and will play from 14–26 October, kicks off with the powerful historical drama Kapetan Mihalis.
Directed by Kostas Haralambous, the feature is set in late 19th century Crete and is based on the best-selling novel by literary giant Nikos Kazantzakis.
Premiering on Tuesday, October 14, at the Festival’s Gala Opening at Melbourne’s famed Astor Theatre, the film will also feature at special event screenings at Palace Balwyn Cinema, Palace Cinema Como, and Palace Pentridge Cinema.
Set in 1889 Crete during the revolution against the Ottomans, Kapetan Mihalis tells the story of a Cretan patriot torn between his duty to liberate his homeland and a forbidden love. With sweeping themes of freedom, passion, and identity, this epic production brings to life the iconic hero of Kazantzakis’ masterpiece – a fierce warrior sworn to wear black until his island is free.
“I don’t weigh, I don’t measure, I don’t compromise. I follow the deep beating of my heart”, wrote Kazantzakis – a spirit that pulses through every frame of this intense and moving film.
Featuring a stellar cast of renowned Greek actors, Kapetan Mihalis is an unforgettable opening to this landmark celebration of Greek cinema.
The celebration of this 30th anniversary continues throughout the festival, with more surprises, special guests, and exclusive events still to be revealed.
Don’t miss this epic night. Watch the film. Feel the revolution.
The Hellenic presence was felt during the commemorative events for the 111th anniversary of the Genocide of the Assyrian people last week.
A formal event was held at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday, August 6, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Assyrian Genocide Monument in Smithfield in south-west Sydney on Sunday, August 10.
The Hellenic delegations at the twin events included Maria Anthony (President), Kosta Papoulidis and Ioanna Diamadis of the Pontoxeniteas Association.
“It is important Pontians especially are at commemorations of other communities,” said Mr Papoulidis, Pontoxeniteas’ Youth Committee Chair and dance instructor with the Club’s Intermediate and Junior groups, following Sunday’s wreath-laying, which was interrupted by rain.
“This show of solidarity is an important way of promoting awareness of our own history and culture.”
A guest speaker at both events was Genocide scholar Dr Panayiotis Diamadis, “a long-time advocate of parliamentary recognition of the Hellenic, Armenian and Assyrian Genocides,” according to the Assyrian National Council – Australia.
“We see genocide in the Middle East today – the Druze, the Assyrians, the Orthodox Rum, the Yazidi. All are still being targeted for being different,” Dr Diamadis said.
“We are working towards a world where Druze, Assyrians and other Christians, Yazidi, Jews and Muslims can live their lives as they wish, without fear of genocidal persecution. Education in all its forms is a pathway to this world. In Parliaments. In schools. In churches. In parks with memorials. Education everywhere and in all forms.”
The Assyrians are the indigenous people of Mesopotamia (modern south-east Turkey, north-east Syria and northern Iraq) with a recorded history as old as the Hellenes and the Armenians. Under the Ottoman Empire, the Assyrians were officially seen as ‘Ermeni’ (Armenians) and therefore targeted for destruction.
The persecution of the Assyrian people continues to the day, especially in Syria and Iraq, leading tens of thousands to refuge in Greece, Europe and as far away as south-west Sydney.
Actress Olympia Valance has revealed her mother Tania Gogos Wilson offered to carry a baby for her during a deeply challenging fertility journey.
Speaking in Fertility Unpacked, a News Corp Australia online video special, Valance shared that the offer came while she was dealing with multiple miscarriages before eventually welcoming her son Billy with husband and former AFL player Thomas Bellchambers in December.
“My mum continually was like, ‘I’ll carry the baby for you’,” Valance said.
“It’s something that she would have absolutely done for me which is super special. But I don’t think my husband would have been able to handle it – I don’t think I would have been able to handle it actually.”
Valance’s story highlights a growing trend in Australia where grandmothers are stepping in as surrogates for their children, providing what fertility specialists describe as an “incredible gift”.
On Sunday, August 10, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Parish of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, Melbourne, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
The church was filled with parishioners and official guests including Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Federal MP Zoe McKenzie, and representatives from parishes, communities, and Greek organisations.
At the close of the service, the Archbishop tonsured two young parishioners, Ioannis Kozis and Ioannis Lam, as Readers, and awarded the Medal of the Order of the Christ-Loving to Antonios Antoniou and Maria Sakoula for their significant contributions to the parish.
Parish Priest Archimandrite Irinaios Koikas welcomed the Archbishop warmly, outlining parish projects including major renovations, the opening of a Greek school under the “Aetolian College”, and preparations for the parish’s 50th anniversary in 2027. He announced the Parish Council’s unanimous decision to name the new Spiritual Centre after Archbishop Makarios.
“The ministry of the Archbishop is not always pleasant,” the Archbishop said, noting that his duty was to keep the Church “united in truth, not in falsehood.”
Referring to past teachings that he said strayed from Orthodox doctrine, the Archbishop praised the congregation for returning to the canonical Church.
“After all, it is not the persons within the Church that have value, but the Church itself… When we move away from the truth of the Church and from the canonical Church, we wither spiritually and fade away,” he said.
He concluded by commending Fr Irinaios, saying that in just one year he had “truly revitalised the Parish and the community,” and that his gifts, when devoted to the Church, could “literally work miracles.”
A South Australian man, Michael Nicholas Sardelis, 37, has pleaded guilty to charges including importing a marketable quantity of a controlled precursor following the interception of a parcel containing 3,500 pseudoephedrine tablets.
The District Court heard the prosecution allege the tablets could have produced around 433g of methamphetamine with an estimated street value between $95,282 and $216,550.
Prosecutors said Sardelis allowed a co-accused to use his personal details, parcel locker address and AusPost account to receive packages, and that he also tracked four consignments from Canada.
His defence lawyer told the court his role was “close to minimal,” that the co-accused was the “principal offender,” and that Sardelis expected to receive methamphetamine for personal use in return, but ultimately received nothing.
Counsel said Sardelis had long struggled with addiction, which began in his late teens, and has been on home detention since his 2023 arrest.
The defence is seeking a recognisance release order, while the prosecution is seeking a custodial sentence. Sardelis will be sentenced later this month.
Migrants in Greece whose asylum applications have been rejected will soon be required to wear ankle monitors under new government measures aimed at expediting deportations.
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris announced that the policy will be introduced by the end of the year as part of reforms that will also criminalise noncompliance with deportation orders.
“The use of electronic monitoring will make it clear that the options have narrowed,” Plevris told state broadcaster ERT.
The tougher rules – which include mandatory prison sentences for defying deportation orders – will be presented to parliament next month, following a summer delay linked to increased migrant arrivals from Libya to Crete.
Electronic monitoring will apply during the 30-day grace period granted to migrants after all asylum claims and appeals have been rejected. The government is also weighing the introduction of a €2,000 incentive for those who voluntarily return.
The funeral of Lena Samaras, the 34-year-old daughter of former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his wife Georgia Kretikos Samaras, took place on Monday, August 11 at Athens’ First Cemetery.
A large number of relatives, friends, and members of the public attended the service, alongside high-profile political figures from across party lines. Among them were Parliament President Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, socialist opposition leader Nikos Androulakis, former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, and numerous current and former ministers and deputies.
In a deeply emotional eulogy, Antonis Samaras said: “What can a father say when he loses his child? What can a mother say when she will never again embrace her own flesh and blood? What can a brother say when he loses his other half, when the soul loses its most faithful companion?”
He added: “I thank God for giving us this gift, even if only for 34 years.”
Lena passed away on Thursday, August 7 after suffering a cardiac arrest at Athens’ Evangelismos Hospital. The exact cause of the cardiac arrest has yet to be confirmed by authorities.
Blue skies and the salty tang of Port Melbourne’s sea breeze set the scene for the 10th anniversary of the Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial on Saturday, August 9.
The haunting sound of bagpipes, played by Stacey Harris, made a solemn and stirring backdrop as wreaths were laid. But this year’s commemoration offered something new, allowing guests to place books at the memorial alongside the traditional flowers.
Piper Stacey Harris. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
“People who brought the books, decide to donate them… schools, libraries, anywhere they wish,” historian Jim Claven told The Greek Herald, adding wreath flowers wilt, but books keep history alive for generations to come.
Liberal MP David Davis commended Jim Claven’s work. “The generosity, kindness and welcome of the people of Lemnos to Australian soldiers and nurses during that first world war period is a very important thing for us to recognise. I want to single out Jim Claven for the research he has done to document many of those links.”
Historian Jim Claven OAM has worked tirelessly to bring the Anzac-Lemnos connection to the fore.
Among the many dignitaries in attendance from federal, state and local governments was Josh Burns MP, summing up Lemnos’ significance simply: “No Lemnos, no Gallipoli.”
Shadow Minister David Davis points to the monument.Josh Burns MP leaves the podium.
He shared the story of Sister Clarice Lawrence, who married Sergeant Ernest Alfred Lawrence on the island, the only recorded ANZAC marriage there. After the war, they ran a second-hand furniture store in St Kilda near his office and are buried in St Kilda Cemetery.
Greek Consul General in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou noted that 148 Australian soldiers are buried in Lemnos’ military cemetery and that, despite hardships, “the Lemnians supported and welcomed the ANZACs.”
Lee Tarlamis MP and Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
She departed upon finishing her speech due to another private engagement, not managing to hear Deb Stewart’s key note address on her grandmother nurse Evelyn Hutt’s hardships on the island. Her wartime keepsakes, a handmade Turkish flag and a Quran, are now preserved at the State Library of Victoria.
For the last 10 years, Nina Taylor MP has attended the August ceremony.
Nina Taylor MP and piper Stacey Harris.Nina Taylor MP attends the memorial every year.Port Phillip Cr Rod Hardy.
“Monuments like this one are an important way to reflect our shared history, remember the courage and resistance of those who have served, and pass down veterans’ stories and memories to future generations,” she said, while Port Phillip Councillor Rod Hardy emphasised the local connection.
“The memorial’s location near Port Melbourne is no coincidence. This area shares a deep connection with Lemnos as one of the major departure points for ANZAC soldiers and nurses,” Cr Hardy said.
Lemnian Committee chair and Victorian MP Lee Tarlamis, master of ceremonies, reflected on a decade of milestones, from the memorial’s unveiling to the naming of Lemnos Square in 2018, the plaque at the Australian Pier in Moudros Bay, the publication of Lemnos Gallipoli Revealed, and documentary screenings.
Lee Tarlamis MP was the master of ceremonies.
Over the years, the bronze figures of nurse and soldier, sculpted by Peter Corlett, have stood as silent witnesses to changing seasons and enduring memory. They have weathered misty dawns and searing summer light, occasional graffiti swiftly erased, autumn leaves falling at their base, and the daily stream of Albert Park College students passing by with their own stories to tell.
Students from Oakleigh Grammar lay a wreath as tribute to the Anzac-Lemnos connection.
Albert Park College, whose campus neighbours the memorial, could not be missing from the ceremony. Assistant Principal and history teacher Duncan Box said, “The memorial makes the history more visible, especially when discussing the nurses’ role in conflict. WWI is an important part of our curriculum, especially in Year 9.”
Vice Captain Ollie O’Connor, laying a book on behalf of the school, reflected: “It’s important for us to see this every day.”
House Captain Alice Reid Rodriguez recited In Flanders Fields by Lt Colonel McRae, and School Captain James Keating read Vera Brittain’s Sisters on Lemnos, both moving tributes to the Anzacs.
Albert Park College student Alice Reid Rodriguez.Albert Park College student James Keating.
Two retired nurses, Marita and Giselda, stumbled upon the service while heading to the nearby Gasworks and were visibly moved. “It was a serendipitous moment,” said Marita, whose great-aunt served in Thessaloniki.
Retired nurses Marita and Giselda
Giselda spoke of her grand uncle, Ted Pyke, a Port Melbourne boy wounded at Gallipoli, treated in Lemnos, Malta, and later Egypt and the Western Front. “War left many scars on him and he was very patriotic,” she said.
People lingered, discussing history. And as the sea breeze stirred the wreaths and rustled the pages of the books left in tribute, the memorial stood steadfast, holding in bronze and stone the memories of courage, sacrifice, and the unbroken thread between past and present.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis
