The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW held its much-anticipated annual Cherry Picking Weekend from Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, December 8, bringing members together for a memorable weekend filled with tradition, community spirit, and delicious food.
The day began at 6am as attendees made their way to Young, New South Wales, to visit Allambie Orchard for cherry picking.
Members enjoyed the opportunity to harvest fresh cherries straight from the trees, sharing in a hands-on experience that celebrated both nature and community. The orchard visit was followed by a BBQ feast, freshly prepared on-site for all participants.
After a busy morning, the group travelled to Canberra, where they checked into their hotel for a well-earned rest.
Later in the evening, members took charge of dinner preparations, serving a mouth-watering spread of traditional Greek cuisine. The menu featured lamb and chicken souvlakia, sheftalies, fresh salads, and warm pita bread – all cooked to perfection. The meal fostered a strong sense of togetherness, as members gathered to enjoy good food and great company.
On Sunday morning, the group prepared breakfast for attendees before heading to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra. There, they took part in a church service, followed by the annual Paniyiri, a traditional Greek festival filled with music, dancing, and celebration.
The Cherry Picking Weekend is a beloved annual tradition for the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW, offering members a chance to reconnect with nature, their cultural roots, and one another. From fresh cherries to festive meals, the weekend embodied the Brotherhood’s enduring values of community, tradition, and hospitality.
The Holy Diocese of Brisbane hosted its first-ever “Christmas Carols by Candlelight” on Sunday, December 8, at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Brisbane.
The event marked the conclusion of the Queensland Youth Conference and was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The evening featured moving performances from the mixed choir of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society of Sydney, the “Ellinikes Fones” choir of the Greek Orthodox Parish-Community of Saint George, and Brisbane’s “Saint John of Damascus” choir.
The choirs performed a rich programme of contemporary Christmas hymns and traditional carols from various regions of Greece, delighting the large audience in attendance.
Prominent figures in the audience included Their Graces, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane and Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, along with the Archon of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Theo Bacalakis, the President of the Parish-Community of Saint George, Freda Valassakis, and other community leaders and faithful.
At the close of the event, Archbishop Makarios expressed heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and performers. He praised the Greek Orthodox community for fostering a spirit of love and unity as they approach the great celebration of Christmas.
Students with a passion for Greek language and culture are being encouraged to apply for the newly launched 1821 Scholarship at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
The scholarship gives applicants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of one of the world’s most historically significant languages while receiving financial support for their studies.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enrich your education while connecting with Greece’s rich cultural legacy.
Apply now and be part of the growing community of Modern Greek language learners at UNSW. Found out more at unswgreek.com.
Miles Downie – who has been appointed by Football Australia as Head Coach for this qualification campaign – has selected a talented group of players from across the country for the camp which will run from 16-20 December 2024 at The Centre, Dural.
This upcoming camp represents a crucial step in preparing for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025™ Qualifiers, as it’s where the final 14-player squad will be selected.
The AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ Qualifiers, scheduled for 11-19 January 2025, will see Australia compete in Group C alongside host nation Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Philippines, and Kuwait. The Draw for the Qualifiers was conducted on 17 October at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where teams were placed into four groups to play in a centralised league format.
The inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™ 2025, set to be hosted in the Philippines, presents an opportunity for Football Australia to stand up a team specifically for this qualification cycle where participation in the AFC Qualifiers also marks Australia’s debut on the Asian Futsal stage and highlights a targeted effort to support the sport’s growth.
Football Australia has unveiled the 24 players invited to attend a domestic selection camp in Sydney for the Australia Women’s National Futsal Team.#WACFutsal2025https://t.co/UTQu5HOGu1
Head Coach Downie expressed his excitement for the upcoming camp and highlighted its significance for Women’s Futsal in Australia.
“This is a truly special moment for everyone involved in bringing this to life, our first-ever Women’s National Futsal team competing in Asia is a massive step forward, and it’s a move that will inspire future generations of players,” Downie said.
“The camp is an essential part of this journey as it’s the first time we will have all the players together. It will be key from a development perspective both individually and collectively as well as to identify the final squad that will represent Australia at the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers in January.
“This is a rare opportunity for players to be part of history. The players have been working towards this happening for a long time, and this gives them the platform to push themselves further and potentially represent their country.
“With the incentive of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup and FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup on the horizon, this camp is a pivotal moment in our collective desire to see an Australian Women’s National Futsal team compete on the international stage.”
Due to the timing of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 China™ Qualifiers, several players are unavailable for selection due to their respective Ninja A-League and Club commitments.
The squad for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 China™ Qualifiers to be held in Uzbekistan will be selected and announced in late December.
Australia Women’s National Futsal Team Selection Camp Squad | 16-20 December 2024
Name
Position
Junior Club/Member Federation
Current Club/Member Federation
Daisy ARROWSMITH
Ala
Northbridge FC / Football NSW
UTS Northside FC / Football NSW
Jessica AU
Ala/Fixo
Brunswick Zebras FC / Football VIC
Melbourne AKU FC / Football VIC
Trudy CAMILLERI
Pivo
Ingleburn Eagles SC / Football NSW
Mascot Vipers FC / Football NSW
Aurelia COLLINS
Universal
Brookvale FC / Football NSW
Eastern Suburbs Hakoah FC / Football NSW
Jessica DILLON
Fixo
Woden Valley FC / Capital Football
South Brisbane Fury FC / Football QLD
Emily DUNN
Ala/Fixo
Park Ridge FC / Football QLD
Crusaders FC / Football QLD
Sarah EASTHOPE
GK
Henry Lawson SC / Football NSW
Dural Warriors FC / Football NSW
Estelle FRAGALE
Fixo
Glen Haven FC / Football NSW
Enfield Allstars FC / Football NSW
Claudia FRUSCALZO
Universal
Bundoora United FC / Football VIC
Fitzroy Tigers FC / Football VIC
Clare HOLDER
Fixo/Pivot
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC/Football NSW
Eastern Suburbs Hakoah FC / Football NSW
Alexia KARRYS-STAHL
Fixo
Gungahlin United FC / Capital Football
UTS Northside FC / Football NSW
Demi KOULIZAKIS
Pivo
Carss Park FC / Football NSW
Enfield Allstars FC / Football NSW
Sophie MAGUS
GK
Hurlstone Park FC / Football NSW
APIA Futsal FC / Football NSW
Meaghan MCELLIGOTT
Universal
Port Macquarie FC / NNSW Football
Crusaders FC / Football QLD
Jessica MCLEAN
GK
Park Ridge FC / Football QLD
Crusaders FC / Football QLD
Sarah MOORE
Ala
Lambton Jaffas FC / NNSW Football
Mascot Vipers FC / Football NSW
Kizanne MULDER
Fixo/Pivo
North Coast FC / NNSW Football
Northern Pulse FC / Football QLD
Rachel PERRINS
Universal
Eastwood St Andrews AFC / Football NSW
Dural Warriors FC / Football NSW
Sofia PALYWODA
Ala
Woden Valley FC / Capital Football
Boomerangs FC / Football NSW
Halle SMIT
Ala
Seaforth FC / Football NSW
UTS Northside FC / Football NSW
Zoee SPADANO
Ala
Swan United FC / Football West
South Perth Alliance FC / Football West
Marianna TABAIN
Fixo
Cockburn City SC / Football West
Cockburn Wolves FC / Football West
Natalie TATHEM
Ala/Fixo
Wynnum Wolves FC / Football QLD
Perth Glory FC / Football West
Michaela THORNTON
Ala
Tuggeranong United FC / Capital Football
Boomerangs FC / Football NSW
To view further information around the format and qualification for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025™ click here.
In an atmosphere filled with joy and emotion, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools proudly hosted their VCE graduation ceremony on Saturday, December 7, at the Greek Centre.
The event was graced by members of the Board of Directors and the Education Committee, including Eleni Chiotis and Spyridoula Demetriou, who warmly congratulated the graduates and wished them every success in their future pursuits.
The ceremony was hosted by Maria Bakalidou, Principal of GCM Schools, while the keynote address was delivered by the esteemed Professor Nikos Papastergiadis from the University of Melbourne.
Professor Papastergiadis inspired the graduates with a thoughtful and engaging speech, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as they embark on the next phase of their lives following the completion of their secondary education.
This year, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 46 students who completed their studies in Modern Greek and five students who graduated in Ancient Greek. Teachers Anthi Tzani, Eleni Demetriou, and Odysseas Kripotos shared their pride and emotions, commending the students for their dedication, progress, and effort.
“This evening is not only a celebration for our students but also for our entire school community,” Ms Bakalidou said.
“We are incredibly proud of these young individuals who continue to uphold the Greek language and culture and achieve their goals through hard work and perseverance. We hope they carry forward the same passion, determination, and vision into their adult lives, fulfilling their dreams.”
Following the official ceremony, the celebration transitioned into a vibrant Greek feast. Students and teachers joined together in singing, dancing, and enjoying live music, creating an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, shared memories, and optimism for the future.
Football Australia has announced the second intake of the National Referee Academy, a ground-breaking initiative in the Australian football landscape, designed to transform the Match Official pathway and cultivate the development of world-class officials.
The Football Australia Referee Academy (FARA) Class of 2025 comprises of thirteen match officials representing five Member Federations, which will see these emerging referees or assistant referees each commence a two-year program featuring dedicated referee education, training and mentoring to provide greater individual support covering technical, physical, and mental aspects to underpin accelerated development.
Upon announcing the new intake, Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss said: “The Football Australia Referee Academy is a critical component of the Elite Refereeing Development Strategy, as we look to develop further world-class officials.”
“By design, the Academy bridges the gap between the state NPL and national A-Leagues’ competitions, fostering seamless transition for our match officials and building depth within our ranks, creating competition for spots which drives a further elevation of standards,” Mr Moss explained.
FARA is aligned with Football Australia’s XI Principles and adopts a holistic approach to developing match officials, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of professional football, both domestically and globally.
This second intake follows the successful graduation of the Class of 2023, which saw eight members selected on the Match Officials Panel for the 2024/25 A-Leagues’ season, including: Vicky Clark (Football QLD), (Molly Godsell (Football NSW), Alexis Johnson (Football NSW), Page Malau-Aduli (Football QLD), Paula Malau-Aduli (Football QLD), Astro Sakalis (Football Victoria), Nathan Shakespear (Capital Football), and Declan Woods (Capital Football).
Football Australia is delighted to announce the second intake of the National Referee Academy, a ground-breaking initiative in the Australian football landscape.
The other graduating members of the Class of 2023 will return to their respective National Premier League competitions with a greater understanding of their craft, who are ready to be elevated should the opportunity arise.
“It’s pleasing to see the immediate success of the Football Australia Referee Academy with more than half the inaugural intake being named on the A-Leagues’ Panel for this season,” Mr Moss continued.
“With the demands on our Elite Referees to officiate at FIFA and AFC tournaments, having a deeper pool of qualified match officials ready to be appointed to A-Leagues’ matches, and the National Second Tier from 2025, can only be a positive as we look to raise the standards of Australian football.”
To be considered for FARA, prospects are nominated by their respective state Member Federations, where candidates have matches assessed, submit an individual performance plan and fitness test results, sit an online exam, and then participate in a formal interview.
For Batch 2 of the FARA intake, Football Australia received over 30 nominations, with the final 13 referees and assistant referees selected by a Panel consisting of former FIFA Referee Jacqui Hurford, former A-League Men Assistant Referee Daniel Goodwin, and a selection of Football Australia’s full-time Referees.
The two-year program for Batch 2 of the Football Australia Referee Academy will commence in January 2025.
FOOTBALL AUSTRALIA REFEREE ACADEMY – CLASS OF 2025
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) has elected its new Supervisory and Electoral Committees following the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday, December 8, at Olympic Hall.
The newly appointed Supervisory Committee comprises Tony Papadopoulos, Maria Gazecimeon, Andrew Stathopoulos, Carlene Vasilakis-Starr, and John Lesses.
The Electoral Committee includes Manuel Frangoulis, Jack Gazecimeon, Dimitra Psarros, Ellie Speis, and Bill Starr.
The AGM served as a key moment for GOCSA members to reaffirm leadership and governance roles within the community.
Angelina Jolie has been nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama’ at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas in the film Maria.
Jolie faces competition from Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl), Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), and Kate Winslet (Lee).
Maria received no other nominations from the Golden Globe organisers.
Angelina Jolie at the world premiere of the Maria Callas biopic at the Venice Film Festival. Photo: Joel C Ryan / Invision/ AP.
Directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight, Maria reimagines the final days of Callas’ life in Paris, France. The film also features Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee in supporting roles.
The 2024 Golden Globe Awards will air on January 5 on CBS. Maria is set to premiere on Netflix in the United States on 11 December 2024.
Greece presented a religious icon of the Virgin Mary, known as “Panagia Melissou” (Virgin Mary of the Bees), to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, during its reopening ceremony on Saturday, December 7.
The symbolic gesture aimed to celebrate the cathedral’s restoration after the devastating 2019 fire and to reaffirm the enduring friendship between Greece and France.
Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou presented the gift during the ceremony, which was attended by 40 world leaders.
The icon, created by a hieromonk from Mount Athos, depicts the Virgin Mary holding a beehive, symbolising hope and resilience. The design was inspired by the survival of around 200,000 bees that miraculously lived through the fire, despite their hives being on Notre Dame’s roof.
Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou (second row, second from left) was present at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo: Presidency GR.
The idea for the gift came from Father George of Mount Athos, a well-known advocate for bee protection.
The concept of “Panagia Melissou” emerged from a tradition at a monastery in Karditsa, Greece, where bees would nest inside the church, flying freely without disturbing worshippers. The first “Panagia Melissou” icon was crafted in 2009, with replicas later displayed at monasteries in Rhodes and Trikala.
On the sidelines of Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening, President Sakellaropoulou held discussions with other leaders, including Germany’s Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Italy’s Sergio Mattarella, and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also had a brief conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron at a formal dinner he was hosting with First Lady Brigitte.
Macron described the cathedral’s restoration as a metaphor for “what a nation is, and what the world should be,” adding, “Tonight the bells of Notre Dame ring anew.”
The Greek government has not made an official statement, but sources told Ekathimerinithat the Migration Ministry is reviewing the situation and plans to issue a statement on Friday.
Syrian opposition fighters celebrate the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, December 8, 2024. Photo: Omar Sanadiki / AP.
Several other European countries, including Germany, Norway, Austria, and Denmark, have also paused Syrian asylum applications.
Germany’s Interior Ministry stated it would wait for more clarity on Syria’s political developments before resuming processing. Austria’s Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has ordered a suspension of all Syrian applications, including reviews of previously approved cases.
