Greek American actress and TV presenter Maria Menounos has been appointed Ambassador of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the HOC announced on Monday, May 5.
The appointment was made official during a meeting in Athens between Menounos and HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos, who praised her longstanding dedication to Greece and her ability to engage the Greek diaspora in the US.
“Maria is not only a brilliant and charismatic individual, but also a person of great character,” said Kouvelos.
“She will help unite and inspire the Greek community and support our Olympic team on the road to Los Angeles.”
Menounos will also serve as Master of Ceremonies at the Olympic Flame Lighting and Handover Ceremonies in Ancient Olympia and the Panathenaic Stadium, and assist in fundraising efforts for Team Hellas.
“This is a deeply symbolic role,” Kouvelos added.
“We want the Greek community to rally behind our Olympic delegation, and Maria is the ideal person to lead this effort.”
Menounos expressed gratitude for the honour, stating, “I want to help our athletes as much as I can and bring together all Greeks in America to support our team… When the Flame is lit in Ancient Olympia, I know I’ll be overwhelmed with emotion.”
Brisbane Roar have appointed Michael Valkanis as the Isuzu UTE A-League club’s new head coach.
History-making Greek Australian Valkanis returns to the A-Leagues after more than seven years abroad to replace Ruben Zadkovich and he will be in charge for next week’s Australia Cup play-off against Wellington Phoenix in Darwin.
The former Melbourne City and Adelaide United boss – who will be joined by Borja Lema in the role of assistant coach and head analyst Grijia Nektarios – is back in the hot seat after leaving Turkish top-flight side Adana Demirspor in September.
Valkanis brings a wealth of experience to the Roar after their second-bottom finish in 2024-25. The 50-year-old worked as an assistant at PEC Zwolle in the Dutch Eredivisie before joining the Greece national team as John Van’t Schip’s number two for two years prior to a brief stint in Belgium, where he took charge of KAS Eupen and helped the club avoid relegation in 2022.
New Brisbane Roar coach Michael Valkanis has a simple goal as he begins his tenure with the struggling club.
"I want to see Suncorp full again," Valkanis told @10NewsFirstQLD's @TedRoker in an exclusive interview.
Not only did Valkanis become the first Aussie to work as an assistant at Ajax, he became the first Australian to coach the four-time European champions after deputising for two games in the absence of Van’t Schip.
“Our search for a new head coach here at Brisbane Roar took place both here and abroad, and we are excited to be able to welcome Michael and a number of his team to our football club as the new men’s head coach,” Roar CEO Kaz Patafta said.
“Michael’s stature and experience in both Australian and European football speaks for itself. He comes to our football club with a clear vision to elevate our men’s team and return them to where they belong – challenging for silverware each and every season.
“We join our loyal fans in welcoming Michael to the football club and look forward to seeing him get to work.”
Valkanis and his new Roar side will face the Phoenix in the Australia Cup play-offs on Wednesday, May 14.
The Pentagon has approved a $17.2 million contract with Lockheed Martin to support Greece’s integration into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, it announced Monday, May 5.
The agreement will provide engineering, technical support, program management, and training to aid Greece as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer.
Work will be conducted across several US states—California, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and South Carolina—with 4% of the contract carried out in Lancashire, UK. Completion is expected by May 2028.
Greece is set to receive 20 F-35A stealth jets under an agreement signed last July. The F-35A can fly above 50,000 feet and has a range exceeding 1,350 miles, according to the US Air Force.
India launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, May 7, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir it claims were used to plan terrorist attacks.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Pakistan reported at least three deaths, 12 injuries, and damage to mosques, declaring an emergency in Punjab province.
The strikes follow last month’s militant attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu tourists, which India blames on Pakistan—an allegation Islamabad denies.
Photo: Inter Services Public Relations via AP.
Pakistan says it shot down two Indian planes and a drone, and vowed retaliation.
India described its strikes as “focused, measured and non-escalatory,” insisting no military facilities were hit. A Pakistani army spokesman called it a “cowardly attack targeting innocent civilians.”
Tensions are at their highest since 2019, with water disputes and military escalations fuelling fears of broader conflict.
US President Donald Trump warned, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
Walking into Lalor North Primary School on Sunday, May 4, you could feel the buzz in the air for the annual conference of the Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria (MGTAV).
Ready to greet teachers at the door, emcee, hand out photocopies, prep the food and even join in workshops is Despina Sarandis, the organisation’s president, whose dynamic presence and enthusiasm is infectious.
“We have an amazing program this year, with the theme Learning Beyond the Book to offer fresh approaches to Greek language teaching,” she tells The Greek Herald.
“We’re a small but mighty team… We have the right people.”
Despina prepares lunch for the teachers.Despina Sarandis addresses her colleagues.
Chrisoula Stamopoulos, former secretary, still sits on the MGTAV committee.
“We have given the reins to the new generation, but I remember the old days when we had double the members. We have 100 members, and while the MGTAV focuses on teachers, we also created Pharos to bring together the entire community—including parents. Our 3rd parents workshop is on June 8th,” she says.
“We’re all volunteers, and Professor Joseph Lo Bianco is an amazing workshop facilitator who gives parents great advice. We have Pharos, workshops like this where we train up—I don’t know what more we can do apart from literally going to people’s homes and yanking them to our parent workshops.”
Inside the hall, drama teacher Katerina Poutachidou leads role-playing games that could easily be adapted to the classroom. Teachers act, guess words, and play for memorable learning.
Keynote speaker Peristera (Perry) Papageorgiou facilitates a workshop on using technology and adapting to students’ own teaching styles.
“I’m not telling them anything they don’t already know. But we are encouraging sharing between colleagues and reinforcing their knowledge,” she says.
One highlight is “Greek Language Football,” where students compete in vocabulary-based soccer. Laughter echoes through the theatre, proving that Greek doesn’t have to be all declensions and dictations.
More guest speakers arrive offering diverse perspectives—from music with Archie Argyropoulos to AI presentations by Maria Sabo. Dr Matt Absalom emphasises strategies that “unlock student creativity” beyond rote learning, Scott Cordwell presents ImmerseMe digital tools, and Amanda Macdonald from ELLA Education Services explores tech-driven strategies for engaging early learners.
Connie Diakodimitriou, teacher at Lalor North Primary School, where the event is held.
The passion for teaching is palpable.
Assistant teacher Vivian Tzavaras says, “I was a student at Aetolian College and now I’m an assistant teacher from Prep to Year 10 and a Greek dance teacher at the school as well. I’m studying science at university, but I hope to continue teaching even after I finish my course.”
Demi Lazarakis, in her second year of teaching Greek at Alphington Grammar, says the greatest difficulty is teaching students from scratch.
“They don’t know the language at all, and that is a challenge,” Demi says.
Kypros Kyprianou, former MGTAV president and principal of the Greek Orthodox Community Schools of Melbourne and Victoria, says times have changed. He worries that we may never regain lost ground, but believes MGTAV is on the right track with initiatives like Pharos.
“I believe that a community, organisations, need to admit that it is now our responsibility to save the language. We cannot rely on legislation to pass through Parliament,” he says. “Even if the promotion of Greek is discussed, the next day another 50 languages will appear.”
Current GCM Principal Maria Bakalidou with former GCM principal Kypros Kyprianou.
Kypros remembers leading the MGTAV in the ‘80s.
“Back then, it was just for teachers with degrees and closed to students and non-degree-holding teachers. Even so, we had at least 200 members and our conferences would draw hundreds. Now there are half the members, and even fewer attending events,” he says.
There may be fewer members, less funding, but the group is just as loud in purpose.
A spirit of unity filled the room during a formal luncheon hosted by AHEPA New South Wales in honour of the Presidential Guard of Greece – the Evzones – on Sunday, 4 May 2025 in Sydney.
The luncheon coincided with celebrations marking 91 years since the founding of AHEPA NSW, offering the Greek Australian community a rare opportunity to pay tribute to Greece’s military tradition while also honouring one of its most historic organisations.
The Evzones enjoyed the luncheon. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
At midday, the heart of the celebrations beat within Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, where dancers from the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney formed a ceremonial guard of honour as the Evzones entered to loud applause.
The event was emceed by AHEPA NSW Vice President, Nia Gitsas. Among the notable guests were His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, Lieutenant Commander Michalis Tzinieris who accompanied the Presidential Guard during their visit to Australia, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos (Defence Attaché), and other distinguished members of the Greek Australian community.
All the official guests.
AHEPA NSW President Jim Papanayiotou welcomed guests, and the Evzones, with heartfelt words.
“Truly, not just AHEPA but the entire Greek community of Australia, welcomes you and thanks you. Over the past few weeks, you have filled us with pride,” he said, before speaking about AHEPA NSW’s anniversary.
“This year, as AHEPA celebrates its 91st anniversary, we aim to present our best self. If we wish to continue serving the founding principles that inspired our organisation, we must be prepared to make difficult decisions about restructuring our operations.”
AHEPA NSW President Jim Papanayiotou.
The Consul General of Greece, Mr Mallikourtis, delivered an emotionally charged address — his final one at an AHEPA event before concluding his term.
“Just as Australians have the ANZACs, we Greeks have the Evzones. Just as the slouch hat of Australian soldiers in the Gallipoli campaign is an inseparable part of their national identity, so too is the fustanella a symbol of the modern Greek state’s national fulfilment,” Mr Mallikourtis said.
“The presence of the Evzones in Australia unites these two worlds and these two symbols, creating a bridge of friendship and forming the foundation of the identity of Greeks in Australia. In this effort, a historic organisation like AHEPA cannot be absent — I commend you for today’s event.”
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Mr Mallikourtis continued with a thought-provoking suggestion for the Greek community.
“Too often we spend money bringing artists from Greece, when instead we could be funding postgraduate or doctoral research into Greek-Australian military history. That would yield multiple national benefits,” he said.
“Thank you for your support over the past three years. Stay united — because together, you can achieve so much more.”
Also moving was the speech by Lieutenant Commander Tzinieris, who said: “It is a great joy and honour for us to be in the city of Sydney for these commemorative events.”
Lieutenant Commander Michalis Tzinieris.
“The sacrifices of the ANZAC Corps in the Gallipoli campaign cannot be forgotten. Their actions bequeathed an intangible yet powerful legacy. The legend of the ANZACs has become a fundamental part of national identity in both countries,” Mr Tzinieris added.
“The presence of the Evzones at every community event is a living link between our nation’s glorious past and its present.”
Lieutenant Commander Tzinieris received commemorative gifts on behalf of the Presidential Guard from AHEPA President Mr Papanayiotou, including a replica of the painting Convergence of Glory, a set of commemorative stamps, and a copy of AHEPA’s official album, which includes photos from previous Evzones visits to Australia.
The cultural programme continued with traditional dances performed by the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, including Tsakonikos, Tsamikos and Kalamatianos, accompanied by Olga Kremisis (vocals), Dimitris Tsolakis (clarinet) and Peter Tsenkas (daouli).
A commemorative cake celebrating AHEPA NSW’s 91st anniversary was then ceremonially cut by Bishop Christodoulos, the Consul General and AHEPA President Mr Papanayiotou.
Remaining true to its longstanding commitment to the community, AHEPA NSW used the event as a platform to offer meaningful support to institutions and individuals preserving Hellenism and collective memory in Australia. The following were awarded:
A donation of $10,000 to St Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney, in support of its theological and spiritual mission in Greek Orthodox education. The donation was received by Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia.
A $1,000 donation to the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, in recognition of its ongoing contribution to the preservation and promotion of Greek folk traditions, presented to Dimitra Micos.
Honorary grants to visual artist Angela Kiki Konstantopoulos for her ongoing participation in AHEPA’s cultural events, and to the Hellenic Art Theatre, one of the most vibrant pillars of Greek theatrical creativity in Australia, with the award presented to Steve Economidis and Evelyn Tsavalas.
Additionally, service medals were awarded to former presidents of AHEPA chapters, recognising their long-standing and selfless contributions:
George Balassis (former President of Chapter “Diogenes”)
Bill Athanasopoulos (former President of Chapter “Anatoli”)
Bill Skandalakis (former President of AHEPA NSW Inc, 2018–2023), for his leadership during one of the organisation’s most challenging periods.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a medal marking 50 years of service to George Yakoumidis, awarded by Honorary AHEPA NSW President John Kalimanis.
With visible emotion, Mr Yakoumidis closed the evening with the official Vote of Thanks on behalf of all the honourees.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Sydney Olympic FC has responded after Football NSW imposed significant points deductions across multiple divisions due to compliance breaches linked to the club’s 2025 application process.
In a statement, Football NSW confirmed that Sydney Olympic, along with Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Newcastle Jets FC, had been penalised for administrative matters. The sanctions were announced during the Australia Cup period, catching many clubs off-guard.
Sydney Olympic FC was docked:
15 Women’s Club Championship points
3 Premiership points across each of the Girls’ Youth age grades
3 Premiership points across each of the Men’s age grades
15 Boys’ Youth Club Championship points
Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets received similar sanctions across comparable divisions, with the Wanderers also losing 3 points in both U20 and 1st Grade Men’s competitions.
While Football NSW did not provide detailed reasoning at the time of its announcement, The Greek Herald can confirm that the penalties issued to Sydney Olympic FC stem from the late submission of club documents relating to complex reporting changes. These matters were at all times communicated to Football NSW.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, Sydney Olympic FC President Damon Hanlin described the decision as “a significant overreach” and criticised the lack of consistency in the enforcement of the penalty.
“We acknowledge the importance of compliance and have always worked cooperatively with Football NSW,” Mr Hanlin said. “However, this penalty is excessive and does not pass the fairness test — particularly when compared with more serious breaches by other clubs that have gone unpunished or received lesser sanctions.”
Sydney Olympic FC President Damon Hanlin has criticised Football NSW’s decision. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Mr Hanlin emphasised that while the club accepts responsibility, it is unjust that players — who are not involved in administrative matters — are the ones to suffer competitive consequences.
“Our players should not bear the consequences of an off-field compliance issue,” he said. “This breach was not related to player eligibility, team performance, or any on-field advantage.”
Mr Hanlin suggested that a financial penalty may have been a more fitting and appropriate response.
The President also raised concerns about the broader handling of the matter by Football NSW.
“All of us in the football community — the governing body included — have an obligation to promote and foster the game,” Mr Hanlin said. “Perhaps it’s time for some internal reflection at Football NSW. The time it took to reach this outcome, the lack of clarity around the decision, and the timing of the points deduction at the start of a new season raise serious concerns.”
Mr Hanlin added, “Sydney Olympic FC has always welcomed constructive engagement with Football NSW and remains open to working together towards a fair resolution. However, we cannot stand by quietly when a decision of this nature so clearly lacks proportionality. We owe it to our players, members, and supporters to ensure that fairness and due process are upheld.”
Fans have also reacted with frustration and anger, questioning the fairness and severity of the sanctions.
Despite the setback, Mr Hanlin reaffirmed the club’s focus on the season ahead.
“This will not deter our club or our players from performing at the highest level this season and carrying that momentum into the Australian Championship. Sydney Olympic FC and I look forward to returning to the national stage, and we’re elated that Football Australia has selected Olympic — along with our fellow Greek-heritage club South Melbourne — to open the inaugural competition, marking yet another historic moment in Australian football history,” Mr Hanlin said.
Sydney Olympic FC has confirmed it will seek a full review of the ruling and the processes behind it, calling on Football NSW to demonstrate transparency, consistency, and respect for all clubs — especially those with foundational status in the sport.
In a spirit of unity and celebration, Victoria’s Greek community marked two beloved cultural occasions—May Day and Mother’s Day—on Sunday, 4 May 2025.
The joint event, hosted at the elegant Stars International reception centre, was a heartfelt tribute to life, nature, and the central role of mothers in Greek culture.
Co-organised by the Hellenic Women’s Network of Victoria (HELIADES Inc.), EEAMA, and the Pan-Hellenic Women’s Federation of Australia, the event was warmly embraced by other Greek community organisations and drew a crowd of over 500 attendees.
The celebration seamlessly blended cultural tradition with festivity. A talented live orchestra entertained guests with nostalgic, traditional, and contemporary Greek music, keeping the dance floor lively all day.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal and dessert, and the joyful atmosphere was felt in every corner of the packed hall.
A special mention was given to Christos Sardelis and his team for their impeccable organisation and hospitality, which contributed significantly to the event’s success.
The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand has announced the official national program of events to mark the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign, to be held across Australia and New Zealand in May and June 2025.
This year’s commemorations will be headlined by the visit of a distinguished delegation from the Hellenic Ministry of Defence, reaffirming the deep and enduring ties between Greece, Australia, and New Zealand.
The delegation will be led by Vice Admiral Theodoros Mikropoulos HN, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, and includes Commander Dimitrios Lekkakos HN and Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos HC. The officials will attend commemorative events in Tasmania, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in 1941.
The Battle of Crete remains a defining chapter in the shared military history of Greece, Australia, and New Zealand. The upcoming commemorations honour the enduring spirit of resistance and the powerful legacy of friendship forged on the battlefield more than eight decades ago.
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.
