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.”
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 (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.”
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.
Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos has been nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award this year, following the successful release of a Beethoven symphony album earlier in 2024.
Kavakos’ album Beethoven for Three: Symphony No. 4 and Op. 97, “Archduke” (Sony Classical), recorded alongside renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emmanuel Ax, has been nominated for Best Chamber/Small Ensemble Performance.
Released in March, the album has garnered exceptional reviews from critics. The three virtuoso musicians also showcased their collaboration in a live performance at the Herodeion Theatre in Athens in June, as part of the Athens-Epidavros Festival.
Born in Athens, Leonidas Kavakos is no stranger to international acclaim. He has earned top prizes in prestigious violin competitions, including the Sibelius, Paganini, Naumburg, and Indianapolis competitions. A scholar of the Onassis Foundation, Kavakos has also made a significant impact as a recording artist, with notable releases on labels such as Sony/BMG and BIS.
In addition to his violin performances, Kavakos is an accomplished conductor. He served as the artistic director of the Camerata Salzburg and has been a guest conductor with renowned orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.
A significant moment in Kavakos’ career came in 2016 when he conducted the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center in Manhattan. This performance marked the first time in 56 years that a Greek musician had conducted the iconic orchestra, the last being Dimitris Mitropoulos in 1960.
Kavakos’ Grammy nomination further cements his place among the world’s leading classical musicians, and his contribution to both violin performance and conducting continues to be celebrated on the global stage.
The Grammy Awards, presented by the Recording Academy of the United States, are widely regarded as the highest honour in the global music industry, recognising outstanding achievements across a range of musical genres.
Although the official tennis season is nearing its end with players still competing in the final tournaments of the year, the start of December is fast approaching, ushering in the exhibition events.
Among the most anticipated is the World Tennis League, which is set to take place from December 19 to 22 in Abu Dhabi. The tournament has already unveiled its star-studded teams, ensuring another thrilling competition.
The ‘Eagles’ team will feature a powerhouse line-up, including world number one Iga Swiatek, Norway’s Casper Ruud, Czech star Barbora Krejcikova, and Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. Meanwhile, the ‘Kites’ will be represented by Spain’s Paula Badosa, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, and the ever-entertaining Australian Nick Kyrgios.
Teams for World Tennis League…
Team Eagles: Iga Świątek Barbora Krejcikova Hubert Hurkacz Casper Ruud
Team Kites: Jasmine Paolini Paula Badosa Stefanos Tsitsipas Nick Kyrgios
Team Falcons: Elena Rybakina Caroline Garcia Daniil Medvedev Andrey Rublev
Team Hawks: Aryna…
— Z kortu – informacje tenisowe | Tennis news (@z_kortu) November 11, 2024
For Tsitsipas and Badosa, it will be a familiar setting, as both players return for another year in the team event after competing in the 2023 edition. They will join forces in the ‘Kites’ team, alongside Kyrgios and Paolini.
This dynamic means that Tsitsipas and Kyrgios will team up in doubles, while Badosa and Paolini will pair up in their own doubles matches. As expected, Tsitsipas and Badosa will also play together in the mixed doubles.
In addition to these exciting matchups, the World Tennis League will also feature top talents such as Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and of course, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. With such a stellar line-up, the 2024 tournament is set to be an unforgettable spectacle.
Leea Nanos, an Australian singer-songwriter with Greek heritage, has reportedly submitted a song for Greece’s upcoming Eurovision national selection.
This could mark a new chapter for the artist, who is no stranger to the Eurovision world, having previously competed in Eurovision – Australia Decides.
Australia has strong Greek connections to Eurovision, with artists like Sydney’s Andrew Lambrou and Silia Kapsis representing Cyprus in recent years. This raises the possibility that an Australian could finally represent Greece, and Leea Nanos might be the one to do it.
This year, Greece is hosting its first national selection since 2017, and its first with multiple competing artists since 2015. It will also be the country’s first open selection in 22 years, with hundreds of entries already submitted.
A list of artists who have reportedly submitted songs to Greece’s national broadcaster ERT has been released by Eurovision fan site Eurovision Fun, and Leea Nanos is among them.
Leea, born in Australia to a Greek father, competed in Eurovision – Australia Decides in 2019 with her song Set Me Free. In 2022, she returned to the competition as a songwriter, penning the song Bite Me for Australian girl group G-Nat!on. The group finished 5th overall and third in the televote, a strong result for both Leea and the group.
Since then, Leea has continued to release music, including singles like Bad Girl and Unstoppable, and has written for other artists. Last year, she released her debut EP Switch Profile, showcasing her evolving sound.
In an interview with Aussie Vision in 2023, Leea expressed her ongoing interest in Eurovision. She revealed that an exciting project was pending: “Something is in the works that is highly confidential at the moment, but let’s just say the vibe of the music video and the vibe of the songs — they’re probably coming to Eurovision… Eurovision is my family, so I would be honoured [to compete]. I would like to try for Greece or Cyprus. There has been some speculation for a couple of years about that with me. Let’s pray something for the future comes about.”
Could this be the year Leea Nanos represents Greece? With ERT yet to announce the date, venue, or finalists for its national final, the competition is set to be fierce. The selection will feature a 50/50 vote between the public and two juries, with hundreds of entries in the running.
Hundreds of people queued at the atrium of Thessaloniki’s town hall on Tuesday, November 12 where the body of former city mayor and celebrated winemaker Yiannis Boutaris laid in state ahead of his civil funeral later in the day.
Among the dignitaries paying their respects was Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou; Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis; PASOK-KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis; and the US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis.
Greece’s Prime Minister at the funeral. Photo: In Time.
“Today we say goodbye to Yiannis Boutaris, a warm person, a great visionary… not with tears but with smiles, as I’m sure he would have wanted,” Mitsotakis said during a speech.
Vardis Vardinogiannis, a towering figure in Greek shipping, energy, and business, has passed away at the age of 91. His death, which occurred on Tuesday, November 12, was confirmed by Motor Oil Hellas, the oil company that Vardinogiannis transformed into one of Greece’s largest and most influential corporations.
In a statement issued by his family, they expressed, “With deep sadness, the Vardis Vardinogiannis family announces that the beloved father and grandfather, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, passed away today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.”
Vardinogiannis was born in 1933 on Crete, the fifth of eight children. After graduating from the Hellenic Naval Academy in 1955, he served as a Navy officer before being exiled by the military junta in the 1960s. He later became an honorary admiral.
In the early 1970s, he took over the family business, Motor Oil Hellas, after his brother’s sudden death. Over the next five decades, Vardinogiannis expanded the company into one of Greece’s largest corporations and diversified into shipping, banking, media, and hospitality. His partnership with Saudi oil giant Aramco in the 1990s further bolstered his influence.
Vardis and Marianna Vardinogiannis.
Vardinogiannis was also a philanthropist, supporting various causes, including the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation. His wife, Marianna, who passed away in 2023, was a UNESCO goodwill ambassador and led children’s cancer initiatives.
In 1990, Vardinogiannis survived an assassination attempt by the militant group November 17, which targeted his armoured car with explosives. He later became closely connected to the Kennedy family, hosting the wedding of Robert F. Kennedy’s daughter, Rory, in Greece in 1999.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute, saying, “I bid farewell to Vardis Vardinogiannis – the patriarch of a family that has left an indelible mark on the economic and social landscape of our country over the past decades.”
“Behind his always serious gaze, he concealed many facets: from boldness and dynamism in business competition to countless charitable initiatives, many of which he preferred to keep anonymous,” he added.
Vardinogiannis is survived by his five children, though funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Fourth generation Pontian Maria Tsentidou is proud of her cultural roots and has a passion for all things Pontian, including sewing traditional Pontian garments.
So, when her partner Efthimios Avgetidis asked for her hand in marriage on their overseas trip, Maria decided to sew a traditional Pontian wedding gown to wear.
All photos copyright Randy Harry Photography.
But first, let’s unravel this love story that began nine years ago in Sydney when 19-year-old Maria and 29-year-old Efthimios first met. The Pontian Federation of Australia had issued an invitation for all Pontian dance groups to attend for a joint performance at the annual dance, and Maria was there with the dance group she was part of.
The first meeting
Efthimios
“Well, this is a story all about how my life got flipped right upside down, so I’d like to take a minute to sit right there and tell you how I met a girl from the city of Adelaide.
“As I had so much on, at first, I only noticed Maria as the new face in the crowd.
“It was only after the event when she came to my pizza shop with her friend that we had a proper conversation, and with this, I met a young lady who had her head screwed on and knew what she wanted.
“I was highly impressed, and we got along like a house on fire. I knew that we’d have a great friendship.”
Maria
“Glory to God, culture and dance has always brought us together.
“In August 2016, the dance group I was with at the time – Pyrric Cultural Associations – was to perform in Sydney. It was there that I met him, as he was coordinating the event as the dance teacher.
“I never believed in love at first sight before I met Efthimi.
“My first real impression of him was later in the evening when he got on stage to sing and play lyra.
“I wasn’t even watching the stage at the time, but I heard someone singing and was mesmerised with how they sounded. Lo and behold it was him!
The first date
Efthimios
Efthimios recalled their first date in Adelaide was on December 26, 2016, and Maria picked him up for the date.
“She had her hair in a bun, wearing a blue summer dress. It was a hot summer’s night, and we decided to go the beach,” he said.
“I remember getting into her little Suzuki swift and the first thing on her radio I heard was a Pontian Epitrapezio (slow table song) which was impressive as most of the younger generation these days listen to more upbeat Pontian.
“I knew she was special and someone whom I could relate to a lot. We decided to do a stop off at McDonalds, and we made our way to Henley Beach, and spoke for hours.”
Maria
“Our first real date was about six months later back in Adelaide. Efthimi and I became good friends over those six months.
“The Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia was hosting their annual Christmas dance which Efthimi and his family were coming to Adelaide for.
“While he was in Adelaide we went to Henley Beach, got our staple Maccas chips and a sundae and sat at the beach. That was our little wholesome night out.
“We didn’t need anything fancy, we just enjoyed each other’s company.”
The proposal location
Individually both Maria and Efthimios had a dream to visit their ancestral lands in Pontos. His father’s family comes from the Pontian region of Kars, while Maria’s family is from Imera and Nea Kessaria, Pontos.
It was a dream that happened early last year, and it was where their commitment went to the next level. Efthimios had wanted to propose but couldn’t think of the ‘perfect proposal’ so when the trip became reality, he seized the moment.
The deep royal blue engagement ring had been purchased, but the location for the proposal was yet to be decided.
Efthimios wanted the ‘perfect’ proposal spot.
Finally, he had a ‘light bulb moment’ when they decided to visit the Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Mt Mela Matsouka dressed in traditional Pontian clothing.
Against the backdrop of their ancestral lands located in the mountainous region of modern-day Turkey, Efthimios asked Maria to marry him.
“It was beautiful and couldn’t have asked for a more special and sacred place to start our union, in the birthplace of our ancestors and on the holy lands of our spiritual forefathers,” Maria said.
“I’m grateful to him that he thought it out so much to make the moment so special for the both of us.”
The wedding
The wedding of Maria and Efthimios took place in Sydney on October 19, 2024 at the St Demetrios Church, St Mary’s. Father John Choraitis from Adelaide officiated the wedding with Father Leslie Kostoglou.
The couple incorporated the following traditions:
Το Στόλισμαν – Dressing of Bride & Groom by family and friends in the morning of the wedding.
Το αχπαστον – Musicians sang traditional Pontian wedding songs as a last farewell as single people about to start a new life.
Το νυφέπαρμα – The Koumbaro (best man) and groomsmen collected the bride while singing and playing instruments.
Χορός Θύμισμαν – The couple performed a traditional dance with candles called ‘thymisman’.
The Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs of Melbourne & Victoria(FGECCMV) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 8, with a full quorum of members in attendance.
The meeting began with a review of the minutes from last year’s general meeting, which were read aloud and received unanimous approval from the membership.
The financial report for the 2023-24 fiscal year was then presented, detailing the Federation’s current financial standing. While some members raised minor comments on the balance sheet, the Federation clarified that these were issues to be addressed by the accountant, not the treasurer. The Federation confirmed there was no question of the accuracy or integrity of the finances, simply an oversight by the accounting team that would soon be rectified.
The meeting closed with a report from Federation President John Kostoulias, who addressed the board’s recent challenges. He noted that internal dysfunction had hampered the Federation’s ability to deliver its programs effectively, and he called on members to decide on his role moving forward. He presented two options: either allow him to remain as president and support structural changes to improve the board’s operations, or allow him to step down.
In a show of confidence, members voted for Mr Kostoulias to continue his role as president, emphasising his commitment to stability and recognising that, as in many organisations, constructive criticism can accompany any effort toward positive change.
The Federation issued a postscript, stating that while it welcomes an audit of its finances, it is hoped that it would be conducted with good intentions and in the spirit of constructive feedback.
The Trailblazer Award recognises an individual, team, or business that approaches things from a unique perspective, pushing Australian food forward in the process. The recipient should offer a distinct viewpoint and truly embody hospitality, with a strong focus on community above all else.
Baba’s Place proudly showcases the Lebanese, North Macedonian, and Greek heritages of co-owners Alex Kelly, Jean-Paul El Tom, and James Bellos in both the decor and the menu.
Baba’s Place was described as “a freewheeling celebration of the suburban Sydney experience grounded in the stories of immigrant families and their shared experiences of food and cooking.”
