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Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins Bayside Local Business Award

Andriana Simos
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Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins Bayside Local Business Award

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education Centre at Mascot in Sydney’s inner south has won the ‘Outstanding Educational Services Award’ at the 2025 Bayside Local Business Awards.

At First Education, students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are given one-on-one tuition by dedicated tutors in a range of school subjects, and there are also group debating classes and study sessions for the Year 12 Higher School Certificate exams. The tutoring centres are located at Bondi, Earlwood, Maroubra, Mascot and Randwick.

Harry told The Greek Herald he was proud of the award recognition.

“The Mascot Centre had never been nominated before for the Local Business Awards and in 2024 we not only got finalists, but we won the Educational Services Local Business Award,” he said.

“This is a testament to the hard work of our Centre Manager Roza Papas who is at the Centre every day making sure everything runs smoothly (and the previous Centre Manager Telly Tselonis before her), to our 20 tutors for their inspirational efforts, and to our 120 student and parents for trusting us with their learning.”

First Education was born out of Harry’s devout interest in mathematics. In between his university studies, Harry began private tutoring in 2005, driving to and from students’ homes. Once Harry completed his degree and moved into a Financial Planning firm, tutoring continued to remain a growing constant in his life.

Despite being advised otherwise, Harry decided to leave the Financial Planning firm after one year and solely pursue tutoring at 22 years old. This led to the opening of the Maroubra Centre in October 2010; a space above the Maroubra Optometry practice on Anzac Parade, owned and continually run by Harry’s parents. It was in this space that First Education began to grow.

Harry worked alongside his brother, Pana, tutoring Maths and English respectively to the 10 students present at the time. As the business began to grow in popularity, so too did it expand with more tutors joining the business, adding to the pool of expertise and more subject areas were made available for tuition.

The success of the Maroubra Centre made notable impressions in the community. The then-Principal of All Saints Grammar recognised the difference in Harry’s teaching and asked for tutoring sessions to be held during after school hours at their Belmore campus. This then led to the opening of the First Education Earlwood centre on Homer Street in January 2015.

With both centres running, First Education began to establish itself as a leading tutoring service in both areas. The 10 students who used to enter the doorway of the Maroubra Centre when the business first started had now grown to over 450.

Nevertheless, the business’ central ethos seemed to ring clearer the more it grew, prompting the opening of the Bondi Centre on Bondi Road in early 2016. In July 2021, the fourth Centre at Mascot was opened up in the middle of COVID to support students who had fallen behind in this extremely difficult time. At the start of 2023, the Randwick Centre was opened to provide further support to students in this community.

Now, with over 200 tutors and 1,000 students in the business across the five centres, First Education is able to successfully promote core values of confidence, passion and hard work in students to help them achieve their potential and beyond.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW to honour 112 years since Lesvos’ liberation

The Greek Herald
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Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW to honour 112 years since Lesvos’ liberation

This Saturday, November 16, a night of celebration and tradition is set to take stage at the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW’s Annual Dance, commemorating the 112th Anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos.

The evening will feature live music by the Paradise Band, with the talented Ioannis Kelligianis on vocals, joined by Olga, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Delicious food will be provided by Messinia Catering Services, ensuring a feast for both the senses and the spirit.

The event marks a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and honour the rich history of Lesvos. Don’t miss out on this special event!

To book your tickets, please call: 0402 207 546, 0435 604 433, or 0401 268 888.

Rosemary Franzidis’ husband speaks out as third person charged in relation to fatal crash

The Greek Herald
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Rosemary Franzidis’ husband speaks out as third person charged in relation to fatal crash

A third individual has been charged as police continue their investigation into the tragic death of 69-year-old Rosemary Franzidis, who was killed in a high-impact collision when an allegedly stolen Audi crashed into her car. The incident occurred in Murrumba Downs, north of Brisbane, just minutes after Franzidis had attended church mass in Bracken Ridge.

The crash came after a series of car thefts and attempted robberies at gunpoint in the hours leading up to the fatal collision.

Police allege the group involved in the incident first stole a Holden Barina from Northgate, then drove it through several suburbs, threatening women at gunpoint, before stealing the blue Audi from Dohles Rocks Road at Griffin. The Audi, later involved in the crash that killed Franzidis, had been taken under duress in the earlier robbery.

A 21-year-old man from Annerley was arrested on Monday and has been charged with two counts of attempted robbery while in company and armed, one count of robbery in company while armed, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

The alleged driver of the Audi, a 16-year-old boy from Caboolture, has been charged with manslaughter and other offences.

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old woman from Caboolture, was arrested on Sunday and charged with armed robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Franzidis leaves behind a husband, three daughters and three grandchildren. Photo: 7NEWS.

Despite the grief, Franzidis’ husband, Jean-Paul Franzidis, has said that his wife would have responded with compassion.

“I know a lot of people are angry, but at the moment, I can’t get angry,” he told 7NEWS. “Rose would be praying for that guy right now and all the other kids like him who need to be out of that situation.”

The couple, who had been married for almost 50 years, had been planning a dream holiday to Greece.

“We were planning to go there for her 70th birthday next April but that’s not to be,” Franzidis said.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Jean-Paul and the family with funeral expenses. Organisers praised the Franzidis family for their longstanding commitment to their community, noting their willingness to always help others.

“They’ve been pillars of our community for years, always there to lend a hand, support others through tough times and spread kindness,” the campaign organisers said.

By Monday night, more than $7,000 had been donated, with the family expressing their deep gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from strangers.

The investigation continues as the community grapples with the tragic loss of a beloved grandmother and the aftermath of the series of violent crimes that led to her death.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 7NEWS.

Greek Australian migration exhibition ‘Kalos Irthate’ coming to Melbourne this weekend

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian migration exhibition ‘Kalos Irthate’ coming to Melbourne this weekend

The Kalos Irthate (Greek for ‘welcome’) Migration Exhibition will launch next weekend, November 16 and 17 in Doncaster, Melbourne. 

A Greek Australian migrant home will be transformed into an exhibition space which will feature original documents, vintage furniture, and a documentary where migrants will share their history. 

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a migrant home looked like and how the process of migrating to Australia worked, then this is your chance to walk through a Greek Australian home and explore the lives of Greek migrants from the mid twentieth century.

As you walk through the house, you’ll find each room dedicated to a different aspect of the migrant journey; the move to Australia, building a life in Melbourne, and then reflections 70 years later. 

Kalos Irthate has been curated by Christina Savopoulos, Jamie Gallos, and John Tzelepis, under the name ‘The Poseidoniate.’ Their group was formed earlier this year, and the name is derived from the Greek poem written by Constantine P. Cavafy in 1906, titled ‘Ποσειδωνιάται.’ The poem speaks to the nostalgic attempts of an Ancient Greek community to hold onto their Hellenic culture. Christina, Jamie, and John all felt the poem perfectly encapsulated the aims of their group—to preserve and showcase Greek culture in Melbourne. Kalos Irthate is their first project and certainly not their last. 

When finding a location to showcase the multitude of migration related documents, Christina thought of using her Yiayia’s house.

“My Yiayia had passed away last year, and my family was about to sell her house. Using the house as the space for the exhibition seemed like the perfect way to honour the family’s memory of the house,” she said.

While the house has undergone slight changes over the years, its structure and design represent houses of the 1950s and 1960s which have become staples of Greek Australian migrant homes. 

The exhibition is ultimately a homage to Greek migrants in Australia and the lives they built in Melbourne, which continue today. 

Kalos Irthate catalyses the very essence of early wave migration and is effectively a time capsule that simulates migrant experience through documentation and early life in what we now dub a ‘migrant house.’ 

What The Poseidoniate aim to share with the community in this endeavour is to showcase all the cultural ‘artefacts’ we could find, and to stratify each stage of migration from life in Greece to life in Australia. This is all to achieve an adept community understanding of the wills and ways of Greek migrant history. As a diasporic people, it is paramount for our community to discover and be critical of these diasporic spaces as it develops and nurtures the very identity the community subscribes to. 

The exhibition curators ask that you register to receive the address of the house. It is only $5 to attend the exhibition. The Kalos Irthate exhibition is running for just one weekend and is an exciting chance to learn about Greek migration and immerse yourself in the life of a migrant. The curators hope to see you there!

Event Details

Follow us @theposeidoniate on Instagram

Take your Greek to new heights with the NSW School of Languages’ Extension Course

Evelyn Karatzas
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Take your Greek to new heights with the NSW School of Languages’ Extension Course

Are you a young Greek Australian looking to take your reading, writing, and Greek speaking skills to the next level?

Well, the New South Wales School of Languages has got you covered and wants you to enrol into their new Modern Greek extension course. The course commenced earlier this term and is aimed towards year 12 students studying for their HSC.

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, head teacher of Modern Greek at the NSW School of Languages, Athina Papanikolaou revealed what students can expect to learn from the course.

“In Extension Greek, students can expect to learn advanced language skills in Greek, including speaking, reading, writing, and literature analysis,” Athina told The Greek Herald.

“The course also offers insight into Greek culture, history, and literature, helping students achieve a deeper understanding of the language in context.”

In addition to the language work, Athina said students will also have the opportunity to study a film and examine topics and themes explored in it.

Learning outcomes

The Greek teacher, who’s been teaching at the school since 2015, further explained some of the key learning outcomes future students can expect from the course.

“Students can expect to improve their fluency, enhance their reading comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and gain confidence in using Greek in various contexts,” Athina said.

“They will also develop a strong foundation in Greek literature and cultural studies.”

Who is the course designed for?

With around 200 students studying Greek at the NSW School of Languages every year, Athina said the interest for learning the language continues to grow.

She added that although the new course is primarily targeted toward those with a sound understanding of Greek that want to advance their skills, it is open to anyone with an interest in the Greek language and culture.

“We’re promoting the course because it provides valuable language skills and cultural understanding that support both personal growth and academic achievement, enriching students’ educational experience,” Athina said.

“We would also like to provide students with opportunities to study the language at an advanced level.”

Students’ response

The NSW School of Languages teacher said the course has already been a hit amongst previous students.

“Many have shared how much they enjoyed the immersive experience, and they’ve shown remarkable progress in both language skills and cultural appreciation,” Athina said.

“They have found immense value in it. Students report that the course has deepened their understanding of Greek, improved their academic skills, and given them confidence in using the language in real-world situations.”

The teacher encouraged more students to pick up the course.

“It’s important because it helps students connect with their heritage, enhances bilingualism, and offers a global perspective,” Athina said.

“Additionally, learning Greek can support further academic pursuits and careers in international fields.”

Athina said the course not only strengthens students’ language skills, “but also opens doors to understanding a rich cultural heritage and helps them stand out academically.”

Any students interested in commencing the extension course can enrol through the NSW School of Languages website. The school additionally offers Beginners and Continuers courses to students in Year 9 to 11. 

“We’re dedicated to making this experience memorable and valuable for each student, and we look forward to welcoming more students passionate about learning Greek,” Athina concluded.

More information on Modern Greek courses at the NSW School of Languages can be found here.

Experience the soul of rebetika in Australia as Fotis Vergopoulos returns

The Greek Herald
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Experience the soul of rebetika in Australia as Fotis Vergopoulos returns

Hailing from Greece, Fotis Vergopoulos will make his return to Australia this December. Leading an exceptional ensemble of local and interstate musicians, Fotis represents the new generation of Greek talent, renowned for his remarkable musicianship and deep affinity with rebetika (Greek Blues).

Having toured extensively across Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Fotis is currently based in Athens. He has collaborated with prominent artists such as Agathonas Iakovidis, Martha Fritzila, Babis Gkoles, and Manolis Pappos.

Rebetika, a genre of Greek folk music often called Greek Blues, emerged in the early 20th century. It features themes of struggle, love, and defiance, characterised by its raw, emotional style and typically performed with instruments like the bouzouki. This genre is deeply embedded in urban Greek culture.

Fotis was born in 1988 in Melbourne, Australia. Before the age of one, his family relocated to his spiritual home in Koroni, Messinias, Greece. His involvement with music came at a young age with his main influence being his father, Nikos, who was an inaugural member of the Apodimi Kompania. Upon completing high school, he returned to his birthplace to receive a degree in Civil Engineering. 

During this time, Fotis immersed himself in the music scene, playing live gigs at various venues and festivals, such as Brunswick Music Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival. Since late 2012, he has returned to Greece and resides in Athens. He is a member of the Rebetien band and has toured with them in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Lebanon, Madagascar to play in various music festivals.

Joining Fotis on stage will be distinguished guests and key figures from the rebetika scene in Melbourne: Kostas Papapanagiotou (Bouzouki and vocals), Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (Accordion/Vocals), Con Kalamaras (Guitar), and Niko Papadimitriou (Baglama).

Artists joining Fotis in Sydney and Canberra will be Maria Antaras-Dalamagas (Accordion/Vocals), Themelis Samarkos (Bouzouki/Vocals), Con Kalamaras (Guitar), and Kon Velanis (Baglama/Bouzouki).

Event Details:

BRUNSWICK BALLROOM Presents Fotis Vergopoulos (First show) 

  • 6:30pm, Fri 29 November, 2024
  • Tickets here.

BRUNSWICK BALLROOM Presents Fotis Vergopoulos (Second show) 

  • 6:30pm, Thu 5 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Smiths Alternative in Canberra

  • 9.30pm – 11.30pm, Friday, 13 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Butchers Brew Bar in Dulwich Hill, Sydney (Early show)

  • 4pm – 7pm, Sat 14 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

Fotis Vergopoulos Live at Butchers Brew Bar in Dulwich Hill, Sydney (Late show)

  • 8pm – 11pm, Sat 14 December, 2024
  • Tickets here.

Pikos team up with Mastrocostas family on $620m riverfront ‘Gaia’ project in Brisbane 

The Greek Herald
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Pikos team up with Mastrocostas family on $620m riverfront ‘Gaia’ project in Brisbane 

Luxury developer Pikos Group has broken ground on its second riverfront project in Brisbane in as many  years with Gaia, which will deliver two residential buildings and the inner city’s largest private parkland. 

It brings the total value of Pikos Group’s projects under construction in Brisbane to circa $1 billion, with the developer’s 35-year history and strong industry partnerships credited with its ability to forge ahead in a challenging construction environment. 

In addition to delivering much needed new housing supply, Gaia will deliver an estimated 695 direct and indirect jobs over the next two and half years of construction, and circa $110 million in value to Brisbane’s economy. 

Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director, Pedro Pikos, said Gaia was more than a decade in the making. 

“Since 2014, we have amalgamated eight individual lots to open up over 5,300sqm of pure river frontage and  deliver an unrepeatable opportunity to create high-end apartments and sprawling green spaces that connect with their natural and urban settings,” Mr Pikos said. 

The project will deliver a mix of 215 two, three and four-bedroom residences across two 15-storey residential  towers, complete with world class amenities and connectivity to Brisbane’s pedestrian bridges. 

Gaia means ‘connected to nature’ and it will deliver the inner city’s largest private parkland featuring more  than 20 wellness and leisure zones exclusively for residents – an unprecedented level of amenity so close to  Brisbane City. 

Pedro Pikos.
Michelle Wooldridge.

Pikos Group Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Wooldridge, said that in today’s construction market it was  unique to see a residential developer forging ahead with such a considerable value of projects under  construction.  

“Gaia is the second project we have commenced construction in as many years, and it takes our projects  under construction to circa $1 billion,” Ms Wooldridge said. 

“With today’s construction challenges, we are seeing large numbers of residential projects shelved and  delayed until the construction challenges dissipate. We are really proud of the fact that we are able to buck the  trend, convert our projects into construction, and deliver much needed new housing supply for Brisbane.  

“To be able to break ground on a project of this scale, in such challenging market conditions, is a testament to  Pikos Group’s experience and trusted partnerships, built over 35 years.” 

Pikos has teamed up with the Mastrocostas family (one of the top 25 builders in Australia who have been embedded in south-east Queensland’s construction industry for a quarter of a century), to deliver Gaia. 

“Between the Pikos and Mastrocostas families, there is a 25-year intergenerational friendship that has allowed  us to partner and deliver Gaia,” Ms Wooldridge said. 

“Having two prominent development families come together amidst the ongoing challenges in Australia’s  property sector is evidence of the extraordinary lengths required to deliver projects in today’s environment.” 

As a result of the partnership, newly formed company M2M Constructions has been charged with delivering  Gaia to the same high-end standard synonymous with Pikos Group. 

Ms Wooldridge said the site’s connection to the Brisbane CBD and beyond will appeal to buyers. 

“The site itself is an incredibly tranquil and quiet pocket, which captures one of the Brisbane River’s widest  aspects as it bends around New Farm,” she said. “With the completion of the city’s newest green bridge, the  Kangaroo Point peninsula will enjoy enhanced connectivity, providing effortless walking access to Brisbane  CBD while maintaining its peaceful, secluded atmosphere.”

Designed by the acclaimed DKO architecture studio, both residential towers at Gaia have been oriented to  capture sweeping views of the city and river, with all apartments featuring luxury internal finishes of natural  stone, timber flooring and premium appliances. 

Additional amenities include an indoor/outdoor gym, rooftop entertaining spaces, garden workshop, yoga  lawn, outdoor cinema, private dining room, and work from home lounge.  

Gaia is Pikos Group’s second Kangaroo Point development, following the launch of the ultra-luxe Skye by  Pikos under construction at River Terrace. 

The Gaia sales display is located at 8 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point and is open by appointment only. For  more information contact the sales team on 0407 596 224.  

For more information visit gaiakangaroopoint.com.

Sydney restaurant Ammos earns prestigious Chef’s Hat

The Greek Herald
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Sydney restaurant Ammos earns prestigious Chef’s Hat

Ammos, located at Sydney’s Brighton-le-Sands, has made an impressive debut in the 2025 SMH Good Food Guide, earning a prestigious one-hat rating. This recognition underscores the growing influence of Sydney’s southern suburbs as a burgeoning culinary hotspot.

Led by renowned chef Peter Conistis, Ammos offers a unique fusion of traditional Greek flavours with a modern twist, positioning itself as one of the standout restaurants of the year.

For Conistis, transitioning from the high-profile kitchen at Alpha in the heart of Sydney’s CBD to the more relaxed setting of Ammos in Brighton-le-Sands was an opportunity to reconnect with his Greek roots and explore new creative avenues.

Sydney restaurant Ammos earns prestigious one-hat recognition

Drawing on both his family’s culinary heritage and his extensive 30-year career, Conistis has crafted a menu that honours classic Greek dishes while incorporating innovative techniques. Signature offerings include shellfish saganaki, fire-roasted whole lobster with a la Grecque butter, and aged pork Arizona with apple tzatziki.

After perfecting his craft at Alpha, which lost its hat rating this year, Conistis sought to bring a fresh perspective to Greek dining, focusing on simplicity, seasonality, and a genuine connection to the land.

Ammos’ one-hat recognition is a testament to Conistis’ ability to elevate Greek cuisine while maintaining its authentic essence, marking the restaurant as a standout in Sydney’s vibrant food scene.

David Coleman MP: Albanese Government’s Misinformation Bill will censor free speech of Australians

The Greek Herald
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David Coleman MP: Albanese Government’s Misinformation Bill will censor free speech of Australians

Australians face serious risks to losing their freedom of speech under plans by the Albanese Government to impose new Misinformation laws through federal parliament.

The Coalition is fighting the Labor Party’s censorship plans which are set to go to a final vote in the coming weeks.

Shadow Minister for Communications David Coleman said free speech is fundamental to our democratic society in Australia and the Coalition will always defend this freedom.

“Under the Government’s plan, something can be ‘misinformation’ even if it is the honestly held opinion of an everyday Australian,” Mr Coleman said.

“The statement doesn’t have to be malicious or designed to deceive.  Academics, scientists, artists and comedians are exempted from the Bill.  But people at home just expressing their beliefs are not.

“It’s also very concerning that the Communications Minister can personally order Misinformation Investigations and Misinformation Hearings, on terms of her choosing.

“Digital platforms would face huge fines, if the Government decides that they have not removed enough of what they consider to be ‘misinformation.  The platforms will want to avoid those big fines, so they will censor a large amount of free speech of everyday Australians who want to have their say online.

Mr Coleman said the Albanese Government’s Misinformation Bill represents a clear and present danger to the open communication of religious beliefs in Australia.

“A core problem of the planned legislation is that it empowers digital platforms and government bureaucrats to determine whether or not a religious belief is ‘reasonable’,” Mr Coleman said.

“This flies in the face of the separation of church and state and is completely unacceptable.”

Mr Coleman said there would be a vote on the legislation in the Senate in late November.  The Coalition is calling on all Senators to vote against this terrible piece of legislation.’

“Many Australians will recall all the times the Prime Minister and his MPs referred to any comments on they didn’t like in the Voice referendum as ‘misinformation’.  If these laws had been in place last year, there is no doubt Labor would have used them in an attempt to stifle debate,” Mr Coleman said.

“It is of the highest importance that this bill is defeated in the federal parliament.  We cannot allow the Albanese Government to impose a new censorship regime on all Australians.”

John Loukadellis appointed director at The Hellenic Initiative of Australia

Andriana Simos
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John Loukadellis appointed director at The Hellenic Initiative of Australia

The Hellenic Initiative Australia has today announced the appointment of John Loukadellis as its newest director.

As a Senior Business Development Manager at Macquarie and a respected figure within the Greek Australian community in the ACT, Mr Loukadellis’ appointment brings added strength to THI Australia’s national representation of volunteer directors.

Speaking to The Greek Herald, Mr Loukadellis said he was proud to be appointed.

john loukadellis
John Loukadellis (centre) is a respected figure within the Greek Australian community in the ACT.

“It is a great honour to have been nominated on to the board of the Hellenic Initiative Australia by George Kailis and Nick Pappas,” Mr Loukadellis said.

“I look forward to working closely with the board and contributing as much as I can to the Hellenic culture, language, philanthropy to Greece, and my continued work in Canberra within our community. Keeping that flame burning for future generations is what it is all about.”

Mr Loukadellis’ passion for Hellenism and his dedication to the Greek community have driven his active involvement with The Hellenic Club of Canberra and the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of St Nicholas Canberra (GOCCC).

In a post on LinkedIn, THI Australia’s board congratulated Mr Loukadellis and said his appointment comes “at an important moment, as THI Australia approaches its 10-year anniversary celebrations on 22 March 2025 in Sydney.”

“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to uniting the Greek diaspora and making a sustained positive impact in Greece for years to come,” the post concluded.

Mr Loukadellis joins other THI Australia directors including Nicholas Pappas AM, Helen Zorbas AO, George Giovas, Kathy Karabatsas, Nick Mitaros, Peter Abraam, Chris Dolkas, Martine Jager, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, George Mastrocostas, John Tsianos, Tony Bellas, Paul Zaparas, Harry Patras, George Frazis, John (Yianni) Lazarou, and Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill.

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