A Greek real estate agent in Sydney’s Inner West has been arrested in connection with a Comanchero-linked criminal syndicate.
Police allege the group was involved in drug trafficking and kidnapping conspiracies uncovered during investigations into a 2023 Marrickville barbershop shooting.
The 31-year-old was charged with drug supply and participating in a criminal group. Although not tied to the Marrickville shooting, he faces allegations of organising a drug premises.
Known for boasting about his 300 km/h Nissan Skyline R35 GTR, the real estate agent has been refused bail.
The raids seized $550,000 in luxury goods, vehicles worth $500,000, and illicit drugs. Several alleged syndicate members were also arrested as police continue their investigation into the group’s activities.
Sydney construction boss George Alex has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for masterminding a $10 million tax fraud scheme targeting the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Alex, along with his co-conspirators Lindsay Kirschberg, Pasquale Loccisano, Gordon McAndrew, and former New Zealand rich-lister Mark Bryers, was found guilty of conspiracy to cause loss and conspiring to deal with the proceeds of crime.
The NSW Supreme Court described the multimillion-dollar operation as a “revolving door” scam designed to evade pay-as-you-go (PAYG) withholding taxes over two years.
Justice Desmond Fagan criticised the group’s lack of remorse, stating, “It is a fraud on all other taxpayers who lawfully pay for… services for the common good.” He identified Alex as the central figure in the operation, noting his higher level of criminal responsibility compared to his accomplices.
George Alex has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison.
Alex received a sentence of nine years and three months, with a non-parole period of six years and two months. Loccisano and Bryers were sentenced to eight and a half years, with a non-parole period of six years, while Kirschberg and McAndrew received eight years, with a non-parole period of five and a half years.
The conspirators operated three labour hire companies that supplied workers to construction firms, including industry giant Multiplex. Instead of paying workers’ wages and entitlements directly, the funds were funneled through shell companies, allowing the group to accumulate PAYG tax debts. The shell companies were then shut down before the ATO could intervene.
The six-month trial, which cost taxpayers $6 million in legal aid for four of the offenders, revealed the continuous and deliberate nature of the fraud. Justice Fagan highlighted the scale of the operation and Alex’s personal enrichment as driving factors in the scheme.
Property developer and fashion entrepreneur Theo Onisforou has played a pivotal role in defeating a proposal to close Paddington’s historic Village Inn and convert it into a fashion store.
The NSW Land and Environment Court dismissed the application by Alemais founders Chris Buchanan and Lesleigh Jermanus, who sought to repurpose the 1854-built pub they purchased for $6.22 million in 2022. Senior Commissioner Susan Dixon ruled the proposed change of use was not in the public interest, noting a lack of evidence that the pub was unviable.
Onisforou, founder of The Intersection and landlord to high-end brands like Zimmermann and Scanlan Theodore, was a vocal opponent in the case. Describing the pub as a “longstanding, vibrant addition” to the area, he declared, “I would buy it in a heartbeat.”
Inside the iconic Village Inn.
The proposal faced overwhelming community opposition, with 236 objections compared to just three in support. Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and local residents also spoke out against the plan.
Buchanan and Jermanus had argued the pub’s closure would leave the property unused, claiming the existing business was unsustainable despite its $2.35 million annual revenue. However, Woollahra Council’s legal team successfully countered these claims, securing a judgment in favour of preserving the Village Inn’s legacy.
The Village Inn, originally known as the Rose and Crown, is one of Paddington’s oldest surviving pubs.
The once prestigious Double Bay plastic surgeon and now accused sex predator, Dr Richard Paris Sackelariou, will face his young victims during a day-long sentence court hearing in May next year.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the 68-year-old will be brought before Newcastle District Court in person to hear up to six victim impact statements from young girls he has admitted to grooming by showering them with cash and compliments before luring some of them to a hotel room for sex.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place between September 2021 and October 2022.
Sackelariou pleaded guilty last month to paying multiple young girls thousands of dollars to perform sexual acts on him in various locations across Sydney, in Newcastle and Queensland.
Sackelariou declared his guilt to ten charges: using a carriage service to procure someone under the age of 16 for sexual activity, six counts of cause child between 14 and 18 to do an act of child prostitution, possession of child abuse material, cause a child 14 and over to make child abuse material and possession or control of child abuse material using a carriage service.
Prosecutors withdrew a further 30 charges.
The court heard Sackelariou remains in custody on remand and will be transported from jail to attend sentencing proceedings in person in May next year.
Northern Territory builder George Milatos has lost his appeal in the NT Supreme Court, leaving him liable for more than $2.7 million in compensation to homeowners of defective Bellamack properties.
According to ABC News, the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) previously found that homes built by Milatos were structurally unsafe during cyclones and posed significant safety risks.
His appeal, which challenged the validity of NTCAT’s ruling and its authority to impose such a large compensation order, was dismissed on Thursday, December 5 by Justice Jenny Blokland.
The case involves five homeowners who purchased properties in 2013 under an NT government-backed affordable housing scheme in Bellamack, a suburb of Palmerston. Soon after moving in, they reported severe defects, with engineering reports confirming the homes were unsafe.
The housing assessment found that the defective homes may not withstand cyclonic conditions. Photo: ABC News.
One homeowner told the ABC he doubted any compensation would ever be received, noting Milatos’ claims of financial hardship and the possibility of bankruptcy.
The NT government has distanced itself from the issue, citing a 2013 regulatory change that switched from an insurance-based scheme to a fidelity fund, leaving homeowners unable to seek recourse from the government for demolishing or rectifying the homes.
Milatos, whose building licence expired in 2021, still has the option to challenge the decision in the NT Court of Appeal.
Andrew Liveris, President of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games Organising Committee, has called for a new stadium to be built at Victoria Park, describing it as a logical choice due to its open space and excellent transport links.
His support adds momentum to a growing campaign for a world-class sports and entertainment hub in Queensland, which could be used for AFL and cricket after the Games.
Speaking on The Courier-Mail and Nova 106.9’s Toward the Games podcast, Liveris remarked, “If a stadium like that appears at Victoria Park… [I] would say wow, what a great answer for the Olympics.”
He emphasised the need for larger venues to generate sufficient ticket revenue and cited Paris’ Stade de France as an example of what Brisbane could achieve.
Brisbane Olympics chief Andrew Liveris backs new stadium at Victoria Park.
A recent report by consultancy group Arcadis highlighted the benefits of the Victoria Park site, and Liveris expressed optimism that the Queensland government’s ongoing 100-day review would yield a positive outcome. However, he admitted concerns over delays and “chopping and changing” in planning, urging the review to be the final one.
The International Olympic Committee has been supportive of Brisbane’s progress, with Liveris stating the city is “setting the benchmark” for future Games planning.
Next year and 2026 are expected to be pivotal as organisers finalise venues, sports, and sponsorships, aiming to position Brisbane as a global destination.
On Thursday, December 5, the Federation of Elderly Citizens’ Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria hosted a farewell luncheon at a Greek taverna in honour of the Greek Consul General in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis.
Mr Kakavelakis is being promoted to the rank of Ambassador and will soon take on a new diplomatic post in Syria.
The reception was attended by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Irineos, Liberal state MP Matthew Guy, Manningham City Councillor Jim Grivas, psychologist Mrs Kalampouka, Kostas Alaveras from the St. Panteleimon Community and Parish in Dandenong, who oversaw the event’s organisation, representatives of Greek organisations and federations, and members of the Greek media.
In his address, the President of the Federation, Yiannis Kostoulias, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Today, we bid you farewell with deep sadness – first as an exceptional individual and then as our Consul General. During your tenure, you gave so much to us, standing by the Federation and our elderly without discrimination.”
“It is unfortunate that we must part due to your well-deserved promotion, but we will always hold you in our hearts with boundless respect,” he added.
“For this reason, we dedicate this small farewell reception to you today and wish you the very best in life. Mr Kakavelakis, please know you will always remain in our hearts because you were so well-loved, and we thank you for your contributions. We hope that we too met your expectations and that you will fondly remember the moments we shared. A big thank you from all the Elderly Citizens’ Clubs for everything you have done.”
In response, Mr Kakavelakis thanked the Federation for their work and service to the elderly. He remarked that he would always remember the Greek community of Melbourne, describing it as exceptionally vibrant.
Mr Kostoulias then presented the Consul General with a commemorative plaque as a token of the Federation’s love and friendship.
Finally, all attendees wished Mr Kakavelakis a safe journey, continued success, and every success in his new diplomatic role.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and US President-elect Donald Trump have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership between Cyprus and the United States.
Following a telephone conversation on Thursday, Christodoulides shared on X that he had an “excellent discussion” with Trump.
“I congratulated him on his election victory, and we expressed our shared commitment to continue enhancing the Cyprus-US strategic partnership,” he wrote. “We will work together to further reinforce our relations for the benefit of our countries and the region.”
Excellent discussion w @RealDonaldTrump. I congratulated him on his election victory & we expressed our shared commitment to continue enhancing CY-US strategic partnership. We will work together to further reinforce our relations for the benefit of our countries & the region 🇨🇾🇺🇸
The leaders also addressed concerns about regional developments. Christodoulides underscored Cyprus’ role as a dependable US partner in fostering peace, stability, and development in the area.
In a separate statement, Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the two leaders highlighted the strong collaboration between the two nations, particularly in defence, security, investments, the economy, humanitarian aid, and crisis management in the Eastern Mediterranean.
St Andrew’s Grammar’s undercover area was filled with joy and Christmas cheer as the Kindergarten class brought the story of Christmas to life in a beautiful nativity performance.
From angels and shepherds to wise men and adorable baby animals, each child embraced their role with enthusiasm and delight.
The event was filled with singing, laughter, and proud little faces, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
St Andrew’s Grammar extended a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated Kindergarten staff, whose hard work – from rehearsals to costumes – made the performance a resounding success. Their passion and care shone through, rendering the event extra special.
“We’re so grateful for everything you do!” the Facebook post read.
The school also expressed its gratitude to the supportive parents and volunteers, whose efforts helped bring the heartwarming nativity to life, creating an unforgettable experience for the children.
The Greek Consulate-General of Queensland has celebrated a significant milestone with the official opening and blessing of its new offices at 239 George Street, Brisbane.
The event brought together distinguished members of the Greek Australian community and honoured guests to commemorate the momentous occasion.
Under his leadership, the consulate has embarked on this important relocation, returning the offices to Brisbane’s city centre, where they rightfully belong.
“This move reflects the strength and importance of our community here in Queensland. The new offices represent a renewed commitment to serving our community and strengthening our cultural and diplomatic bonds,” Mr Mastrocostas said.
“It is fitting that our consulate is once again in the city’s centre, reflecting our dedication to representing Greece with pride.”
Among the esteemed attendees were His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, accompanied by his wife, Larissa Tikaidi, who traveled from Canberra to join the event; His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane; Honorary Consul-General Mr Mastrocostas and his wife, Ying Mastrocostas; and clergy from various parishes and communities across Queensland. Leaders of the Greek community in Brisbane also attended, emphasising the unity and strength of Hellenism in the region.
The blessing ceremony, officiated by Bishop Bartholomew, was a poignant moment, sanctifying the space that will serve as a hub for fostering closer ties between Greece and Queensland.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of an extraordinary collection of 19 artworks donated by renowned Greek artist Caroline Rovithi. Her vibrant and inspiring pieces breathe life into the new offices, celebrating the beauty, resilience and timeless spirit of Greece.
Ms Rovithi, whose mission is to promote Hellenism worldwide through her art, shared, “I believe that ‘All you need is Greece’ – its history, its culture, its enduring spirit. These works aim to connect the past with the present, blending heroic symbols with contemporary expressions of hope and strength. I am honoured to contribute to this space and to share this vision with the Greek-Australian community.”
The consulate also acknowledged esteemed photographer Nick Bourdaniotis, who generously donated a powerful piece from his renowned photographic exhibition, The Evzones Collection.
Mr Mastrocostas expressed his gratitude, saying, “The contributions of Caroline Rovithi and Nick Bourdaniotis have transformed our new offices into more than just a consulate—they are now a living celebration of Hellenic culture and identity, infused with the heart and soul of Greece. Caroline’s vibrant artworks and Nick’s evocative photography bring Greece to life within these walls, capturing the spirit, history, and pride of our homeland in unique and moving ways. Their generosity enriches this space and inspires everyone who walks through these doors.”
This event marks a new chapter for the Greek Consulate in Queensland, reflecting a vibrant and united Greek Australian community while celebrating the enduring connection between two great nations.
