Camera traps set on Mount Taygetus, near ancient Sparta, identified nine wolves – four adults and five pups – in November 2024. This is the first verified evidence of wolves in the region since the late 1930s.
The return is viewed as a positive development for biodiversity, but raises concerns about balancing wildlife conservation with human activities such as livestock farming.
Wolves return to the Peloponnese after almost a century. Photo: Callisto Environmental Group.
Callisto intensified research efforts following reports of livestock predation in October, using cameras and tracking wolf footprints and droppings.
While wolves have been seen in other parts of mainland Greece, their reappearance in the Peloponnese marks a significant step in the species’ recovery.
Approximately 700 wolves are thought to inhabit Greece, primarily in remote, mountainous areas. However, dwindling natural prey has led to increased conflicts with farmers.
Wolves have also recently returned to Mount Parnitha, near Athens.
The awards recognise Australia’s most talented young lawyers under 30, celebrating their contributions to the legal profession and their commitment to excellence.
Elle told The Greek Herald she felt “incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised as a finalist amongst so many talented legal professionals.”
“The recognition signifies an acknowledgment of my dedication to client service, to nurturing a supportive team environment at my workplace and to my efforts to contribute to meaningful change. However, it is ultimately a testament to all my wonderful clients, mentors and peers who have supported me to date, and the immense value in everything we have built together to achieve as a team,” she added.
Elle, an experienced litigation lawyer, specialises in corporate and insurance litigation and dispute resolution. She has represented clients in high-profile cases across Australia and is known for her empathetic, pragmatic approach to complex matters.
Chants of ‘O-LYM-PIC, O-LYM-PIC’ and ‘Let’s go Hellas’ echoed loudly across Netstrata Jubilee Stadium at Kogarah, Sydney on Saturday, January 13 as close to 3,000 football fans packed the stadium for the inaugural The Greek Herald Cup.
The atmosphere was electric with live music, Greek dancing performances, and a football extravaganza as two iconic Greek heritage football clubs, Sydney Olympic FC and South Melbourne FC, came face to face in the historic clash. Ultimately, Sydney Olympic came out on top.
Registrations are NOW OPEN for the 2025 Greek Herald Cup, which will be held at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium on Saturday, January 18. Entry is free, but registration is essential.
Anais Menounos, winner of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year, with her mum, dad and brother. Photo: Effy Alexakis.
The winner of ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award for 2024 was 29-year-old Anais Menounos – co-founder of the St Nicholas Mission Academy in Ghana.
Antipodes Festival 2024. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Once again, the 36th Antipodes Festival, organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), resonated with the vibrant pulse of the Greek community.
Held in the heart of Melbourne’s historic Greek precinct on Lonsdale Street, adorned in blue and white, the Festival marked a significant milestone.
The Festival stands as the largest Hellenic festival in the global diaspora and this year, for the first time, was recognised by the City of Melbourne as a Tier 1 event alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Australian Tennis Open.
The event was organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) in conjunction with the Inter-Communities Council of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
The historic occasion featured a wreath laying ceremony at Martin Place, followed by a parade through Sydney’s streets towards the Opera House.
Afterwards, a cultural spectacle took place including Greek dancing performances, singing and official speeches.
Walking down Bay Street in the Sydney suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands on any normal weekday, you would see cars calmly driving past and locals sipping their coffee at nearby cafes. But Sunday, May 26 was not any ordinary day.
The festival marked the end of the 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney supported by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) and presented by the Bank of Sydney.
The Cyprus Community of South Australia, in collaboration with the Justice for Cyprus Coordination Committee SA (SEKA SA), marked the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
Members of the Cypriot and Greek communities in Australia came together in July 2024 to call for justice for Cyprus 50 years after Turkey invaded the island in 1974.
In Sydney, hundreds of people took part in a ‘peace march’ from Sydney’s Martin Place to Lane Park, chanting “Free Cyprus” and “Turkey out of Cyprus.” It was the first time in years the march was allowed to be held.
In Melbourne, more than 2,000 people flocked to Federation Square on Sunday, July 21 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
During the event, Cypriots, Greeks and Philhellenes called for the unification and freedom of Cyprus after 50 years of ethnic division.
More than 2,000 people flocked to Melbourne’s Federation Square on Sunday, July 21 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Photo: The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis.
In South Australia, the Cyprus Community of South Australia (CCSA), in collaboration with the Justice for Cyprus Coordination Committee SA (SEKA SA), held a series of important events from July 14 – July 22 dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in Cyprus and acknowledging the continued struggle for freedom and democracy.
The Ecumenical Patriarch participated in a series of celebratory events in Sydney and Melbourne marking the centenary of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The historic visit further strengthened the ties between the Orthodox Church and the Greek community of Australia, marking a new era in their relations.
In a heartwarming display of love and giving, students of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools visited Fronditha’s Care’s residential aged care facility in Clayton on Monday, December 23.
Accompanied by parents and teachers, the students shared unique moments with the elderly residents and staff, singing traditional Christmas carols and embodying the true spirit of the holidays.
The warm welcome and tearful smiles of the elderly made the occasion truly special.
The students, with their energy and positive attitude, provided more than just music and songs; they offered love and companionship, bringing back memories of childhood and homeland for the grandmothers and grandfathers.
“This initiative is meaningful not only for the elderly, but also for our children, who had the opportunity to experience the joy of giving and the importance of love by continuing a cherished Greek tradition, Christmas carols” Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the GCM Schools, said.
“We would like to thank everyone who participated—students, teachers, and parents—who made this celebration of love possible. A special thank you to the Fronditha staff for their warm hospitality. We look forward to fostering more intergenerational connections through similar activities in the future.”
In a cheerful and constructive atmosphere, another gathering of Greek entrepreneurs, academics, and community figures took place on Saturday, December 21 at the welcoming venue of Nikos Cakes in Fairfield, Victoria.
The event has been envisioned and sustained for 20 years by well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist Gregory Kaias, along with community members Kostas Saristavros and Dimitris Karalakis.
Several notable figures were present on the day including His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, who attended with the blessing and permission of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
In a moving address, Metropolitan Myron highlighted the unique challenges faced by Hellenism and Orthodoxy in NZ and nearby regions such as Fiji and Samoa.
Metropolitan Myron also emphasised the Church’s monumental efforts to support Orthodox churches and orphanages, aiming to improve the living conditions of Orthodox Christians in these areas despite significant challenges.
Mr Saristavros, in his welcoming remarks, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of this cross-border initiative.
Mr Saristavros also encouraged the community to support Melbourne’s Greek organisations, societies, churches, and all aspects of Hellenic culture, stressing the importance of preserving Greek identity and language to prevent the decline of the diaspora.
The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis, praised such initiatives and underscored the importance of strengthening Hellenism.
The Cretan Association of Northern Territory is hosting the 43rd National Cretan Federation Convention in Darwin, Northern Territory, from Thursday, 2 January 2025 to Sunday, 5 January 2025.
The convention is being held under the auspices of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand with the support of the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia.
Hundreds of participants of Greek and Cretan descent will gather from across Australia and New Zealand for four days of events celebrating Cretan tradition and culture.
The official Cocktail Party Opening and Convention Dinner Dance will feature performances by Cretan dance groups from around Australia, as well as live Cretan music by Nikos Vezyrakis (Lyra), Giorgos Katsoulieris (Lute), and Alexandros Kazakis (Guitar) from Crete.
The convention will be attended by a range of distinguished guests from the NT and participants from every state and territory of Australia, as well as from NZ, USA and Greece.
A Greek family in Melbourne is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed their home, caused by Christmas tree decorations.
The fire gutted their Glen Waverley townhouse on Sunday night, forcing the family of four – George, Roula, and their two daughters – to lose everything except the clothes on their backs.
The couple had lived in the home for 24 years.
A Melbourne family’s home was destroyed by a fire caused by Christmas tree decorations. Photo: 7 News.
George, who was home with their daughters whilst Roula was at work, noticed the Christmas tree on fire after the smoke alarm went off.
While attempting to save the house, he suffered burns to his feet and arm, but managed to get his daughters to safety.
The fire caused significant damage to neighbouring homes and took 38 firefighters one hour to control. The townhouse will have to be demolished.
Family friend Maria Bulovic has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family rebuild their lives. As of Wednesday, December 25 the GoFundMe appeal had raised over $19,000 of its $50,000 target.
Peter and Oriana Petsios, owners of the SA Tomato business, are facing a potential $100,000 fine due to delays in virus testing, despite their best efforts to comply with strict quarantine regulations.
In November, after receiving national approval to resume operations, the Petsios family set out to deliver 106,000 seedlings to a Victorian client, Katunga Fresh.
However, despite repeated communication with the SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), only one of the required virus test results had been returned by the time the truck arrived on December 16.
Mr Petsios had reminded PIRSA of the impending deadline but received no warning about potential issues with the testing. When the truck departed without official approval, a PIRSA official called to say the departure was not approved because of the pending test results.
SA Tomato was already shut down in August after tomato brown rugose fruit virus was found in a client’s greenhouse. Photo: Growing Produce.
Mr Petsios expressed deep frustration, fearing that if the shipment was delayed, Katunga Fresh could sue him for breaching the contract.
“This is probably as low a point that we’ve ever felt,” Mr Petsios told The Advertiser.
He now faces the possibility of a fine for breaching quarantine restrictions, despite following all protocols to the letter.
PIRSA has since acknowledged the breach but stated that the plants did not contain the virus, with the final test results arriving on December 18.
Opposition spokeswoman Nicola Centofanti criticised the government for inadequate support to growers, highlighting the delays in testing as a major issue for the industry.
A Greek national, 30, has been arrested in the surf at a NSW beach for his alleged role in an importation of $34 million worth of methamphetamine to Sydney.
The AFP began an investigation in June 2024 into an organised crime syndicate suspected of importing drugs from the United Kingdom.
The 30-year-old man is alleged to have stored a car containing 37kg of methamphetamine with the intention of delivering the vehicle and illicit drugs to an unknown person. The illicit drugs had an estimated street value of $34 million.
An arrest warrant was issued on 25 November 2024, for his alleged role in possessing the drugs.
Following inquiries by AFP investigators, the man was observed at Birubi Beach, Anna Bay – located about an hour north of Newcastle – about 5:20pm on Friday, December 20. When he was approached, the man allegedly ran into the ocean to evade AFP and NSW Police investigators. After a short period of treading water, the man entered shallow water and was arrested.
The man was subsequently charged with:
One count of possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
One count of breach of bail, contrary to section 77(1)(e) of Bail Act 2013 (NSW).
He appeared in Parramatta Local Court on 21 December 2024 and was formally refused bail. The matter was listed for the same court on 20 February 2025.
The man is the fourth person charged by the AFP as part of the investigation into the possession of the methamphetamine.
A Greek national, 30, has been arrested in the surf at a NSW beach for his alleged role in an importation of $34 million worth of methamphetamine to Sydney. Photo: Australian Federal Police.
Two Greek nationals, aged 43 and 41, were arrested on 29 June, 2024 and 1 October, 2024 for allegedly removing the methamphetamine from an air cargo consignment located in the Sydney suburb of Earlwood and hiding the illicit drugs in a car.
They were charged with:
One count of possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
They are remanded in custody and listed to return to Downing Centre Local Court on 19 February 2025.
A fourth Greek national, 45, was arrested 20 November 2024, as part of the investigation. The AFP will allege he also helped store the vehicle containing the methamphetamine with the intention of delivering the vehicle and illicit drugs to an unknown person.
He was charged with possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border controlled drugs, contrary to section 307.5, by virtue of section 11.1, of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
He has been remanded in custody and is listed to return to Downing Centre Local Court on 15 January 2025.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie Cressy said the arrest highlighted the AFP’s commitment to combatting drug trafficking.
“Let these arrests serve as a warning to criminal syndicates plotting attempts to bring illicit substances into our country – we are ready to act and disrupt your criminal activities, together with our law enforcement partners,” Det Supt Cressy said.
“The AFP is committed to targeting, identifying and disrupting any attempt to import harmful illicit substances into our country and we are dedicated to bringing those responsible to justice.”
There were 11,220 Australians hospitalised – the equivalent of over 30 hospitalisations every day in 2021-22 – from methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin consumption.
Greek tennis stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari are ready to start 2025 with renewed energy, aiming for success at the United Cup in Perth, Western Australia.
While both players have faced challenges in recent months – Tsitsipas dropped out of the Top 10, and Sakkari fell to No. 32 after an injury – they are determined to revitalise their careers in the new season.
Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam runner-up, and Sakkari, a former two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, have already made their mark at the United Cup, with Greece advancing to the quarters in both 2023 and 2024.
They are set to headline Group C at the 2025 United Cup event, where they will face Spain and Kazakhstan on Saturday, December 28 and Monday, December 30 respectively.
