George Lavrentiadis has pleaded guilty to destroying a historic coastal shack, built in 1934, which stood on the Fleurieu Peninsula’s Heysen Trail and had been maintained by the same South Australian family for nearly 60 years.
According to The Advertiser, the modest ‘salmon shack’ was demolished on 22 June 2022, sparking a high-profile dispute involving SA grandfather Barry Robertson and Miami-based celebrity realtor Julian Galbraith Johnston.
Lavrentiadis, 51, was initially arrested in February 2023 and pleaded not guilty, but later changed his plea to guilty on two counts of property damage during a closed pre-trial hearing. He now faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing submissions expected next week.
Photographic evidence presented by police linked Lavrentiadis to the demolition site, including images of a man trespassing at a nearby shack and a Nissan Navara allegedly belonging to him, parked with a distinctive toolbox visible.
Mr Johnston, who owns an adjacent $900,000 block and planned to build a $2 million home, has denied any involvement and has not been charged.
Mr Robertson, whose family had occupied the shack since 1964, will deliver a victim impact statement as the court prepares to hear Lavrentiadis’ motive.
A packed wine tasting event titled “From Ancient to Modern Wines” took guests on a journey through Greek viticulture, from the age of Homer to contemporary exports, at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney on May 1.
Organised as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney, the evening blended archaeology, history and trade, offering a fascinating exploration of wine’s cultural role in Greek society—both ancient and modern.
Guests were treated to talks from archaeologists and historians, who examined how wine functioned as a “gift of Dionysos” in ancient Greece, shaping ritual, daily life, and even politics.
Following the historical insights, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia Chryssa Prokopaki delivered a detailed presentation on the potential for Greek wine exports to Australia, outlining growing demand and opportunities for producers.
Attendees then sampled wines from vineyards across Greece.
“From Ancient to Modern Wines” proved not only to be a celebration of heritage and flavour, but also a toast to future opportunities in Australia’s wine scene.
SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros is calling for tougher legislation on AI-generated deepfake content amid growing concerns that South Australian students are using the technology to bully classmates and teachers.
According to The Advertiser, Bonaros highlighted a case in which bullying between girls at separate schools escalated to the creation of an invasive deepfake image, prompting the victim to leave school.
Ms Bonaros said: “There was ongoing bullying… to retaliate, one of the girls created an explicit deepfake of this young girl or, if not explicit, then invasive. She left behind her friends (who were) fearing that they would be next.”
Ms Bonaros confirmed the case was referred to SA Police.
Connie Bonaros. Photo: Tony Lewis / InDaily.
This follows a separate incident at St Ignatius’ College, reported byThe Advertiser, where a student was suspended indefinitely for creating a deepfake image involving a teacher. The school contacted police, although no official report has been filed.
SA public schools are now teaching students about the legal and ethical risks of deepfakes through the Keeping Safe child protection curriculum. Meanwhile, SA public school students using the department’s AI tool, EdChat, face restrictions on creating harmful content.
The University of Melbourne has listed its historic Parkville mansion ‘Cumnock’ with a price guide of $7.9 million – $8.69 million, with Chief Operating Officer Katerina Kapobassis confirming the decision to divest the property.
According to realestate.com.au, the grand Italianate residence, designed in 1889 by Windsor Hotel architect Charles Webb, had served as a residence for a former Vice Chancellor and hosted official university functions.
Ms Kapobassis said the university has complied with all relevant legislative requirements regarding the sale.
The home, which sits vacant, is now considered “superfluous to [the university’s] needs” according to the selling agent.
Set on a 1376sqm block opposite Royal Park, Cumnock features 11 principal rooms, nine original fireplaces, a turreted viewing tower, and lush gardens.
Since being purchased for $7.1 million in 2017, the property has been upgraded throughout and is expected to attract both residential and commercial interest. Expressions of interest close Tuesday, 27 May at 5pm.
Lachlan Ilias delivered a powerful response to his recent NRL demotion at the St George Illawarra Dragons, starring in reserve grade with two tries, an assist, and over 100 running metres in the Dragons’ dominant 60–26 win over the Magpies.
His standout performance comes after being dropped following the Dragons’ Anzac Day loss to the Roosters.
Lachlan Ilias made a statement in response to his Dragons axing for Magic Round 🚨
The dropped halfback produced the dominant display Shane Flanagan has been looking for in a big win in reserve grade…
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides left Monday’s meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar frustrated, as three key proposals on confidence-building measures were rejected.
According to Cyprus Mail, Tatar refused to progress discussions on opening new crossing points, announcing the long-delayed Pyla agreement, or implementing the 2011 Mia Milia water-sharing deal.
Christodoulides said the talks were dominated by Tatar’s complaints about recent arrests made in the south over the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
“There is no positive response. It will be examined. We will see what happens,” Christodoulides stated, adding that the “yavas-yavas [slowly-slowly] approach is not working for the Cyprus problem.”
Despite setbacks, agreements were reached on restoring 30 cemeteries – 15 in each community – and launching the long-awaited Technical Committee on Youth. Some progress was also reported on environmental issues.
The President reiterated his commitment to a resolution and called for greater international involvement.
Tatar, meanwhile, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the property-related arrests, accusing the Greek Cypriot side of politicising the issue.
He said, “this issue greatly bothers the Turkish Cypriots,” and criticised the lack of common ground, though both sides agreed to meet again soon under UN auspices.
Israeli ministers have endorsed a plan to capture all of Gaza and maintain a military presence there indefinitely, two officials confirmed.
The move, approved by Israel’s security cabinet, includes the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the south and marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The war resumed in mid-March after an eight-week truce collapsed. Israel has since blocked aid to the territory, triggering a worsening humanitarian crisis, and renewed strikes have killed over 2,600 people in recent weeks.
The Gaza strip. Photo: Mahmoud Essa / AP.
The overall death toll in Gaza has surpassed 52,000, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. Over 90 per cent of Gaza’s population has been displaced.
Military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of reservists are being called up and Israel will “operate in additional areas” of Gaza.
The Israeli government has vowed not to end the war until Hamas is defeated, while Hamas demands a ceasefire deal.
The next generation of Greek Australian talent took centre stage on Sunday, May 4, at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, as the 2nd Greek Youth Creative and Performing Arts Competition celebrated the artistic brilliance of young people aged 12 to 24.
An initiative of the Greek Festival of Sydney under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), the event drew entries from across the state in four categories — art, writing, music and performing — with this year’s theme, “Beyond Greek Borders,” inviting participants to explore Hellenic identity in a global context.
The awards ceremony was emceed by Maria Kakali, the 2024–2025 Greek Community Languages Ambassador and a current Modern Greek student at the university. She opened the event with an Acknowledgement of Country and urged students to continue embracing their language and heritage through education and creativity.
Distinguished guests included Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW; Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; and Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney. Special thanks were extended to Dr Craig Barker, Head of Public Engagement at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, for his ongoing support of the initiative.
In his address, Mr Danalis praised the entrants for their imagination and commitment to culture, noting that events like this are essential in preserving Hellenic identity in modern Australia. He emphasised the importance of encouraging youth to express themselves creatively while honouring their Greek roots.
Participants across three age brackets — 12–15, 16–18 and 19–24 — submitted entries in visual arts, creative writing and performance. Although no entries were received in the music category this year, the quality and diversity of submissions in the remaining categories impressed organisers.
All participants were acknowledged on stage and received certificates of participation, with their work displayed on screen.
A standout moment came when Eleftherios Giannas, the sole performing arts entrant in the 12–15 age group, took to the stage with a live bouzouki performance, earning enthusiastic applause.
In a short address, Andrew Caramanis reflected on the competition as more than a showcase, describing it as a “bridge” between heritage and identity — a meaningful space for young Greek Australians to connect, create, and express who they are in a multicultural Australia.
Winning entrants were awarded monetary prizes of $500, with runners-up receiving $300. Some winners were unable to attend and will be contacted individually to receive their prizes.
Award winners on the day were:
Arts Category:
12–15 years:
Winner – Nichol Stratis (not present)
Runner-up – Olympia Mournehis (not present)
16–18 years:
Winner – Olga Giannikouris
Runner-up – Niko Tsiokos (not present)
19–24 years:
Winner – Kosta Giitsidis (prize accepted by his mother)
Runner-up – Elaina Kazouris
Writing Category:
12–15 years:
Winner – James Caramanis
Runner-up – Zaharenia Filactos
16–18 years:
Equal Winners – Andrew Caramanis and Yiorgios Filactos
Performing Category:
12–15 years:
Winner – Eleftherios Giannas
As the Greek Festival of Sydney continues its 43rd year, this competition once again underscored the power of creative expression in strengthening community bonds and passing on Greek heritage to future generations.
A powerful sense of pride and emotion swept through the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Resurrection of Our Lord in Kogarah, Sydney, on Sunday, 4 May 2025, as the Hellenic Presidential Guard — the Evzones — paid a historic visit.
The occasion drew thousands of faithful from across the community, united in celebration of both Orthodox faith and Greek national heritage.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The day began with the Evzones standing in solemn formation during the Divine Liturgy, officiated by His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, supported by parish priests Father Athanasios Giatsios and Father Socrates Dokos alongside Deacon Timothy Mavromatis.
Distinguished guests included Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Michalis Tzinieris, Commander of the Greek Presidential Guard; Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Hellenic Republic in Canberra, Georges River Councillor Sam Stratikopoulos; Bayside City Councillor Vicki Poulos; President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Kogarah, Nicholas Varvaris, and Vice President Christos Georgiou; as well as the coordinators of the Greek afternoon and Saturday schools, and representatives from various Hellenic and community organisations.
(L-R) Bayside Councillor Vicki Poulos, Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Commander Michalis Tzinieris, and Lieutenant Athanasios Loulas.
In an address, Bishop Christodoulos extended a heartfelt welcome to the Evzones, conveying the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and expressing the parish’s deep gratitude for their presence. His words reflected the pride and reverence felt by all who attended.
After the service, the Evzones were welcomed outside the church by students of the Kogarah Greek afternoon and Saturday schools, proudly dressed in traditional Greek costume and waving Greek flags.
In a striking moment, the ceremonial procession made its way across the street to the Lemnos Memorial, with traffic respectfully halted to allow the dignified march to proceed.
At the Lemnos Memorial opposite the church, a commemorative service was held in honour of the fallen heroes of World War I, particularly the ANZACs who served on the Greek island of Lemnos.
The ceremony featured a memorial conducted by Bishop Christodoulos, the singing of the Greek and Australian national anthems, the reading of the Ode by Panagiotis Tsigounis, and a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by official guests. A minute of silence was observed in tribute to the fallen.
Following the formalities, the public was invited to take photographs with the Evzones, a rare and cherished opportunity that brought joy to many families and students. The atmosphere was one of shared remembrance, cultural pride, and deep connection to heritage.
More than a ceremonial visit, the day rekindled a powerful connection to homeland, faith, and collective memory. It left a lasting impression on all in attendance, marking it as a significant and uplifting chapter in the life of the Kogarah parish and the broader Greek Australian community.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
Photographer and filmmaker Eirini Alligiannis launched her striking exhibition Art On The Wallon Tuesday, April 29, as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney, drawing visitors into the vibrant world of New York’s street art culture.
Held from April 29 to May 4, the free exhibition featured photography and themes from Alligiannis’ accompanying book, exploring urban culture through graffiti, movement, and the energy of city streets.
The first book chapter revisits the now-demolished 5PointZ in Queens, featuring images from Alligiannis’ award-winning documentary Louie (KR. ONE) Gasparro 5PointZ, alongside breakdancer Ze Motion, who brings the walls to life with his expressive movement.
The second chapter moves to Brooklyn’s Bushwick Collective, capturing the bold, ongoing creativity of one of New York’s most active street art hubs.
“As an Australian Greek photographer, filmmaker, and now author, it was a true honour to be part of the Greek Festival of Sydney and to present Art On The Wall,” Alligiannis told The Greek Herald.
“This work speaks to a blend of experiences, memories, and emotion… I’m deeply grateful to the Greek Festival of Sydney for the opportunity to share this perspective and for making space for new creative voices within our shared cultural landscape.”
