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Heritage NSW puts Paragon Café owner on notice to restore historic site

Andriana Simos
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Heritage NSW puts Paragon Café owner on notice to restore historic site

The owner of the iconic Paragon Café in Katoomba, Sydney solicitor John Landerer, has been formally put on notice by Heritage NSW over the deteriorating condition of the heritage-listed site, following serious concerns about its neglect and damage.

Heritage NSW has issued a Notice of Intention to make a compliance order under section 120A of the Heritage Act, with the intention to direct Mr Landerer to restore and maintain the property to the legally required minimum heritage standards.

The notice follows growing alarm about the building’s condition, including graffiti, vandalism, broken fittings, drug paraphernalia, and significant water damage inside the once-celebrated art deco venue.

Under the current process, the owner has two weeks to make representations as to why a compliance order should not be issued. If no satisfactory response is received, Heritage NSW has the authority to proceed with a formal order.

The Paragon Café, long recognised for its historic and architectural value, has been covered in boarding since June 2024, prompting initial optimism that restoration work was finally underway. However, it appears little to no work has occurred, and photos shared with the Friends of the Paragon group reveal worsening damage to the site’s interiors.

In a statement to The Greek Herald, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said: “The Paragon Café is an incredibly important historical site and protected on the State Heritage Register. The failure to protect this item has been devastating for those who have been hoping to see the building restored to its former glory.”

Mr Landerer has previously stated that efforts to restore the building have been delayed due to difficulties finding skilled tradespeople for the specialised work.

Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle also voiced her support for the compliance action, telling The Greek Herald: “The Blue Mountains community has given the owner time to rectify these issues but enough is enough. I support the action of Heritage NSW and I hope this will lead to a better outcome for everyone.”

A historic jewel of Greek Australian heritage

According to a Facebook post on the Greek Cafe and Milk Bars of Australia page, the Paragon Café was established in 1916 by Jack (Zacharias) Theodore Simos, a migrant from the Greek island of Kythera. The Paragon quickly became one of Australia’s most iconic Greek cafés, known for its elegant art deco interiors, handmade chocolates, and hospitality.

The café was listed by the National Trust of NSW in 1975, and in 1977, it was placed on the Australian Heritage Commission’s Register of the National Estate.

Following Jack’s death in 1976, his wife Mary continued to run the business until 1987. She passed away in 2001. In 2003, the business and building were sold separately. After failed negotiations between the building and business owners, the Paragon officially closed its doors in 2018.

In 2020, the Blue Mountains City Council approved a development application to restore the building. However, years of heavy rainfall, break-ins, vandalism, and graffiti have left the property in a state of severe disrepair, leading to renewed community concern and government intervention.

The Paragon Café remains listed on the State Heritage Register and continues to be a powerful symbol of Greek Australian enterprise and cultural contribution.

Andriana Petrakis to represent Australia at 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships

The Greek Herald
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Andriana Petrakis to represent Australia at 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships

Andriana Petrakis of South Australia will proudly represent Australia at the 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan from 5–10 May, joining an elite group of athletes competing on the world stage for athletes with an intellectual disability or autism.

A proud Greek Australian, Petrakis is one of just two women selected in the eight-member national team, and will compete in the II-1 classification for intellectual disability. She returns to the international circuit following a strong 2023 season, where she secured silver medals in the women’s doubles alongside Kelly Wren, and in mixed doubles with Damian Phillips, at the Virtus World Tennis Championships.

South Australia’s Andriana Petrakis is set to don the green and gold at the 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships in Kazakhstan.

The Australian team features athletes across the three international classifications in the intellectual disability and autism (IDA) pathway – II-1 (intellectual disability), II-2 (Down syndrome), and II-3 (autism).

2025 Australian Team
Women:
Kelly Wren (NSW) – II-1
Andriana Petrakis (SA) – II-1

Men:
Archie Graham (QLD) – II-1
Damian Phillips (NSW) – II-1
Timothy Gould (QLD) – II-2
Aman Ramadani (QLD) – II-2
Hunter Thompson (QLD) – II-3
Hayden Ballard (QLD) – II-3

Queensland’s Archie Graham, the current world No.1 in the II-1 men’s category, will once again lead the team. The experienced campaigner claimed four medals – one gold, two silver, and one bronze – at the 2023 Virtus Global Games, and recently secured his third consecutive national title at the 2025 Australian Open PWII Championships.

Graham will be joined by fellow world No.1 athletes Timothy Gould and Hunter Thompson, who are both aiming to defend their top rankings after dominant performances throughout 2024.

Kelly Wren remains a cornerstone of Australia’s IDA program, currently holding the No.4 world ranking in the II-1 women’s singles, and continuing her strong doubles partnerships with Petrakis and Phillips.

Following a team training camp in Canberra, head coach Alison Scott said the squad is in strong form and ready to compete.

“The team has worked incredibly hard over the past few months to prepare for this event,” Scott said.
“Our longstanding players bring so much experience and resilience, and it’s been fantastic to see how they’ve helped guide and support some of the newer members of the team.”

This year marks the second international campaign for both Hayden Ballard and Aman Ramadani, who debuted in 2024.

“They’ve grown in confidence and really embraced the team culture, which is a core part of representing Australia. The camaraderie within this group is something really special,” Scott added.

She also highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the global IDA field.

“The international standard continues to rise, which is exciting for the sport and for our players. What’s most important is the opportunity we’re creating — not just to compete, but to thrive as individuals and as teammates. This team embodies all of that, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Evzones visit Consulate General of Greece in Sydney during Anzac Day commemorations

The Greek Herald
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Evzones visit Consulate General of Greece in Sydney during Anzac Day commemorations

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.

Jon Adgemis seeks extension as debt troubles deepen and bankruptcy threat looms

The Greek Herald
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Jon Adgemis seeks extension as debt troubles deepen and bankruptcy threat looms

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.

Basil Zempilas accuses WA Government of misleading public on domestic violence policy

The Greek Herald
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Basil Zempilas accuses WA Government of misleading public on domestic violence policy

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.

Source: ABC News

Public invited to honour Greek-Australian bonds at key ANZAC events in Sydney

The Greek Herald
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Public invited to honour Greek-Australian bonds at key ANZAC events in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community is invited to take part in two special ceremonies this week alongside Greece’s Presidential Guard – the Evzones.

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.

Evzones honoured at Hellenic Club of Sydney luncheon celebrating ANZAC legacy

Andriana Simos
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Evzones honoured at Hellenic Club of Sydney luncheon celebrating ANZAC legacy

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.

evzones hellenic club of sydney
evzones hellenic club of sydney
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.”

evzones hellenic club of sydney
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.

evzones hellenic club of sydney
evzones hellenic club of sydney

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.”

evzones hellenic club sydney
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.
evzones hellenic club sydney
evzones hellenic club sydney
evzones hellenic club sydney

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.

evzones hellenic club sydney
evzones hellenic club sydney
evzones hellenic club sydney

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.

evzones hellenic club sydney
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.

evzones hellenic club sydney
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis.
evzones hellenic club sydney
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.

evzones hellenic club sydney
evzones hellenic club sydney

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.

State of emergency declared on Lesvos as water crisis deepens

The Greek Herald
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State of emergency declared on Lesvos as water crisis deepens

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
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.

Source: tovima.com

Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis applies for parole

The Greek Herald
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Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis applies for parole

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 says prisoners with life sentences have their case reviewed by the parole board annually. ABC News. Lincoln Rothall
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.

Source: ABC News

‘Shadow financing’ claims rock New Democracy over PR firm ties

The Greek Herald
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‘Shadow financing’ claims rock New Democracy over PR firm ties

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.

Source: tovima.com

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