The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, along with his wife, visited the Diocesan Offices of Brisbane this week on a diplomatic visit.
They were warmly welcomed by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Also present were the Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Queensland, George Mastrocostas, and local clergy from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The visit began with a tour of the Church of Saint Paraskevi, where Ambassador Venizelos learned about the church’s history from Parish Priest Father Athanasios Athanasiadis. Following the tour, Bishop Bartholomew led a visit to the diocesan offices.
In his remarks, Bishop Bartholomew conveyed the blessings of Archbishop Makarios, who will be visiting Brisbane for the upcoming State Youth Conference. He also emphasised the importance of preserving Greek national identity, faith, language, culture and history.
The Bishop also praised Ambassador Venizelos for his humility, love and respect for the Church and the people of Queensland, wishing him continued success in his diplomatic role.
In response, Ambassador Venizelos thanked the Bishop for his warm hospitality and extended his best wishes for the Bishop’s continued service.
On Wednesday, December 4, the Multicultural Awards for Excellence were held, an annual event celebrating individuals and organisations making remarkable contributions to fostering unity and diversity across Victoria.
Hosted at Government House by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, the awards highlighted stories of leadership, innovation, and resilience.
This year’s ceremony, coordinated by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), attracted more than 220 eligible nominations across 14 categories, demonstrating the vast scope of contributions from Victoria’s multicultural communities.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the awards as a celebration of the diversity that unites the state, saying, “The Victoria I love is a place where we come from hundreds of different backgrounds, but we are one community—tonight we celebrate and honour individuals and organisations for their remarkable contributions to a united Victoria.”
The Premier’s Award for Community Harmony was awarded to Wyndham Central College Community Hub, a programme that enhances family capacity, improves student outcomes, and builds community partnerships. Through language courses and cultural support services, the hub has become a symbol of connection and harmony in the region.
The event also recognised 25 individuals inducted into the multicultural honour roll, celebrating their legacies of fostering inclusivity and diversity.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt highlighted the importance of these contributions, noting how the awardees’ work “fosters cross-cultural understanding, strengthens community bonds, and creates a more inclusive Victoria.”
VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen added that these multicultural champions “build bridges between communities to improve the lives of others.”
Now in its 23rd year, the Multicultural Awards for Excellence continue to adapt and grow, with categories spanning arts, business and employment, emergency services, local government, media, mental health and wellbeing, police, prevention of family violence, refugee support, sport, and youth leadership. This broad representation guarantees the recognition and celebration of the diverse contributions of multicultural individuals and organisations.
A particular highlight of the night was the recognition of Greek Australians for their outstanding contributions to Victoria’s multicultural community. Sotiris Hatzimanolis, Associate Professor Iraklis Harry Minas, Senior Serjeant Stylianos Spyrou, Keely Kontaxis, and Darren Kenos were among the notable awardees, receiving recognition for their exceptional work.
Notable figures were also inducted on the Multicultural Honour Roll including Associate Professor Josefine Antoniades, Costa Vasili,and Professor Nicholas John Papastergiadis, reflecting the Hellenic diaspora’s enduring impact on Victoria’s cultural and social landscape.
Assoc Prof. Antoniades was recognised for her impactful work in dementia awareness and health literacy for culturally diverse communities, whilst Prof. Papastergiadis was recognised for his research on migration and culture which has shaped global conversations on multiculturalism.
Mr Vasili, a proud Greek Cypriot Australian and founder of Ethnolink, was recognised for 13 years of pioneering work in multilingual and multicultural communications.
“It’s an honour to be recognised for work that has been my life’s passion. Multiculturalism is at the heart of Victoria’s identity, and it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to building a more inclusive society,” Mr Vasili said about his recognition, and thanked his parents George and Christine for their support.
The event highlighted the continued contribution of individuals from diverse backgrounds in shaping a stronger, more united Victoria. It inspired future generations to champion inclusion, celebrate diversity, and uphold the values of unity and collaboration.
Get ready, Melbourne! A once-in-a-lifetime event is coming your way, and it’s an occasion no Greek football fan will want to miss.
On Saturday, December 7, Greek football legends will be in Melbourne. George Karagounis, Theodoros Zagorakis, and Aggelos Charisteas – three of the greats from Greece’s iconic 2004 UEFA European Championship winning team – grace us with their presence.
It’s a celebration of one of the most inspiring and unforgettable moments in European football, and you have the opportunity to meet these heroes up close at the Home of the Spartans (Dunstan Reserve – Brunswick City Soccer Club).
This is more than just a meet-and-greet – it’s a chance to relive the passion, determination, and triumph that led to Greece’s historic 2004 victory, and hear firsthand from the legends who made it all happen. Whether you lived through that magical moment or only heard of Greece’s underdog triumph, this event will be an experience you won’t want to miss.
The glory of Greece’s 2004 UEFA Euro victory
The year 2004 was a turning point for Greek football. Against all odds, a team led by Otto Rehhagel and driven by the unyielding spirit of players like Karagounis, Zagorakis and Charisteas, stunned Europe and the footballing world by winning the UEFA European Championship.
From the very first match, Greece displayed a style of football that was pragmatic yet inspired, disciplined yet daring. The Greek national team’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the final remains one of the greatest surprises in football history.
Zagorakis, named the tournament’s best player, was the heart and soul of the midfield. Karagounis was the spark, the engine that kept Greece’s attack moving, and Charisteas, with his match-winning header in the final, became a national hero, immortalising himself in the annals of Greek football history.
Why this event is a must-attend
Meet the legend: This is a unique opportunity to meet three of Greece’s footballing icons. Get up close and personal with the men who lifted Greece to footballing greatness.
A historic celebration: This event commemorates the20th Anniversary of the monumental 2004 UEFA European Championship win.
Exclusive access: This event promises Melbourne an exclusive access to the Greek heroes. Expect intimate discussions, personal anecdotes, and a deeper understanding of what it took to achieve the impossible. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with these legends and gain insights into their professional lives, as well as the behind-the-scenes stories from one of football’s most incredible underdog stories.
Community and celebration: The event will be a celebration of Greek football, culture, and the enduring legacy of the 2004 win. The Home of the Spartans (Dunstan Reserve) will be buzzing with excitement, bringing together fans from across Melbourne and beyond to share in the joy of Greek football, Greek food and glendi.
Mark your calendar:
Saturday, December 7 is your chance. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter of Greek football or simply a lover of the sport, this is an event for everyone. So, gather your friends, bring your family, and don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Book tickets for the children to do a soccer clinic with the players and learn the “X” factor that wins. Join the players and have a Spartan meal, inclusive with each ticket bought. Everyone is welcome to watch, eat and drink.
The heroes of Greek football are coming to Melbourne—will you be there?
Event details:
Date: Saturday, 7th December, 3.30pm onwards.
Location: Home of the Spartans, Brunswick City Soccer Club (Dunstan Reserve)
A Sandringham family has been left traumatised after a group of four masked intruders, armed with large knives, targeted their home for the sixth time in a series of brazen attacks.
The Pappas family, who have been repeatedly harassed by the same group, fear for their safety as the criminals continue to invade their property.
Mother Helen Pappas described one of the most unsettling incidents, recalling how the intruders “unlocked one of my son’s rooms and walked in.”
She told 7News, “We were traumatised for a very long time and we still are.”
Despite their repeated encounters with the intruders, the family feels helpless.
“They’re obviously going to use them,” Helen warned, referring to the knives carried by the intruders. “We actually don’t feel safe in our own homes… There’s only so much police can do.”
The latest attack has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures in the area, with the Pappas family now fearing for their safety, with incidents like this becoming a growing problem in the Sydney area.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with new main opposition leader Nikos Androulakis on Wednesday, December 4, emphasising the importance of maintaining “open channels of communication” between the government and opposition.
Prior to their meeting, Mitsotakis expressed his pleasure in having the opportunity for a “sincere” discussion, noting that such exchanges are vital, especially in difficult times.
Androulakis, leader of the PASOK-Movement for Change party, raised the topic of Mitsotakis’ recent meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Mitsotakis described the conversation as “interesting” and said, “We expect developments” following the discussions.
In his remarks, Mitsotakis officially congratulated Androulakis on his new role and acknowledged that while opposition parties don’t always align with the government, it is crucial to engage in open, sincere dialogue for the country’s benefit.
Androulakis, in turn, highlighted the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles as a “national goal with powerful symbolism” for his party, adding that PASOK-KINAL is ready to assist in achieving it.
Drawing from his experience in the European Parliament, Androulakis stressed the importance of “consensus” and “sincere dialogue” in addressing national challenges, noting that his party has already submitted several proposals focused on social, economic and national issues.
Perry Kouroumblis, 65, has spent his first night in an Australian prison after being formally charged with the 1977 murders of Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, in Melbourne’s Collingwood.
Kouroumblis faces two counts of murder and one count of rape over the brutal killings, which left the victims with over two dozen stab wounds. Armstrong’s 16-month-old son was found unharmed in his cot.
The murders, which occurred between January 10 and 13, 1977, had remained unsolved for nearly five decades. Kouroumblis, who was 17 at the time, is accused of raping Armstrong during the same period.
He was extradited from Italy on Tuesday, December 3, after being arrested in Rome in September.
A sketch of Perry Kouroumblis in court. Photo: Anita Lester / AAP.
At Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 4, Kouroumblis appeared bleary-eyed following hours of police interviews. He was remanded in custody and will return to court for a committal hearing in February. Kouroumblis maintains his innocence.
Outside court, the victims’ family members expressed mixed emotions. Suzanne Armstrong’s sister, Gayle, shared her relief, saying she was “ecstatic” that the accused had been charged. She also noted she gave Kouroumblis “a dirty look” in court.
Martin Bartlett, Susan’s brother, said the families hoped for closure after nearly 50 years.
Kouroumblis, a dual Australian-Greek national, had lived in Greece until 2016. A 20-year statute of limitations had prevented his arrest until his travel to Italy allowed for extradition.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton called the murders “gruesome” and one of the state’s most serious and prolonged cold cases.
The head of the British Museum, George Osborne, has said a deal to return the Parthenon Marbles to Athens is still far from being reached. While discussions are ongoing with Greek officials, Osborne confirmed the museum is exploring an agreement where some sculptures might return to Athens in exchange for Greek treasures being displayed in London.
Speaking on the Political Currency podcast, Osborne cautioned that an agreement is not imminent. “We’re still some distance from any kind of agreement,” he said, noting that any resolution would involve some of the marbles being returned to Athens, where they originated from, while Greece would lend treasures to the British Museum.
Photo: Facundo Arrizabalaga / EPA.
The Parthenon Marbles, which form part of a 2,500-year-old frieze, were stolen from the Acropolis by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.
Osborne also praised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approach to the issue, noting that Starmer is more open to the return of the marbles than his predecessor, Rishi Sunak. Osborne said Starmer had emphasised that the decision rests with the British Museum’s trustees, independent of the government.
Discussions about a potential “Parthenon Partnership” are described by both sides as “constructive,” with a British Museum spokesperson suggesting it could balance global access to the collection while maintaining its integrity.
The Jewish Museum of Greece announced the passing of Zanet Nachmia, the last Holocaust survivor from the northwestern Greek city of Ioannina, at the age of 99, just before her 100th birthday.
Born in 1925 in Ioannina, Nachmia was one of six children in a Jewish family. In 1944, she and her family were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where 1,850 members of the city’s Jewish community were murdered. Nachmia survived Auschwitz, as well as other camps, including Mauthausen and Gelenau, before being forced to work in a factory in Breslau (now Wroclaw). Only she and her older brother Michael survived.
Photo: Jewish Museum of Greece.
After the war, Nachmia returned to Ioannina, married fellow Auschwitz survivor Israel Tsitos, and settled there for the rest of her life. She is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The Jewish Museum of Greece expressed its sorrow, noting that Nachmia had supported the museum by donating family photographs and sharing her personal testimony. Her funeral will be held in Ioannina on December 5.
Get ready, everyone! The Hellenic Club of Canberra is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its storied culinary journey with the grand opening of Mazi, its brand-new Greek Mediterranean restaurant, on Thursday, December 5.
Mazi, which means “together” in Greek, perfectly encapsulates what the new restaurant is all about – a place to gather, share delicious meals, and celebrate life’s moments in good company.
A culinary dream team
Mazi is helmed by the dynamic duo of Spiros Tsiros and Petar Mlekanov, two passionate restaurateurs bringing a world of experience and a personal connection to Greek culture.
Mazi is helmed by the dynamic duo of Spiros Tsiros and Petar Mlekanov.
For Spiros, the Hellenic Club has been a cherished part of his life since he was just five years old. Now, as the proud operator of Mazi, he’s thrilled to create a warm and inviting space that feels like home. Petar, who grew up just 100km from the Greek border, brings his love of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine to every dish.
With flavours inspired by family traditions and the vibrant culture of Greece, Mazi promises an unforgettable dining experience infused with heart and heritage.
From the name itself, Mazi reflects the Hellenic Club’s vision: a place where friends and family come together to share incredible food, raise their glasses, and revel in life’s joys. Picture vibrant mezze platters, rich moussaka, fresh seafood, and traditional desserts, all crafted with love and authenticity.
Mazi promises an unforgettable dining experience infused with heart and heritage.
The atmosphere will be just as inviting, with a refreshed and vibrant interior designed to transport people straight to the Mediterranean.
Whether it’s a relaxed family dinner, a celebration with friends, or a date night with someone special, Mazi will be the go-to spot for a true taste of Greece.
Mazi’s doors officially open on Thursday, December 5. Find out more here.
The second Mousik-i Festival, held on Saturday, November 30, at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne, offered an exciting glimpse into the vibrant future of the Greek Australian music scene.
Four bands, each representing a distinct musical genre, came together for a one-of-a-kind evening that had something for every music enthusiast.
The night kicked off with Delyrium, led by the well-known musician Paddy Montgomery, who guided the group, played the lyra, and sang. Songs from Crete, performed with the band’s unique approach, began to warm up the audience.
Next on stage were Anatreptix, who delivered a special set featuring guest artist Iríne Vela. The group revisited classic rebetika from the 1930s-50s with finesse and a strong female presence, which bandleader Katerina Stevens proudly highlighted. Their performance infused the night with a mix of nostalgia and heartfelt emotion.
Cats and the Canary, the only band to have performed at both instalments of the festival, delivered a lively set blending Greek Swing with jazz, rock, and blues influences. This time, they surprised the audience with two 1960s-inspired Greek Disco tracks. Fronted by Alkistis Pitsaki for the second time, their energetic performance and song choices made patrons dance from disco to syrtos.
Closing the night were the electrifying H Division, the Melbourne-based rap group that had the crowd buzzing with their high-energy set. Performing mostly original tracks, they captivated the audience, many of whom sang along. The performance also served as the unofficial launch of their member Skee latest album, Puzzle, recently released on digital platforms, creating a buzz about the group’s bright future.
Once again, the Mousik-i Festival proved to be a vital platform for celebrating and promoting the diversity and creativity of the Greek Australian music scene. The future looks bright for this musical showcase with plans already underway for the next festival in spring 2025.
