On Saturday, November 9, the Greek and Philhellene community in Western Australia gathered in honour of the feast day of Saint Nectarios, the Wonderworker of Aegina, and to commemorate the Greek National Day, known as “OXI Day” – October 28, 1940.
The morning began with an official Doxology at St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Dianella, graced by the presence of the new Consul-Designate of Greece in Perth, Eleni Georgopoulou.
An official reception followed were local students gave powerful performances, captivating the congregation as they honoured Greece’s legacy of resilience. Their songs, dances, and recitations reminded all present of the significance of OXI Day – a day when Greece courageously resisted invasion and stood as a beacon of freedom.
Later that afternoon, students, staff, and members of the community participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Kings Park War Memorial. Here, they paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the ’40s, those brave individuals who sacrificed so much for Greece’s sovereignty and dignity.
The ceremony served as a moment of reflection and reverence, encouraging all attendees to draw strength from the sacrifices of the past and to embrace these values in their own lives.
Mr Albanese said “social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it. I want Australian parents and families to know that the government has your back.”
The proposed ban has already received support from Australia’s states and territories, but there has been a mixed response from parents and families.
‘Encourage children to speak up’:
Theodora Karagiannis is a mother of two from Melbourne, Victoria, who supports the proposed ban. She said social media has both its pros and cons, but thinks a ban for those under 16 could be beneficial.
“[Social media] can bring people together from all parts of the world, entertain and educate in all areas, but it can also create negative role models, influence in dangerous activities or cause mental issues via bullying, harassment and lack of guidance,” Theodora told The Greek Herald.
“I am for the ban as I believe children should learn to form friendships, self-respect and learn to entertain themselves through other means like sports, hobbies and socialising.”
Theodora with her children.
Having both a 22-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son, Theodora stressed the importance of monitoring children’s online activity.
“Banning social media from younger children will not improve anything unless parents educate and monitor,” she said.
“It should become a topic in schools and encourage children to speak up to an adult if exposed to anything concerning.”
‘I am on the fence about a ban’:
Anna Stergiou, a mother of five from Sydney, Australia revealed she is neither for or against the ban. Having children aged between 15 and 29 who are all on social media, Anna said she primarily monitors her youngest daughter online due to her concerns about predators and bullying.
“I’m on the fence but leaning towards supporting a ban,” Anna said.
“My youngest daughter, who is 15 and autistic, finds social media to be relaxing, which makes me hesitate [about the ban]. Without this, I would fully support it.”
Anna and her children.
Anna said she hopes the social media ban will improve the livelihoods of young people, as it will encourage parents to take a step back from technology and spend quality time with their children.
“I believe we need to take a stand on how we use technology with our kids,” she said.
“Let’s encourage them to play outside, communicate face-to-face, and value real heroes in our communities. I’d love to see kids enjoying simple, outdoor activities, like we did growing up.”
Although no dates have been set for the proposed legislation as of yet, the ban is expected to take at least 12 months before it is in full effect.
Things aren’t easy for Giannis Antetokounmpo these days.
The Milwaukee Bucks currently sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with only two wins from their first ten games. Despite Giannis’ relentless efforts, the team’s struggles persist.
Amidst a tough season, Giannis showcased his resilience on Sunday with an impressive 43-point performance against the Boston Celtics. He played intensely, with physicality and focus, going head-to-head with Jaylen Brown, one of the NBA’s top competitors. The two stars pushed each other in an exciting battle.
At one point in the first half, Giannis let his playful side show, pulling a classic “fake handshake” trick on Brown. After reaching out as if to shake hands, he quickly brushed his hand through his hair, grinning mischievously.
When asked about it after the game, Brown laughed it off, calling Giannis “a child.”
Giannis, however, took the comment in stride.
“This is who I am,” he said, explaining that he surrounds himself with young people—his kids, nieces, and other family members—to keep a youthful perspective.
“I play the game with fun and joy. I surround myself with young people so I can stay young myself. Be around my kids a lot, my nieces… At the end of the day, if I‘m called a child, so be it. I have three children of my own and, I think, six nieces. So I take care of a lot of kids around here.”
If the Bucks continue to struggle, Giannis’ cheerful outlook may be tested. But for now, he’s a welcome reminder of the essence of sports, and fans can appreciate his joy.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, six days after Trump’s election win.
During the call, Mitsotakis extended his congratulations to the new president-elect, who will be the 47th President of the US.
Σε τηλεφωνική επικοινωνία με τον @realDonaldTrump είχα την ευκαιρία να τον συγχαρώ για την εκλογική του νίκη. Κατα τη διάρκεια της επικοινωνίας υπογράμμισα τη σημασία της στρατηγικής εταιρικής σχέσης Ελλάδας-ΗΠΑ για τη σταθερότητα και ασφάλεια στην ευρύτερη περιοχή.
Mitsotakis emphasised the importance of the Greece-US strategic partnership for regional stability and security, expressing hope for close cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues.
The Prime Minister also invited Trump to visit Greece.
The Athenian Association of New South Wales recently hosted a memorable Hellenic Achievements Awards Luncheon, bringing together Greek Australians and community leaders to celebrate the significant contributions of two remarkable individuals to the Hellenic heritage in NSW.
The luncheon began with a warm welcome from event host Peter Tsidilas, who highlighted the day’s purpose: to celebrate the achievements of those committed to preserving Greek culture and community spirit.
Among the distinguished attendees were His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Chrysa Prokopaki; Bayside City Council Mayor Edward McDougall; Bayside City Councillor Fiona Douskou; and various leaders from the Greek and local communities.
The event featured speeches and cultural performances, beginning with a blessing of the food by Bishop Christodoulos.
Mr Tsidilas then introduced Cathy Valis, President of the Athenian Association of NSW, who underscored the importance of honouring those who dedicate themselves to the Greek community. The Trade Commissioner and Mayor McDougall also gave speeches.
This year’s awards celebrated the achievements of John Kalimanis, Honorary President of AHEPA NSW, and Christina Ioannidou, a dedicated Pontian dance teacher with a deep commitment to educating young Australians about Greek history and traditions.
Mr Kalimanis’ lifelong dedication to Greek Australian advocacy and community service was celebrated with a heartfelt tribute to his work. His service spans decades and includes leadership roles in AHEPA and the Federation of Hellenic Philanthropic Associations. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to his community and to his family, who have supported him in his efforts to promote Hellenism.
Ms Ioannidou’s award honoured her dedication to teaching Pontian dance and fostering a love for Greek culture among youth. She said teaching dance was about keeping Pontian stories alive and passing them to the next generation.
The afternoon also included spirited Greek dance performances by the Greek Orthodox Parish of Saint George at Rose Bay and Pontoxeniteas NSW, with guests enjoying authentic Greek cuisine and live music by Music Lovers.
The celebration concluded with a raffle featuring prizes generously donated by community members, with proceeds supporting future events.
The Athenian Association’s luncheon served not only as a celebration of community achievements, but as a reminder of the resilience and dedication at the heart of the Greek community in Sydney.
The Mytilenian community gathered at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox parish in Liverpool, Sydney on Sunday, November 10 to commemorate the 112th anniversary of Lesvos’ liberation.
The annual commemoration was organised by the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & New South Wales. It also involved a procession of the icon of Taxiarchi around the church, and a wreath laying ceremony.
The service was a heartfelt tribute, honouring the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the island’s freedom.
Special thanks were extended to parish priest Father Asterios, the Ladies Philoptochos, the Parish President, and the entire community for their dedication in making the day memorable.
A beloved seafood institution from the 1980s is making a highly anticipated return to Brighton-Le-Sands, with The Lazy Lobster reopening under the ownership of renowned restaurateur Bill Mougios.
After years of speculation, the iconic restaurant will officially open its doors tonight, offering a mix of classic menu favourites and seasonal specials, just a stone’s throw from its original location on the Grand Parade.
The return of The Lazy Lobster has generated a wave of excitement, with locals calling in daily to book tables or inquire about the opening night. The restaurant’s famous red lobster sign has sparked memories of a time when the venue was the talk of southern Sydney’s hospitality scene. During its heyday in the ’80s, tables were booked six months in advance, and staff knew regular customers by name.
Mougios, who first opened The Lazy Lobster before it changed hands and closed in the mid-1990s, says the new version of the restaurant will retain its family-friendly charm.
“A lot of people used to come here as kids, and now they’re in their 30s and 40s. They’ve become the people that are going to come back and remember what we were doing in the ‘80s,” he said.
He also recalled one loyal customer calling recently to say, “I want my table every week.”
Mougios, who also operates other local venues such as Bay Vista and Meet the Greek, plans to keep the new Lazy Lobster affordable, particularly as many locals are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“We’re not opening a seafood restaurant hitting people over the head with prices… people come here to enjoy seafood, for it to be affordable, and to come back again,” he said.
While the decor has shifted from the old palm-tree wallpaper to a more modern style, many classic dishes will return, including the seafood platter, snapper tail, Sydney oysters, and linguine prawn pasta. Mougios is committed to serving fresh, local seafood, sourced primarily from the Sydney fish markets.
The Lazy Lobster will seat 70 to 80 guests at the former Eurobay site and will be open for dinner Monday to Saturday, with special lunch and dinner offers on Sundays.
On the evening of Wednesday, November 6, a crowd of over 200 gathered at the Greek Centre in Melbourne to celebrate the launch of Professor Nikos Papastergiadis’ latest book, John Berger and Me: A Migrant’s Eye.
Acclaimed author Christos Tsiolkas described the book as a meditation on love in all its forms: the love between a parent and child, a student and mentor, and, most profoundly, the love between friends.
He praised John Berger and Me as “a glorious homage” to friendship and intellectual companionship, noting its accessible, heartfelt tone as a departure from Papastergiadis’ usual academic style. Tsiolkas highlighted the warmth and depth of the author’s bond with Berger and paid tribute to Papastergiadis’ portrayal of his own father, John, drawing parallels between his father’s influence and Berger’s role in shaping his journey as a writer and academic.
In conversation, Papastergiadis and Tsiolkas shared stories of the challenges young migrants from working-class backgrounds face when entering the arts. Papastergiadis reflected on his mother’s ambivalence about his pursuit of art, expressing how her love for education was tempered by a belief that the arts were “for the rich.” Both speakers emphasised the importance of celebrating “peasant heritage” and broadening the reach of the arts.
The evening concluded with remarks from Professor Scott McQuire, a lifelong friend of Papastergiadis, who recalled visiting Berger in the French Alps with him. McQuire noted that John Berger and Me allowed Papastergiadis’ natural storytelling to shine, capturing the process of memory and honouring the “two Johns” who profoundly shaped his life—his father and John Berger. He described the book as a celebration of the lives and memories that continue to inspire the author.
The inaugural Aegina Festival, held on Saturday, November 9, celebrated the Feast Day of Saint Nectarios at the Holy Monastery of Saint Nectarios in Croydon Park, South Australia, bringing together the community for cultural and spiritual celebration.
The festival ran from noon to 8 pm, offering live music, dancing, traditional Greek food, drinks, and activities for children, all in honour of Saint Nectarios, a beloved saint of deep spiritual significance in the Orthodox Christian world.
Saint Nectarios, known as the Wonderworker and Bishop of Pentapolis, was born in 1846 in Thrace. After completing theological studies in Athens, Greece, he became a monk and later served as Dean of the Risareios Seminary, where he was a teacher and theologian. His extensive writings covered various theological and spiritual topics. Saint Nectarios was then appointed Bishop of Pentapolis in Alexandria.
Despite facing hardships, including unjust treatment and exile, Saint Nectarios continued his mission with unwavering faith and humility. In his later years, Saint Nectarios established a convent on the island of Aegina, founding a monastery to the Most Holy Trinity.
Saint Nectarios’ legacy is marked by profound humility, piousness, unwavering faith, and the miracles attributed to him both during his life and after his repose, making the Saint a guiding light for many.
The Aegina Festival saw a constant flow of visitors throughout the day, each coming to the monastery to venerate the icon and relics of Saint Nectarios. After paying their respects, families, friends, and community members immersed themselves in the Paniyiri (Greek festival) held on the monastery grounds.
The air was filled with the aromas of traditional Greek dishes prepared on-site by local volunteers, such as spit roasted meats and freshly made loukoumathes, providing an authentic culinary experience that drew people back to their roots, evoking the flavours that define paniyiria in the villages of Greece.
As visitors enjoyed these delicacies, the sounds of live Greek music and the lively energy of traditional dance performances created a joyous atmosphere. Performances featured local Greek schools and dance groups, with the Saint Nectarios Youth Dance Group proudly showcasing a series of folk dances. These young dancers, aged 13 to 18, meet every Thursday at the parish to practice and preserve their cultural heritage.
The Aegina Festival wasn’t just a gathering for traditional food and entertainment, but a community celebration of faith and culture. The festival concluded with the Paraklesis Service at 8 pm.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
South Australian police believe a man found dead in a house fire in Woodville Gardens, Adelaide, was murdered, and the blaze was set to destroy evidence.
Acting Operations Inspector for Major Crime, Matthew Fitzpatrick, confirmed that emergency services responded to a fire on Thursday, November 7 at 4am after a passer-by reported the property engulfed in flames.
He said, “As a result of that investigation, we’re satisfied that [the victim] was murdered and that the house was set on fire to deliberately destroy the evidence related to that murder.”
The victim is believed to be 72-year-old Bill Frangos, a long-time resident who lived alone at the house. Formal identification is still pending due to the complexities of the fire investigation.
“Despite the fire, we have recovered evidence within the house,” Inspector Fitzpatrick added.
Photo: ABC News / Luke Pike.
Police suspect petrol was used to start the fire, after a jerry can was found ignited on the front lawn. “We know that a jerry can had been set alight on the front grass of that property,” said Fitzpatrick.
Sergeant Fitzpatrick also mentioned that cannabis-related items had been removed from properties associated with Frangos. “There is some information that cannabis was involved in respect to this incident,” he said.
While police are keeping an open mind about the motive, they suggest that the person or persons responsible may have been known to Frangos. “We have identified a number of persons of interest, those persons of interest have been spoken to yesterday, they assisted police with our inquiries and at this time we have discounted their involvement,” Inspector Fitzpatrick stated.
Police are now seeking public assistance and urge anyone who had contact with Frangos in the last six weeks to come forward. “We’re seeking anyone that had contact with Bill in the last six weeks to contact investigators through Crime Stoppers,” he added.
