Sydney’s world-renowned New Year’s Eve fireworks, along with other major harbour events, face an uncertain future as plans to redevelop Glebe Island port for housing gain traction.
Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou has sounded the alarm, calling the potential closure of Glebe Island a grave threat to Sydney’s economy, tourism, and cultural identity.
“The thought that the fireworks and other major events could be in jeopardy is truly alarming,” Mr Nicolaou said.
Paul Nicolaou.
“Access to Glebe Island for preparing events is vital for the events sector and for Sydney’s economy, tourism, and culture.”
Glebe Island’s 260m of deep-water wharf space plays a pivotal role in hosting Sydney’s most celebrated events. It serves as the operational hub for loading fireworks onto barges for New Year’s Eve, as well as hosting infrastructure for events like Vivid Sydney, Sail GP, and Opera on the Harbour.
The NSW government is currently reviewing a report that considers redeveloping the port into residential housing near a proposed Bays metro station. Industry leaders are anxiously awaiting its findings, with many fearing the loss of Glebe Island would be catastrophic.
Darebin City Council have announced the election of Cr Kristine Olaris OAM as Mayor and Cr Emily Dimitriadis as Deputy Mayor for 2024-2025.
The election took place at a Council meeting held in the Preston Town Hall on 25 November 2024.
Mayor Olaris OAM said, “I’m incredibly honoured to accept the role of Mayor. I love that our community is so diverse, inclusive and engaged. Thank you to the people of Darebin for electing this Council. I am committed to being community focused and I have the community’s best interest at heart.”
As Darebin stretches across 53 square kilometres of land from the inner northern suburbs of Northcote and Fairfield, to Reservoir and Bundoora, Mayor Olaris said working for positive and fair outcomes will be an important focus.
“I will ensure that this Council works for the people of Darebin to achieve positive community outcomes. There’s lots of work to do and I’m so excited to get started, working with the other Councillors to ensure Darebin is a thriving community that is fair, inclusive, connected and sustainable,” Mayor Olaris said.
Deputy Mayor Cr Dimitriadis said, “As a lifetime local, I’m excited to embark on this journey to work collaboratively with our community. I look forward to working constructively with all of our community and I promise to continue to listen and work in good faith to meet our community’s aspirations.”
Mayor Olaris OAM represents Central Ward and Deputy Mayor Dimitriadis represents South East Ward.
The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Maximos Mansion in Athens on Monday, November 25.
The Patriarch was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea, Director of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Office in Athens; and the Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Patriarch’s Private Office.
Υποδέχθηκα σήμερα στο Μέγαρο Μαξίμου τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ.κ. Βαρθολομαίο. Η παρουσία του στην πατρίδα μας, μας δίνει πάντα δύναμη. Είναι μία πηγή έμπνευσης, σοφίας και καθαρής σκέψης, κάτι το οποίο σήμερα χρειαζόμαστε περισσότερο παρά ποτέ. https://t.co/nC5cDUVN49pic.twitter.com/h4jgksRSf0
The meeting stressed the close relationship between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek government, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting faith, culture, and dialogue on critical issues affecting Orthodox Christians and the wider global community.
Archbishop Makarios has been accompanying the Patriarch during his visit to Greece this month. On November 17, the Archbishop was also at the Church of Panagia Balino in Constantinople to take part in a Divine Liturgy officiated by the Patriarch.
Popular TV chef Vefa Alexiadou has passed away at the age of 91 in a Thessaloniki hospital.
Alexiadou was affectionately known as Greece’s “national chef.” She became a household name in the 1990s, starting her television career on Ant1 TV, where she hosted popular cooking shows.
She was also the author of a series of cookbooks, two of which received prestigious awards in 1998 and 2000 at the International Cookbook Exhibition in Perigueux, France.
One of Vefa Alexiadou’s cookbooks.
Born in Volos on March 19, 1933, Alexiadou was a chemist and dietitian by profession. She graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and undertook specialised studies in the United States focusing on food hygiene, table decoration, and modern culinary arts.
Married to the late Professor Konstantinos Alexiadis of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the couple had two daughters, Alexia and Angela, who tragically passed away within months of each other in 2014 and 2015.
The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney put on a spectacular production entitled “Women of Byzantium” on Sunday, November 24 at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, Sydney.
The production combined elements of theatre, audio-visual material, music and dancing. It centred on a time travelling journalist (Theodora Zourkas) who interviewed nine historical women from the Byzantine era.
All photos copyright Effy Alexakis.Women of Byzantium presentation by Hellenic LyceumWomen of Byzantium presentation by Hellenic Lyceum
The nine women were:
Hypatia (Nia Gitsas), which highlights the clash of two worlds and the transition from Greco- Roman civilisation to Christianity;
Evdokia (Antonia Nikolopoulou), who founded the first university in Europe;
Pulcheria (Anna Micos), who guided ecumenical councils;
Theodora (Sophie Brunetta), who saved Justinian’s throne and thereby went on to re-build Ayia Sophia and make Byzantium the largest state of the time;
Kassiani (Stephanie Giannas), saint and hymnographer;
Irene (Vivian Spanos) and Theophano (Maritsa Micos), ambitious women who resorted to brutal means to hold on to power;
Zoi (Linda Legas), an empress who married three times after turning 50 and who turned the palace into a chemical laboratory;
Anna Commena (Hellen Demas), world’s first woman historian whose work, the Alexiad, is indispensable to knowledge of the first Crusade.
Women of Byzantium presentation by Hellenic Lyceum
The script was written by Costa Vertzayias and the play was directed by Liana Vertzayias. The costumes and jewellery were made by Angela Kiki Konstantinopoulou, Linda Legas, and Christine Tsakonas.
The theatrical section was then complemented by a dance segment also unique – dances from Asia Minor which are rarely performed and in costumes rarely seen. The dancing was choreographed by Irene Tsenkas and Vassilios Aligiannis.
This was followed by a discussion on controversial issues arising during the Byzantine era such as iconoclasm and the murder of Hypatia. This was moderated by Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, Convenor of Greek Studies at UNSW, and he was assisted by John Theodore.
Speeches by Lyceum President, Ms Vertzayias, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, and Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, rounded off the afternoon. Canapes inspired by Constantinople were also offered after the performance.
The event was held in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in celebrating its 100 years in Australia and the University of NSW, and under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Greeks Living Abroad of the Hellenic Republic.
It was a production that entertained, educated and made those in attendance, think. Words do not do it justice for those who missed it and the consensus is that it should be repeated.
The launch of the Greek-Australian Archive on Wednesday, November 20, marked a poignant celebration of cultural preservation and community resilience. Held in the elegant Gallery Room of the State Library of New South Wales, the event honoured the completion of an oral history project documenting the experiences of Greek migrants who arrived in Australia between 1948 and 1972.
With over 120 interviews and nearly 500 photographs now accessible online, this monumental project safeguards the voices and stories of a generation whose journeys shaped Australia’s multicultural identity.
The archive was created in partnership with the University of New South Wales, the State Library of NSW, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) and the Australian Research Council.
The launch event brought together scholars, community leaders, and dignitaries, including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Professor Claire Annesley, Dean of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture; and Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW.
The launch event brought together scholars, community leaders, and dignitaries. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Preserving voices for future generations
Richard Neville, the Mitchell Librarian and Director of Engagement at the State Library of NSW, emceed the evening and opened the event with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the project’s long journey, which began with an email exchange in 2015. He described the archive as a living repository of courage and determination, highlighting the library’s unwavering commitment to digital preservation.
Mr Neville also underscored the importance of making these stories accessible to researchers, educators, and the broader community for generations to come.
Richard Neville, the Mitchell Librarian and Director of Engagement at the State Library of NSW.
Personal reflections and community contributions
The Hon George Souris AM shared his personal connection to the project, reflecting on his family’s migration story from Greece to Australia. He spoke of the sacrifices made by Greek migrants and their enduring contributions to Australian society, particularly during significant moments like the Battle of Crete during World War II.
“The differences and also the commonalities of all the stories in this archive are what make it such a rich resource of both Australian and Greek Australian history,” Mr Souris said.
The Hon George Souris AM.
The Onisforou family are one of the major supporters of the archive, with the Oral History Collection being named in memory of Gregorios and Stavrini Onisforou. Their son, Theo, teared up at the launch event as he shared his family’s migration journey and the emotional significance of honouring the stories of migrants.
“The reality is that I understand death and I accept death, but what I don’t like is extinction, and what I know is that these Greek people who migrated to Australia will soon be extinct. All we have left is us, their children, and it is incumbent on us to be appreciative of the sacrifices they made,” Theo said emotionally, drawing applause from the packed crowd.
“All I can say is that in the future, when the Italians and every other nationality have an archive in this library, we can say we were first.”
Theo Onisforou.Professor George Kouvaros.
Professor George Kouvaros of UNSW Sydney, a key architect of the project alongside Professor Nick Doumanis, spoke of how the archive came into being as a collaboration between GOCNSW and the Hellenic Studies Foundation at UNSW, and later evolved into a broader initiative. He also emphasised the importance of recording these stories before they are lost.
“Anyone who listens to the oral history and looks at the photographs will… understand that migration is not an event that happened back then, something that’s over and done with, but it is an experience which continues to shape all our lives,” Mr Kouvaros said.
Kathy Kallos, another pivotal contributor to the project having interviewed many migrants, also delivered a deeply moving speech. She reflected on the archival material and what it represented: a shared humanity and an enduring connection between past and present.
Kathy Kallos.
“The Greek Australian archive has preserved our language, replete with accents, regional dialects and other linguistic and cultural nuances,” Ms Kallos said, before reverting to the Greek language.
“The Greek Australian archive is first and foremost, a homage to you and your courage.”
A living legacy
As attendees mingled over drinks and canapés, many marvelled at the rich tapestry of stories presented in the archive. For some, it was a deeply personal experience.
“My son brought me here today,” Evangelia Athanasiou, who’s story is documented in the Greek Australian archive, told The Greek Herald on the night. “It’s important to have this archive so the youth can see what we went through and how we migrated here [to Australia].”
Evangelia Athanasiou (second from right) is part of the Greek Australian archive.
Another guest and project researcher Leah Varvaressos expressed her joy at finally launching some of the interviews after years of work.
“I think by being consistent with the sort of themes and time periods of our interviews, there’s certainly scope to build a precedence for future generations. I feel that we’ve very effectively laid the groundwork for further work. It’s just the beginning,” Leah said.
Leah Varvaressos (left) with her brother.
With plans to promote the archive more widely and expand its reach, the project team envisions a future where these stories inspire other communities to preserve their histories.
The evening closed with a call for unity and collaboration, echoing the sentiments of many speakers who highlighted the collective strength that defines the Greek Australian community.
The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Hellenic Club on Sunday, November 24, bringing together members to reflect on the past year and outline priorities for the future.
The meeting celebrated significant achievements, endorsed leadership, and emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration. Updates were provided on the activities of the Community’s Greek School, the church hall development, and the St Nicholas Aged Care centre. The audited financial statements for the last financial year were also approved by members.
Specifically, key updates shared during the meeting included:
Constitution review: The committee is reviewing the GOCCC constitution to ensure compliance with current regulations and alignment with the community’s evolving vision for the future.
Community hall redesign: Progress continues on redesigning the community hall, with plans to create a venue that accommodates current and future needs, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of community life.
Greek School recognition: The Greek School of Canberra was acknowledged by ACT Community Languages for Greek being the fastest-growing language in the ACT, a testament to the school’s success and cultural significance.
Leadership and Committee
John Loukadellis was endorsed as President for the next 12 months. Photo: George Serras.
Near the end of the AGM, former President of the GOCCC, John Loukadellis was endorsed as President for the next 12 months, ahead of next year’s election. He is taking over from Pana Tsironis.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, Mr Loukadellis expressed his gratitude to members.
“I am extremely proud to have been endorsed by the members as President again. I am humbled and honoured in the trust and confidence they have showed in me, and I am committed to elevating the status of the Greeks of Canberra and St Nicholas Church in our community,” Mr Loukadellis said.
“I will work closely with the Hellenic Club to ensure a strong Greek language program and with our members and friends for a community hall we can all be proud of. It is great to be back.”
The GOCCC committee was also announced as follows:
President: John Loukadellis
Treasurer: Yvonne Varela
Vice President: Harry Kay
Secretary: Theo Merkoureas
Committee Members: Leon Merkoureas, Pana Tsironis, Dimitrios Saragas, George Pertsinidis
New Member: Petros Satsias, 18 years old, tasked with leading GOCCC Youth and Social Media initiatives
The committee thanked the community for its unwavering support and emphasised the importance of unity.
On Saturday, November 23, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) schools came together in a remarkable celebration of unity and pride to honour the Olympic spirit and its values through a unique Olympiad event.
Students, parents, and teachers united in an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and emotion to celebrate a day of sport, unity, and Greek culture at the Box Hill Athletic Club Stadium.
Despite the heat, students from all GCM campuses gathered to mark the end of the school year with a memorable celebration of Greek heritage and the timeless ideals of Olympism.
This year, the GCM Schools took a bold step by organising their first-ever Greek School Olympic Spirit Event—a milestone that brought together students from all campuses in an inspiring display of collaboration and community spirit.
All photos by Constantly Flashing – Peter Kakalias.
The day featured all the traditional elements of the Olympic Games, including opening and closing ceremonies, Olympic oaths and hymns, dances, songs, and, of course, competitions and awards.
Highlights of the event included the lighting of the Olympic flame and its journey, the grand entrance of students carrying flags representing their campuses (each designed by the students themselves), and the emotional moment when younger students extinguished the Olympic flame.
Teachers encouraged the students to “blow with all your strength, so that the message of unity and peace reaches the whole world.”
One of the most moving moments occurred during the Cypriot dance, performed by students from all campuses united in one large circle as a tribute to the island of Cyprus.
The event concluded with two unforgettable songs performed by all students. The first, “A New Beginning,” carried a message of unity and hope, while Dionysis Savvopoulos’ “Ας κρατήσουν οι χοροί” reminded everyone present that “the communities of the Greeks create another galaxy.”
The event was honoured by the presence of Lee Tarlamis, Government Whip in the Legislative Council; Maria Triantafyllou, Deputy Coordinator of the Education Office for Australia and New Zealand; Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria; and many members of the Community’s Board of Directors and Education Committee.
Special thanks were extended to Aristos Panagakis, founder and President of the Australian Hellenic Organisation in Support of the Olympic Spirit and Ideal, for his presence and for generously donating the Olympic flag for the event.
Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools, shared her excitement: “We are thrilled with the result of this great team effort. It was a bold undertaking, and we overcame many challenges to bring this event to life. The joy and pride we felt from the messages of fair play, unity, and peace conveyed by our students were truly inspiring. This was a wonderful opportunity for us all to honour our rich cultural heritage and be inspired by the universal values of the Olympic spirit.”
She concluded: “I would like to congratulate our students for their excellent participation, as well as our organizers, teachers, and volunteers for their heartfelt support in making this vision a reality.”
This special event, showcasing the unity and spirit of the Greek community, has become a proud milestone for GCM Schools and a testament to the enduring legacy of Olympic ideals.
On Sunday, November 12, Victoria Square in Adelaide became a vibrant hub of culture and celebration during the South Australian Multicultural Festival, the largest event of its kind in Australia.
While the festival featured over 80 community groups representing more than 55 cultures, the Greek presence stood out, offering attendees a unique and immersive experience of Hellenic culture.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) brought energy and excitement to the “Come and Try” activity area with their interactive “Learn Greek Dancing” session.
Under the instruction of Sofia Mavrides and George Douventzidis from the GOCSA Dance Academy, and accompanied by Greek folk music, participants enthusiastically joined in and were guided in three traditional dances, experiencing the joy and camaraderie that comes with Greek group dancing.
SA Minister for Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison MP, in her opening address, highlighted the importance of such celebrations and acknowledged the vibrant contributions of communities like the Greeks to SA’s cultural mosaic.
“[W]e are coming together to celebrate that diversity is our strength. Standing here I could not be prouder of our State and what this event represents… multiculturalism. That we are a nation based on many waves of migration…. You can travel around the world today without leaving our beautiful city,” she said.
After the official opening, all eyes turned to the stage for a performance by the Greek Lyceum of SA. One of the festival’s undeniable highlights, the Lyceum dancers, from juniors to seniors, graced the stage in traditional costumes representing the cultural legacy of Greece. The Lyceum performed a repertoire of dances that celebrated the beauty and richness of Greek culture, bringing the Hellenic spirit to the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.
Beyond the performances, the Greek community presence at the event added another layer of cultural immersion through food. The Port Adelaide Greek Orthodox Community and GOCSA offered festivalgoer’s assortments of iconic savoury and sweet delicacies.
The 2024 Multicultural Festival provided the perfect stage for the Greek community to share its heritage with the broader public, showcasing not only its depth of culture, through its music, dance, and food, but also its spirit of hospitality, connection and inclusiveness.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos
The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) concluded another successful year with a memorable celebration on a warm November evening at the Victorian Artists Society in East Melbourne.
The event, billed as the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia End of Year Social Party, took place on Friday, November 22, at 7pm and brought together members, supporters, and distinguished guests to celebrate the society’s achievements and connections.
Attendees were treated to an exploration of the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year exhibition, an opportunity to delve into the intricate stories portrayed through the artworks. The fusion of art and medicine created a fitting backdrop for the evening’s speeches, recognitions, and networking.
The event was hosted by Dr Arthur Kokkinias, HMSA Secretary, who introduced the evening’s speakers. Harry Hatzis from Zaparas Lawyers addressed the audience, followed by Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Consul General of Greece in Victoria. The keynote speaker was Professor James Tatoulis AM, a luminary in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
Professor Tatoulis reflected on his illustrious career spanning decades, during which he performed over 12,000 major cardiac surgeries and over 1,000 thoracic operations. He spoke poignantly about the value of family, the importance of cherishing loved ones, and pride in Greek heritage. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to medicine and the community, HMSA presented Professor Tatoulis with a commemorative plaque.
The society also acknowledged the loyal support of Mr Kakavelakis and Zaparas Lawyers, presenting them with awards for their contributions to the HMSA and the broader community.
The event drew a vibrant mix of HMSA members, partners, and representatives from Greek Australian organisations and media. Notable attendees included Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne; Elpis Korosidis, President of Pronia; Sylvia Hadjiantoniou, CEO of Pronia; and Faye Spiteri OAM, CEO of Fronditha Care, among others. Board member Dr Athina Pirpiris, who played a key role in organising HMSA’s inaugural Careers Day earlier this year, joined fellow board members Dr Ben Filipopoulos and Dr Arthur Nasis in celebrating the society’s achievements.
Although not present at the event, HMSA President Professor Marinis Pirpiris shared updates on the society’s efforts to build stronger links with Greece during a recent trip. While overseas, he met with Greek officials and academic leaders, including the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, and the President of the Athens Medical Association, Dr Georgios Patoulis. Discussions focused on recognising foreign medical degrees and fostering clinical, academic, and exchange collaborations between Greece and Australia.
Professor Pirpiris also held meetings with senior figures from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, including Rector Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Vice Rector Professor Sophia Papaioannou, and Dean of the Medical School Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, to establish student exchange programmes with the University of Melbourne.
With a clear vision for the future, the HMSA is set to expand its impact through a dynamic programme in 2025, offering valuable opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration within the Greek Australian medical community and beyond.
