Bentleigh MP Nick Staikos has been promoted to the Victorian ministries of Consumer Affairs and Local Government as part of a major cabinet reshuffle under Premier Jacinta Allan’s Labor government.
“I am looking forward to working hard in these important portfolio areas, as well as continuing as the Member for Bentleigh, which is the honour of my life,” Staikos said in a post on Facebook.
The reshuffle follows the departure of former Treasurer Tim Pallas, who announced his decision to leave politics after more than a decade managing the state’s finances. This prompted a series of appointments and role changes within the cabinet, with Jaclyn Symes becoming Victoria’s first female treasurer.
While much attention has been given to Symes’ historic appointment, Staikos’ elevation has also been noted as a key development. As Minister for Consumer Affairs and Local Government, Staikos will have the opportunity to play a vital role in supporting Victorian communities and ensuring fair consumer practices.
Other changes in the cabinet include Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny taking on the role of Attorney-General, while Police Minister Anthony Carbines assumes additional portfolios for Community Safety and Victims. Housing Minister Harriet Shing will oversee the Suburban Rail Loop alongside her existing responsibilities.
Danny Pearson’s portfolios of Assistant Treasurer, Suburban Rail Loop, and responsibility for WorkSafe and the TAC have been replaced by roles focused on Finance, Economic Growth, and Jobs.
Opposition Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell issued a statement congratulating Ms Symes on her new role but criticised the government’s economic track record, calling for an “urgent change of course” to address growing state debt.
Following hearings on 10 and 11 December 2024, The Honourable Justice Ashley Black upheld the appointment of voluntary administrators, dismissing claims from a creditor and secured lender who sought to overturn the decision.
The ruling, handed down on 18 December 2024, marks a significant moment for the organisation as it navigates its financial future.
A complex financial dispute
The Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd, a long-standing cultural organisation, was placed into voluntary administration on 16 September 2024, as the board cited concerns over its financial position. Facing significant debts, including a multimillion-dollar loan due in February 2025, the board argued that administration was necessary to prevent insolvency.
However, this decision was challenged by Cyprus Capital Ltd and its Directors Dr Con Costa and Dorothy Bassil, who had previously sought court injunctions that blocked the organisation from holding members’ meetings to approve property sales.
On 29 November 2024, Cyprus Capital director Dr Costa issued a media release announcing that legal action had been launched to challenge what he called the “improper” appointment of administrators to the organisation. The statement underscored the plaintiffs’ belief that the administration was unnecessary and claimed it was orchestrated to bypass proper member involvement in critical decisions, such as the future of the organisation’s valuable real estate assets.
The Cyprus Club at Stanmore in Sydney’s Inner West.
Central to the case was the organisation’s ownership of valuable real estate in Stanmore, including land with a potential redevelopment value of up to $75 million. Despite these assets, the organisation was unable to access the funds due to the injunctions and governance barriers that had been created. Without member approval, critical property sales or redevelopment could not proceed, leaving the organisation unable to address its financial shortfalls.
However, the administrators and directors countered that financial pressures, ongoing legal disputes, and governance challenges made administration the only viable option to ensure the organisation could meet its obligations.
Appointment of Receivers
In addition to the administrators, Cyprus Capital Ltd, one of the major creditors, appointed receivers from Olvera Advisors on 14 October 2024. This move transferred control of the community’s key assets, including the Cyprus Club and surrounding properties, to the receivers, who are tasked with selling the community’s property to repay a secured debt owed to Cyprus Capital Pty Ltd.
The appointment of both administrators and receivers has created a complex dynamic, with both parties managing the club’s assets simultaneously.
The appointment of both administrators and receivers has created a complex dynamic at the Cyprus Community of NSW.
Court decision and Implications
Following the court hearings this month, Justice Black ruled in favour of the administrators, finding that the board’s decision to appoint them was reasonable under the circumstances.
The court determined that while the organisation was not immediately insolvent, it was likely to become insolvent in early 2025 without urgent intervention. The ruling highlighted the organisation’s inability to sell or redevelop its properties due to the injunctions and the lack of member approval.
The court also rejected claims that the administrators’ appointment was made for improper purposes, instead recognising it as a responsible measure to stabilise the organisation’s finances.
With this decision, the administrators, Morgan Kelly and David Kennedy, can now continue their efforts to restructure the organisation and prepare a plan for its creditors and members.
Costs order
The court ordered that the plaintiffs, Dr Con Costa and Cyprus Capital Ltd, must pay the legal costs of the administrators and the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd. This includes the costs of both the primary proceedings and the cross-claim.
The outcome means the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd will remain under administration as it seeks to resolve its financial and governance challenges.
The Lefkadian Brotherhood of NSW held its annual Christmas lunch on Tuesday, December 17, at The Aegean 2.0 restaurant in the Bexley Golf Club.
The festive gathering brought together members and friends for an afternoon of good food, lively dancing and joyful celebrations.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious spread of traditional dishes, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The lunch was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
The dance floor came alive as guests shared in the festive spirit, creating memorable moments for all in attendance.
President Steve Orfanos extended heartfelt Christmas and New Year wishes to all members and friends of the Lefkadian Brotherhood, emphasising the importance of community and togetherness during the holiday season.
The event was a resounding success, with everyone leaving with smiles and cherished memories of a beautiful celebration.
The NSW Government has appointed four new Trustees, including Maria Vassiliadis, to the Responsible Gambling Fund Trust (RGF), tasked with advising on the funding of initiatives that prevent and reduce gambling harm.
The appointments were approved by Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris following a merit-based selection process.
Minister Harris said,“The appointment of these highly qualified individuals ensures we have the right people with the right expertise to drive meaningful change for individuals and communities across NSW.”
“With their wealth of experience in governance, healthcare, policy and social impact, the new trustees will strengthen the Trust’s work and help deliver evidence-based solutions to minimise harm caused by gambling across the state,” he added.
Established in 1995 through a levy on casinos, the RGF plays a crucial role in directing funds to programs that promote safer gambling practices and supporting initiatives aligned with the Office of Responsible Gambling’s goal of working towards zero gambling harm in NSW.
RGF Trustees are appointed to provide expert advice to the Minister on the use of the fund for harm minimisation efforts, including research, community education, support services, and policy development. They also offer strategic guidance on gambling policy and regulation.
NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris.
The four new Trustees are:
Luke Lindsay has experience overseeing statewide gambling support services and community programs. His expertise in healthcare and mental health will benefit the RGF in its role funding support services in NSW.
Siobhan Toohill is an experienced leader and former Chief Sustainability Officer at Westpac, where she instigated the introduction of voluntary gambling blocks on credit cards. She has extensive experience in environmental, social and governance initiatives and will bring valuable insights to the RGF.
Maria Vassiliadis has a legal background with extensive experience as a senior government executive responsible for the development and implementation of policy and regulation. She has held senior roles with the eSafety Commissioner and the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and brings subject matter expertise in gambling and online safety regulation and e-safety to the RGF.
Kara Lamond has a strong background in government and not-for-profits, specialising in policy development and reforms within the health and justice sectors. Committed to supporting disadvantaged communities, she will make a meaningful contribution to the RGF.
The four trustees replace the following outgoing trustees who have reached the end of their tenures: Dr Clive Allcock, Prof Paul Delfabbro, Elizabeth Lyne, and Prof Joel Negin.
The 11-member RGF Trust is chaired by Chris Bertinshaw and supported by the Office of Responsible Gambling.
For more information on its programs and initiatives, visit the GambleAware website: https://gambleaware.com.au
Pavlos, the son of former Greek King Constantine, is reportedly taking steps to regain Greek citizenship, but a key hurdle remains — the issue of a surname.
Under Greek law, applicants must provide a surname, but members of the former royal family, including Pavlos, have never had an official one.
Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece and Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece at King Charles’ coronation. Photo: finance.yahoo.com
They can reapply under a 1994 law, provided they declare their intention to accept Greece’s republican constitution and renounce any claim to a royal title.
Pavlos would need to make this declaration before an Athens registrar and select a surname for official records in order to receive Greek citizenship.
Panathinaikos BC is in discussions to hold the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia, specifically in Melbourne and Sydney, two cities with large Greek communities.
The Greens are in advanced talks to be in Australia in September 2025, giving many Greeks the chance to see their team up close.
Initially, the tournament will be held in Melbourne in mid-September, alongside FK Partizan, on September 18.
It will then move to Sydney, where two Australian teams – reportedly the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United – will join to compete in the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament on September 21 – 22.
This is a significant move for Panathinaikos, bringing the club closer to the Greek diaspora.
All Saints Grammar at Belmore was not far behind, claiming 91st place. They dropped by five places from 86 in the 2023 HSC. School captain Vasileios Manis received a ‘First in Course’ Award for Modern Greek Extension.
St Euphemia College at Bankstown came in 148th place on the HSC school ranking list for 2024, up from 224th place in 2023. School student Mary Glekas secured the title of ‘First in Course’ for Modern Greek Continuers.
Amid a shake-up in the top ranks of the HSC schools leaderboard this year, North Sydney Boys High School pipped James Ruse Agricultural High School for the second year running.
“We are incredibly proud of Penny’s achievements throughout her time at Renmark High School and look forward to hearing about her future as she moves to Adelaide to pursue her dream career in Medicine,” the post read.
Some 70,000 students in New South Wales have now received their much-anticipated Higher School Certificate (HSC) results, signifying the end of their high school journey.
The Class of 2024 are the largest cohort in NSW and Australian history, with 57,205 students eligible to receive an ATAR, and 18,430, or a quarter of students, completing a VET course.
Around 12 per cent of this year’s HSC results are in the top performance band, 42 per cent in the top two bands, and 74 per cent in the top three bands.
Community and Family Studies: Arsenia Gatziastras, Sylvania High School
Modern Greek Beginners: Ellie Marmara, NSW School of Languages (Petersham)
Modern Greek Continuers: Mary Glekas, St Euphemia College (Bankstown)
Modern Greek Extension: Vasileios Manis, All Saints Grammar School (Belmore)
Spanish Extension: Ajay Kantouros, International Grammar School (Ultimo)
Today, some 1,457 students were also recognised on the ‘All Round Achievers’ list for gaining results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 19,591 students received at least one band six and have been recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.
779 students were placed on the ‘Top Achievers’ list for earning one or more of the top places, and a result in the highest band. The Australian students with Greek heritage on the ‘Top Achievers’ list are:
Business Services Examination: Katerina Alexandridis, St John XXIII Catholic College (Secondary)
Business Studies: Marigold Georgia Sotiropoulos, Queenwood
Community and Family Studies: Arsenia Gatziastras, Sylvania High School
Design and Technology: Mikaela Vassilimis, St Ursula’s College
Engineering Studies: Charles John Spiteri, Saint Ignatius’ College
English Advanced: Christian Spiropoulos, Saint Ignatius’ College
History Extension: Katya Tzannes, Willoughby Girls High School
Italian Extension: Christina Panos, Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney
Italian Extension: Johnathan Lygdas, Sydney Grammar School
Modern Greek Beginners: Ioanna Kalergis, NSW School of Languages
Modern Greek Beginners: Anna Tzotsika, Endeavour Sports High School
Modern Greek Beginners: Stylianos George Vasili, Newington College
Modern Greek Continuers: Mary Glekas, St Euphemia College
Modern Greek Continuers: Alexandros Vidiniotis, St Euphemia College
Modern Greek Continuers: Eleni Koinaris, Secondary College of Languages Kogarah Campus
Modern Greek Continuers: Evangelia Zotos, Secondary College of Languages Kogarah Campus
Modern Greek Continuers: Mikayla Epsimaris, St Euphemia College
Modern Greek Extension: Vasileios Manis, All Saints Grammar
Modern Greek Extension: Mary Glekas, St Euphemia College
Modern Greek Extension: Alexandros Vidiniotis, St Euphemia College
Modern Greek Extension: Leah Katsaros, All Saints Grammar
Modern Greek Extension: Mikayla Epsimaris, St Euphemia College
Modern History: Paul Braoudakis, Sydney Grammar School
Music 1: Rianna Vassilopoulos, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College
Music 2: Benjamin Andronos, Sydney Grammar School
Society and Culture: Mia Tzannes, Willoughby Girls High School
Society and Culture: Sienna Assiouras, Bethany College
Spanish Extension: Ajay Kantouros, International Grammar School
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car congratulated all students on their HSC results this year.
“Reaching the end of your schooling journey takes grit and dedication, and every student deserves to feel proud of their efforts and everything they have achieved,” she said.
“Whether you are moving into the workforce, furthering your education, going into a traineeship or joining TAFE, I wish all our students the very best as they take their next steps forward.”
*Please Note: The above students are those The Greek Herald could identify on the ‘HSC Top Achievers in Course’ list by their Greek name. If you believe you should be in this article, please send an email to info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
The Technical Director of Sydney Olympic’s Academies, Labinot Haliti, created and implemented a Football Festival for all ages this past weekend.
On Sunday, December 15, Peter Moore Field in Belmore, Sydney was filled with young players from Sydney Olympic’s Academies facing off against the academies of Melita FC. Parents and friends watched on with pride.
The youngsters tested their penalty accuracy against Haliti, who truly demonstrated his technical skills.
Santa Claus, in the spirit of the holidays, took photos with everyone at the stadium. The Sydney Olympic kits were available for parents to wear.
The BBQ was a unique treat for everyone, as was the stadium’s kiosk, which now belongs to Sydney Olympic.
Later, there were fun activities and everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
