On Wednesday night at Olympic Park Village, Alexandros (Heidelberg United) put on a show against the Western Sydney Wanderers, defying all odds with a dominant 3-0 win to book their place in the Australia Cup quarter-finals.
An own goal by Alex Bonetig gifted the opening goal in the 13th minute.
From there, Heidelberg had no trouble dismantling the Wanderers, scoring two more through a well-taken penalty by Bul Juach in the 31st minute and a late strike by Anthony Lesiotis in the 90th to seal the result.
Heidelberg will now face Wellington Phoenix in the next round, with Football Australia expected to confirm the date in the coming days.
The foreign ministers of Greece, Australia, and Cyprus were among 24 countries that on Tuesday, August 12, condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging Israel to allow unrestricted aid into the enclave.
“The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation,” the ministers said in a joint statement.
They called on Israel “to provide authorisation for all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors from operating.”
The statement urged that “all crossings and routes must be used to allow a flood of aid into Gaza, including food, nutrition supplies, shelter, fuel, clean water, medicine and medical equipment.”
Photo: Ahmad Salem / Bloomberg / Getty Images.
Israel has denied responsibility for the hunger in Gaza, accusing Hamas of stealing aid, a claim Hamas denies.
Last month, Israel announced measures to increase aid deliveries, including daily pauses in fighting in some areas and protected routes for convoys, but Western governments say far more is needed.
The appeal was also signed by foreign ministers from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Japan, and other nations, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and two European Commission members. Germany and Hungary did not sign.
The ministers also expressed gratitude to the US, Qatar, and Egypt for pushing for a ceasefire, saying: “We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.”
Multiple wildfires are raging across Greece, forcing urgent evacuations as strong winds and difficult terrain hamper firefighting efforts.
On Zakynthos, a large blaze near Kiliomeno spread to the outskirts of Agalás, threatening Kerí and Lithakiá.
Authorities issued several 112 alerts, ordering evacuations from Agalás to Kerí and from Lake Kerí to Zakynthos Town. At least one unoccupied house was destroyed and up to six others damaged.
A hotel in Apeláti was evacuated, while another initially refused to comply until firefighters intervened. More than 60 firefighters, two ground teams, 17 vehicles, two water-bombing aircraft and a helicopter are tackling the fire, supported by reinforcements from Patras and Kyllíni.
In Kefalonia, a fire in Laggáda, Argostoli, forced residents of Farakláta, Dilináta and Davgáta to evacuate towards Mýrtos, with sixty firefighters and aerial resources working to protect homes.
In Achaia, large-scale evacuations have been ordered in Western Achaia and the Erymanthos plain, with residents moved from industrial zones to the sea. Several villages are affected and the Patras–Tripoli National Road has been closed. Fifty firefighters, two ground teams, 12 vehicles, seven aircraft and a helicopter are engaged, with unconfirmed reports of burn injuries.
In Aetolia-Acarnania, a blaze near Paliampela, Vonitsa, destroyed at least one house and is advancing toward commercial areas. More than 85 firefighters and extensive aerial support are on scene.
In Preveza, flames in Gymnótópos have reached the village, threatening homes and prompting a closure of the Ionian Motorway and evacuations from Driófytos.
Fires in Ammótópos, Arta, and Daphnós, Fokida, are under control, though crews remain on site to prevent flare-ups.
On Lesvos, a blaze near the Moní Leimónos monastery burned eight acres before being contained by 30 firefighters, two aircraft and municipal water trucks.
In Chios, fires between Potamiá and Pispilounta have triggered evacuations towards Volissós, with 25 firefighters and a helicopter on scene and reinforcements expected.
In Patras, a separate apartment fire on Grevenon Street has trapped residents, with crews working on rescues.
Meanwhile, new fires have been reported near Elaiochóri in Messinia and in Alexandroupoli, where a vacant lot blaze destroyed vehicles and machinery.
Authorities are investigating suspected arson in Aetolia-Acarnania and Epirus, following multiple recent outbreaks. An incendiary device was found in Drosia, Attica, and a suspect is in custody.
Civil Protection has placed nine regions on high fire risk (orange alert) and is urging residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid any activity that could ignite further blazes.
Athena Georgopoulos, 39, has been identified as one of the two people killed in what police describe as an “unimaginably horrific” alleged double murder in Melbourne’s southeast.
Georgopoulos, who was five months pregnant with a baby girl, was found dead alongside her partner Andrew Gunn, 50, inside a Mount Waverley unit on Monday night. The killer allegedly decapitated Andrew before placing his head on a spike.
Police arrested a 34-year-old homeless man hours later, charging him with two counts of murder.
Athena Georgopoulos and her partner Andrew Gunn were found dead inside a unit in Adrienne Crescent, Mount Waverley.
Her aunt, Patty Dilveridis, said Georgopoulos had been excited to become a mother after believing it would never happen. “She was so looking forward to having a baby… she never thought she could have one,” she said.
Georgopoulos’ mother, Petty, described her as a devoted daughter who had been her primary carer for years, and said Gunn was a caring partner who loved her.
Police sources allege the crime was a targeted attack. A neighbour’s call about shouting led officers to the scene, where they discovered the victims’ bodies.
Graffiti could be seen sprayed in yellow and black paint on the side of the home. Photo: 7News.
Graffiti, including the words “Karma is not a menu,” was found on the side of the home, and detectives are investigating whether it is linked to the killings.
The accused was arrested at Westall train station with the help of the Critical Incident Response Team and air wing. Police believe he was known to the victims.
The Greek Australian community is mourning the loss of much-loved George Antoniou, who passed away on 19 July 2025 at the age of 98.
Born in Analypsis-Triconidos on 20th September 1926, he was one of seven sons and a lone daughter of parents Kleomvrotos and Yiannoula Antoniou.
George was fortunate and privileged to complete his high school during the hardships of WWII. He furthered his education in the Greek Police Force and as a 20-year-old fought in the Greek Civil War. After the end of the Civil War, George progressed his career in the ‘chorofilaki’ and became an officer and was posted to Rhodes along with two other good friends and colleagues from the same region of birth, Messolonghi. Nick Lois and George Vassilopoulos were his best friends and later were to become his best men when he met and married Eleousa Lakerdis in Rhodes on June 13th, 1954.
After the end of the Civil War, George progressed his career in the ‘chorofilaki’ and became an officer and was posted to Rhodes.
George adored Eleousa, a love that was everlasting and was to span over 71 years. Upon marrying Eleousa, George decided to travel with his new bride to Australia, with the sole intention to work hard for several years and to earn enough money to return to Greece and establish a better future for his family.
George and Eleousa travelled by sea on the German boat Bloemfontein, bought later by Chandris Lines and renamed Patris. They arrived in Sydney in February 1955.
During the long voyage, Eleousa was in her early term of pregnancy to their first son Cleo, and gave birth to him on August 10th, 1955. The decision to move to Sydney was made easier as Eleousa’s brother George Lakerdis had already established himself in Sydney many years earlier. However, the first years were very difficult for the fledgeling Antoniou family, but fortunately they had great support from Eleousa’s sister Irene and brother George.
Irene had married Nicholas Apoifis and for many months the Antoniou, Apoifis and Lakerdis clan, along with a few other relatives, 13 in all, lived and worked happily together in a two-storey terrace in Steele St, Surry Hills.
George Antoniou soon found work alongside his brother-in-law George at the ETA Vegetable Oils factory. On his first day of work, and to the surprise of many, especially his brother-in-law, George came to work in a suit and tie. The embarrassment didn’t phase George. He was given a change of pants and went along as normal. The need to earn money meant that he had to swallow his pride, which he did and he proudly worked alongside his countrymen as a factory worker for just on 13 months. It was a well-paying, highly laborious job, paying nearly twice as much as other similar jobs.
In 1959, George and Eleousa purchased their first home in George St, Erskineville, where they proceeded to raise their children Cleo and Louie before moving to the more salubrious suburb of Earlwood where Jayne was born and later to Sans Souci to finally settle in Beverley Park for the last 20 years of his life.
The Antoniou family.
In the early 60’s, these homes were constantly filled with young men and women, predominantly young women whom George and Lucy had proxied to Australia and who lived with them for the nominal period often only leaving them once they were wed.
Even though George never really minded the factory work, often having to work double shifts, he felt he was destined for greater things. It wasn’t long before George sought a more entrepreneurial vocation. George assisted many Greek immigrants with the writing of letters back to their families in Greece and over a short period of time he established friendships and a network of newly arrived Greeks from all regions of Greece.
He discovered that there was a Greek Orthodox Community Organisation (GOC) in Sydney. George’s patriotism for the homeland led to him introducing himself to the GOC, they were offering payment for those who could introduce and sign new members. In his first two weeks, George signed a record of 116 members. He proudly refused to take any payment – an action that became a common trait of his dedication and unselfish contribution back to the Australian Greek community.
His devotion to the ‘patritha’ and the love for all that was Greek defined him. He longed to return to Greece however, the opportunities in Australia for work and the sense that he could play a pivotable role in the creation of a strong Greek community ultimately led to his decision to permanently stay in Australia.
His devotion to the ‘patritha’ and the love for all that was Greek defined him.
He, along with Lucy, tried their hand at various ventures including as Makers’ up in the rag trade, different retail shops selling a variety of wares including men’s shirts and ladies apparel and manchester.
At one stage, along with his Koubarous at the time, Sam Michalopoulos and Theo Karras and good friend Kosta Lianos, they formed a company and set off for Japan to bring in the next big thing which would secure their future. And it almost did. It was the first electric hand dryer and in those early years, never seen in Australia other than by international travellers.
Once sold to any number of international hotels and restaurants, they thought they had it made except for the fact that once the UV lamp of that time died, the replacement cost more than the original unit.
Next venture, taped recordings of local Greek immigrants which were sent back home to cities and villages where they were played and return tapes with messages were made and sent back. This was all well and good because at the time, telephone services were not only expensive but also not readily available. Once they were, this also faltered.
George’s desire to further progress and grow the Sydney Greek community did compete with the needs of his own family. He saw an opportunity to combine both efforts and made the decision to start a Seamstress Sewing College. Eleousa was an accomplished and qualified dress maker, and led the teaching whilst George, through his expanding contacts, found the students. Within a very short period, the school had three teachers and 13 sewing machines and were providing 2-week courses to immigrant students that led to immediate employment, as the clothing industry was then strong and provided plenty of employment for trained staff. No fees were charged and George and Lucy, upon finding full time employment for their students, kept the first week’s wages in lieu of payment.
George Antoniou was a much-loved member of the Greek Australian community.
In 1957, with a few notable Greeks in Argyris Karavelas and Vlassis Papadopoulos, they formed EFSEVIA whose sole aim was the promotion of Greek language and culture to the children of migrants who had neither the time nor the necessary skills to do so. In a very short period of time they managed to establish 13 ‘afternoon’ schools after having first gained the approval of the State Government of the time to utilise public school premises at no charge, save for their being kept clean. Quite obviously an acknowledgement at that time of the importance of the Greek community and the need to keep them on side.
These first 13 schools were then transferred to the Greek Orthodox Community as, at the time, there was no conflict between the Church and State and consequently led to creation of many more schools in many areas of the state where Greeks lived.
Throughout this period, George was involved in many similar community initiatives. In 1959, George led the formation of the Messolonghi Philanthropical Association, fellow founders included Odysseas Triantafillou, Petro Prindisis, Stergiou Constandinos, Sotiris Pascalis and Costandinos Scolarikis.
He was instrumental in the drafting of this Organisation’s Constitution, as he was for many other similar Greek regionally-based organisations who sought his assistance not only with drafting of their Constitution, nearly always in Greek, but also in running elections, functions and liaising with various government bodies and authorities necessary for them to develop and progress their associations goals.
This was in fact the precursor to many other organisations, which were now more community-based as this became necessary to maintain the independence of these communities for the better interests of its students and the community they served. Away from political and religious differences which were starting to become more evident and which upset George immensely, he nevertheless continued his Greek Odyssey and his quest for a more egalitarian society.
His Greekness was never doubted. One such Community, which had Earlwood as its base, boasted 320 students out of Earlwood Public, with Undercliffe which had 70 and South Canterbury 75 being the highlight of his efforts right up until his passing.
George wasn’t only interested in the moral and spiritual wellbeing of his fellow Greeks. His love of sports was well documented and in the early ‘60s he was instrumental in the formation of the Pan Hellenic Athletics Organisation which every December at ES Marks Field ran a ‘mini-Olympics’ of sorts funded by the Greek Consulate along with numerous generous donations from local Greek businesses. Most of the contestants were university students consequently why it had to be December. But that didn’t stop George or indeed his friend Theo Skalkos at the time, competing in the 100m and 400m where they both enjoyed great success.
On August 6th of 1962, George and Eleousa had another addition to the Antoniou family, with the birth of Louie (Elias) Antoniou, and not long after, on June 16th of 1965 the Antoniou family was complete with the birth of their loving daughter Jayne Antoniou. With three children, a decision was made to sell the sewing business.
Around this time, George involved himself in the hospitality trade namely the Greek night clubs. The venues were highly patronised from the growing Greek immigrant community, who were in constant need to fill the lost Greek entertainment void. After several years of learning the hospitality trade and managing a number Greek Night Spots, George made the decision to start his own nightclub, The Panorama in Enmore Rd, Newtown. It was a highly successful business which he ran for several years and then partnered in the Salona Nightclub also in Newtown.
George became involved in Greek nightclubs.
With migration from Greece and other European countries slowing, the night clubs also started to decline as the number of patrons started to dwindle. George then put his skills to work in the Wedding Reception field managing the Westfield Lounge for his friend and former partner George Hatziplis.
In 1972, George also was elected the President of the Panhellenic Soccer Club (now Sydney Olympic). During the year of his presidency, the Panhellenic board identified a couple of Greek footballers that they wanted to join the club. The board contacted the players, agreed on terms and arranged meetings. Coincidently, George had a prearranged trip to Greece to arrange for Greek singers to travel and perform at his nightclub, which he regularly did. The board asked George to meet the players and arrange for their move to Panhellenic, only to find that the trading window had closed many weeks prior to his visit. On his return, George was greeted by headlines in The Greek Herald Newspaper stating that Panhellenic sent the President to Greece to sign star football players, but he returned with star singers. This was particularly funny as the owner of The Greek Herald was George’s long-time friend Theo Skalkos. Both would laugh when reminiscing over this.
Greek politics was always at the fore of many discussions but also occupied a good deal of his spare time in promoting local Greek candidates and candidates who promoted the Greek ideal.
Soon after the formation of Greece’s New Democratic political party in 1974, it didn’t take long for George to become an active member and representative of the party. He duly set up the first NSW ‘outpost’ and later where he served as the President of the New Democracy Party of Australia and throughout his tenure met with several Greek Prime Ministers such as Kostantinos Mitsotakis, Kostas Karamanlis and current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He was a proud member of the Australian Liberal Party, and although a staunch conservative, George was able to debate and accept differing political views hence the many friends and acquaintances he made across both sides of the political divide.
George was a very well-known and well-liked identity in the Greek community; it was only fitting that he joined his lifelong friend Theo Skalkos, and took the position of Advertising and Distribution Manager at Foreign Language Publications and later Media Press. He was a regular contributor to articles in The Greek Herald, the paper and staff duly benefited from his understanding of the political landscape both local and in Greece. He joined in 1973 and worked at The Greek Herald until his early eighties.
George Antoniou with Theo Skalkos (front row, fourth from right) and The Greek Herald team. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.
During this time, his energy revolved around the formation of a group of 38 Greek Community based organisations initially called the Pan Hellenic Organisation of Greek Charitable Societies which later became OFSE and through which, along with other members, petitioned the Unsworth State Government at the time for some land to build what was to be The Hellenic Village at Kemp’s Creek and even though it was initially gifted on a 99 year lease they were able to convince the Government to sell it to the Organisation for the princely sum of $500,000. He served initially as President but later, for several years, as Secretary.
The rest is history.
His love of Greece and of its history and culture, even though he left it behind, were instrumental in his drive for the Greek language to have a place in our universities and this led to many money raising functions to ensure its place was maintained and until recently secured.
There are way too many stories that we could write about George but his love of life of family and of his fellow man was his driving force and helped build much of the community ethos which survives, albeit sadly, at a lesser degree today.
George Antoniou loved his family.
He travelled to Greece with Lucy many times and just as many as a representative for various Organisations including SAE, New Democracy and many more but always returning to his family and friends and the country he loved.
When asked by Cleo one-time what country he would fight for if ever Australia and Greece were to become foes, he proudly announced that he would fight for the country which put food on his table and gave his family the opportunity for an education and a way of life that he had never experienced as a young man.
He did also say that life in his new homeland was very much like marriage, the first 40 years being the hardest.
In his later years, George was fortunate not to have many health concerns, he lived a full and happy life with his wife Eleousa in their family home until he was 97 years of age, when it necessary for both he and Eleousa to move into the St Basil’s Care Facility in Randwick.
George was a fastidious dresser, if he wasn’t wearing a matching suit, you could expect he’d be wearing sports jacket, pants and always a well pressed shirt. Very well liked and adored by the staff and fellow occupants of St Basil’s Randwick. It wouldn’t have surprised many if George had lived passed a 100. He was very independent and up until the time of his passing, he was still bathing and dressing himself without any assistance. An unfortunate fall, led to a broken hip and his passing in hospital.
George is survived by his wife Eleousa of seventy-one years, sons Cleo, Louie and daughter Jayne, daughters in-law Alexandra, Sophia and son in-law George. Grandchildren George and his wife Eleni, Aris and his wife Ashlee, Elisha and her husband William, also George Elias and Bella, James, and Christopher. Great Grandchildren Gregory and Stella.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday 19 August at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah at 10.30am, with burial to follow at Rookwood Cemetery.
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”.
