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.
The 60th anniversary of the Kalavryton Society in NSW ‘Aghia Lavra’ marked an extraordinary milestone in the Society’s longstanding dedication to preserving Greek heritage, uniting community members, and honouring the spirit of Kalavryta.
This special evening, held on Saturday, November 9, at the distinguished Grand Roxy venue owned by Bill Mougios at Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, was an event filled with joy, reflection, and heartfelt recognition of those who have played a vital role in the Society’s success.
In attendance was the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Yannis Mallikourtis along with his wife Christiana Stavrou, Jim and his wife Faye Dolkas, President of Pan Kalavrytini Adelfotis Melbourne, various representatives of Greek community associations, and Greek radio Symban represented by Elena and Angelo Matsoukas.
As the evening unfolded, it became evident that the Kalavryton Society ‘Aghia Lavra’ has become more than just an organisation, it is a pillar of support and cultural pride for so many Greek Australians. The warmth and camaraderie in the room spoke to the unity that has been fostered through generations of dedicated members and leaders. The event was truly a celebration of family, heritage, and the spirit of Kalavryta.
At the heart of the night’s celebration were the tributes to the past presidents and committee members who have steered the Society through the decades. Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark, contributing their time, energy, and passion to strengthen the foundation of the organisation. Their leadership ensured that the Society remained vibrant and relevant, providing members with a shared space for cultural expression, connection, and mutual support.
Special thanks were extended to these remarkable leaders, whose commitment to service exemplifies the core values upon which the Society was built. Their vision and resilience have helped shape the Kalavryton Society into what it is today, fostering an environment where culture and history thrive and where future generations can feel a part of something deeply meaningful.
The Society also extend its gratitude to the many sponsors and supporters who have provided invaluable resources over the years. The contributions of these sponsors are a testament to the lasting relationships that the Society has nurtured within the community.
Their generosity and belief in the Society’s mission have been crucial in making events like the 60th anniversary celebration possible, adding a level of excellence and enjoyment to every occasion.
A heartfelt appreciation also went out to members of the Kalavryton Society. Without the participation and enthusiasm of the members, the Society could not have grown into the close-knit community it is today. Each member’s dedication to preserving and sharing heritage is the heartbeat of the Society, and their ongoing support ensures its continuity for generations to come.
The Society thanked Mr Mougios, whose venue provided the perfect setting for this historic celebration. His generous hospitality, attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring a memorable evening allowed guests to fully enjoy the occasion in a space that exuded warmth and elegance. It was a night to remember, filled with laughter, heartfelt connections, and a sense of pride in the Society’s achievements.
As attendees reflected on the successful and entertaining evening, they were reminded that the legacy of the Kalavryton Society ‘Aghia Lavra’ is not solely in its past but in its future. The Society will continue to be a bridge between generations, honouring the heritage of Kalavryta and enriching the lives of those who join its journey. Here’s to the next 60 years of unity, culture, and celebration.
On Saturday, November 9, the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW held its annual dinner dance commemorating the 158th Anniversary of the Holocaust of Arkadi Monastery. The night was held at Hermes Lounge in Kogarah and was attended by more than 400 people.
The night also marked the 65th anniversary of the Cretan Association and was a celebration of everything the association has achieved.
To mark this auspicious occasion, present on the night were 12 members of the Folkloric Dance Group “Tzanidakis,” including its lead instructor Christos Tzanidakis, who are travelling to Sydney and Melbourne for the commemorations of the Holocaust of Arkadi and also to hold dance workshops with the Cretan dancing groups in Sydney and Melbourne.
Also present on the night were musicians from Crete, Mihalis Petsakis, Stelio Stamatogiannakis and Kosta Kakoudakis, who were accompanied by George Ganakas from Sydney.
Emcee Hara Vamianakis started the evening with a recognition of the distinguished guests present including: His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Senator Dave Sharma; Sophie Cotsis MP; Mark Buttigieg MLC; Emmanuel Mountakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand; Nick Markogiannakis, Former President of the World Council of Cretans; Peter Tsigounis, President of the Greek Returned Service League; as well as Cretans from Brotherhoods and Associations in Victoria and Queensland.
Bishop Christodoulos gave a blessing and also conveyed the best wishes of fellow Cretan, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Emmanuel Vitetzakis, President of the Cretan Association, addressed everyone present and thanked all previous presidents, committee members, dance teachers, dancing groups, parents, grandparents and all volunteers who have helped the association grow become what it is today.
“Tonight we reap the rewards of the efforts and sacrifice of the last 65 years,” Mr Vitetzakis said.
The 12th Annual Megalonisos award was then presented. The Megalonisos award recognises the contributions and sacrifice of a longstanding member of the Cretan Association to further the Cretan cause in Sydney. This year the award was presented to an emotional Mihalis Spanoudakis who humbly accepted the award surrounded by his family.
Next, the Tzanidakis dancing group were welcomed warmly and lead instructor Christos Tzanidakis addressed everyone present.
The Cretan Association’s junior and intermediate dancing groups performed for attendees on the night.
Minister Cotsis gave a warm and impassioned speech, congratulating the Cretan Association on all its achievements over the last 65 years. She also highlighted that just like at the Holocaust of Arkadi in 1941, the Cretans also proudly fought for their freedom in the Battle of Crete alongside the ANZACs.
Senator Sharma conveyed the best wishes of the Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton MP and reflected on his personal visit to Crete and the Monastery of Arkadi. He also highlighted the close links between Australia and Greece and congratulated the Association on its achievements over the last 65 years.
Mrs Christofilopoulou conveyed a message from the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis. She also highlighted that events like the Holocaust of Arkadi, and later the Battle of Crete, show that the Cretans are always an example in history. She said the achievements of the Cretan Association over the last 65 years and the presence of so many guests showed that they continue to be a proud example in Sydney today.
Mr Buttigieg, a Philhellene, addressed everyone present firstly in Greek, much to the delight of attendees. He also reflected on the proud sacrifice of 1866 for faith, freedom and independence. Seeing the Greek flag proudly on the Cretan Association’s logo, he mentioned that the stripes on the Greek flag represent the motto of the Greek War of Independence “Freedom or Death.” He highlighted that the motto of the Cretan revolt was the same and that their sacrifice was inspiring.
After a performance by the Cretan Association’s senior dancing group, the international guests from the Folkloric Group Tzanidakis sung a moving Cretan Rizitiko song about the Holocaust of Arkadi.
The highlight of the evening was the Folkloric Group Tzanidakis whose dancing performance was an emotional moment for many members present. In addition to well-known Cretan dances, they danced many of the so-called “forgotten” dances of Crete that are either regionally specific or have fallen out of use over history.
Following their performance, a gift exchange took place with the guests. Attendees concluded the night by celebrating and dancing until the early hours of Sunday morning.
Despina Piperidis has called for charges to be laid on the resident deemed responsible for the stabbing death of her son Greg in 2021.
46-year-old Greg was stabbed 14 times by Robert Hamilton and his teenage son, Billy, after they found him attempting to steal bicycles with co-accused Bradley Cruse in the underground carpark of their Bentleigh East apartment building in the early hours of June 26, 2021.
The Hamiltons claimed self defence and have not been charged by police.
Ms Piperidis told the Herald Sun her son may have been doing the wrong thing, but he would not have harmed anyone and did not deserve to die.
“We want justice for my son,” Mrs Piperidis said. “There was blood everywhere. I believe that people should take responsibility for what they do. My son did not deserve to go that way.”
The 79-year-old has since called on the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) to re-open the case after Coroner Sarah Gebert found Mr Hamilton “caused the death” of Greg by an 18cm-deep stab wound to his chest. The finding did not also support the pair’s version of events that Greg was in a wrestle for Billy’s knife when Mr Hamilton stabbed him.
The coroner did not go as far as to use her power to refer the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions. In February 2022, the OPP said it would not be pursuing criminal charges against the pair as there were “no reasonable prospects of conviction.”
Greg is survived by his mother, father George, and brother Angelo.
Renowned Cypriot Australian poet Andrea Demetriou, acclaimed by Greek writer Vasilis Vasilikos and director Costa-Gavras, has a long history of political activism through her poetry. Her work often focuses on the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and she has described herself as a “child of war.”
Despite having written three books reflecting on the experiences of Cypriot refugees and the division of Cyprus, her poems were notably absent from both the Greek Australian Cultural League’s (GACL) recently launched Antipodes periodical and the Logos periodical of the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia, launched at Melbourne’s Greek Centre on Sunday, November 10.
Andrea Demetriou with the Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus.
“It doesn’t matter that my poems, dedicated to Cyprus, aren’t included in these periodicals. I love my country, and I support any event dedicated to the island,” she said, curiously flipping through the 37th edition of the 32-year-old Logos periodical and pausing at the dedication to the late Cypriot composer Stelios Tsiolas.
His work was performed by Evangelia Baxa and Yiorgos Sevastakis.
Like Antipodes, the Logos periodical features works commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. It includes one of the last messages by the recently deceased Peter (Panagiotis) Yiannoudes, titled “Cyprus: Reflecting on 50 years – 25.8.2004.”
Those who missed Northcote MP Kath Theophanous’ speech at the Antipodes launch can read it verbatim as a prologue in Logos, which also includes introductions by High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, Cyprus Community of Melbourne President Theo Theophanous, and SEKA Victoria President Pavlos Andronikos.
Hellenic Writers’ Association President Roma Siachos, a Pontian with a history of campaigning for recognition of the Greek genocide by Turkey, feels a connection with the displaced refugees of occupied Cyprus.
“My first acquaintance with Cyprus was at school when a Cypriot came to speak to our class. I felt a strong attraction to this beautiful island and it was my dream to visit. I remember, as a teenager, seeing news of the invasion and its consequences,” Ms Siachos said.
Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Nikolaos Varellas reminded those present that the Cyprus problem is “an international problem of invasion and occupation.”
“We are seeking a solution based on relevant UN resolutions of Cyprus and in full respect of the values and principles of the EU and UN,” he said. “A settlement with full respect of the sensitivities and concerns of both communities, fulfilling our people’s desire to live in a fully independent and sovereign European country, ensuring conditions of a safe, prosperous, and peaceful future.”
Greek Consul General in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis highlighted the 50th anniversary events held in Melbourne on July 20 to commemorate the Turkish invasion on the island. The events were reportedly the largest outside Cyprus.
Keynote speaker Dr Athanasios Spilias gave a historical account of the island, which has been at the “eye of the cyclone” throughout history due to its geopolitical location, whereas La Trobe Greek Studies Program lecturer Stephie Nikoloudis highlighted the works included in the periodical.
Teachers Vicky Petalas and Anthi Tzani announced competition winners, most from Greece. Chrysanthi Volakakis, 14, the only Australian-born winner, wrote about Laskarina Bouboulina following a passion for the Greek Revolution heroine borne from her mother’s own nickname for her.
“I chose to write about Bouboulina because she is passionate and has great ways to lead soldiers of Greece to war,” Chrysanthi said.
Former Australian Ambassador to the US, Arthur Sinodinos, has given a candid reflection on his time in Washington, comparing the political scene to a “huge circus” and recalling his front-row seat to some of the most turbulent years in US history.
“[Trump getting the Congress] gives him capacity to have almost untrammelled legislative authority,” he said, predicting that the second term will resemble “a coronation rather than just an inauguration.”
Sinodinos also anticipates Trump’s focus on securing a lasting legacy, with key issues like Russia-Ukraine and tax cuts on the agenda. However, he believes Trump will avoid further action on abortion laws, an issue he had previously sidestepped during the campaign.
“He’s a political animal, he realises the issue is a bit like kryptonite… I’d be really surprised if he does something really ideological on this,” Sinodinos said.
Photo: Sam Ruttyn.
Turning to Australian politics, Sinodinos praised Peter Dutton’s handling of sensitive social issues, especially abortion laws, advising politicians to steer clear of divisive topics that distract from pressing matters. “Social issues like that, to the extent they have been settled, should be left alone,” he remarked, noting that these issues often detract from more pressing concerns facing everyday Australians.
Sinodinos also weighed in on Trump’s relationship with billionaire Elon Musk, pointing out that Musk’s influence, especially in relation to the Australian government, complicates matters for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Musk calling the Albanese government ‘fascists’ over social media censorship creates a challenging dynamic,” Sinodinos said.
He believes that while new Ambassador Kevin Rudd could navigate these tensions, it will be crucial for Albanese to maintain a strong relationship with Washington.
“The important relationship is between the President and the Prime Minister,” he added, emphasising that while personal relationships matter, it’s the national interest that must come first.
The Australian Hellenic Council (AHC) expressed its deep gratitude to Michael Sukkar, Federal Member of Parliament for Deakin, for his unwavering support in advocating for the recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides and the Great Famine of Mount Lebanon.
Mr Sukkar’s efforts reflect a commitment to justice and historical truth, championing the voices of these communities who continue to carry the legacies of these tragedies.
The AHC believes that recognition of these genocides by the Victorian Parliament is a necessary step toward acknowledging the suffering of these communities, and promoting awareness of atrocities that affected millions of Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks and the Maronite Lebanese peoples in the early 20th century. Such recognition is not only essential for honouring the memory of those who lost their lives, but also serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to prevent future genocides.
“Recognising these genocides is an act of historical truth and a gesture of respect to the descendants of those affected,” Peter Stefanidis, chairman for the AHC, said.
“We are grateful for Mr Sukkar’s steadfast support and call on the Victorian Parliament to join other Australian states and international bodies in affirming the truth of these atrocities. Recognition can contribute to healing, education, and preventing future violations of human rights.”
The AHC emphasises the importance of this recognition in educating future generations on the devastating impacts of genocide, fostering awareness, tolerance, and peace within Australian society and the broader global community. The Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides stand as stark reminders of the consequences of hatred and discrimination, underscoring the need for a united front against all forms of injustice.
The AHC urges the Victorian Parliament to heed the voices of these communities, historians, and human rights advocates by formally recognising the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides. Such a step will signify a powerful commitment to truth, healing, and an enduring pursuit of justice.
