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.
The father of murdered woman Courtney (Konstantina) Herron attended Victoria’s Supreme Court today, November 11 to oppose an attempt by her killer, Henry Hammond, to suppress his identity. This move could have potentially secured a pathway for Hammond’s early release, and could have prevented reports from publicly identifying Hammond as the Greek Australian woman’s killer.
Appearing in court today were lawyer John Herron, Courtney’s father, and renowned media lawyer Justin Quill, who has appeared in many high profile cases, including the recent defamation case against Channel 10 and Lisa Wilkinson. They attended to oppose the suppression order on the ground of public safety and the interests of the community.
Justice Phillip Priest struck out the application without considering the merits and told Hammond’s lawyers they could reapply in the future if needed.
Courtney Herron. Photo: ABC News / Herron Family.
The case has highlighted concerns about the use of suppression orders in Australia, particularly in Victoria. Critics of the state’s legal system argue that it often prioritises the rights of offenders over those of victims and the wider community.
Victoria has a disproportionate number of suppression orders compared to other states, often used to shield criminals from public scrutiny. An estimated 52 per cent of the country’s suppression orders are in Victoria.
The Greek Herald’s sources, and data seen by the newspaper, show a high number of Victoria’s murders are committed by people on Community Corrections Orders (CCOs)or bail.
In May 2019, Courtney’s body was found underneath branches at Royal Park, north of Melbourne. Hammond, who was charged with the killing of the 25-year-old woman, had previously committed a violent crime against a woman but was released early into the community with insufficient supervision. The killing of Courtney took place at a time when Hammond would have otherwise been serving his full term.
Herron, as a lawyer, has been able to fight for public safety, including campaigning against suppression orders as he states this is a crucial step in ensuring justice for Courtney and preventing potential harm to others.
“I’m compelled to keep fighting to keep my daughter’s killer locked up and from him killing again,” Herron said.
A 35-year-old woman has been charged with armed robbery following a fatal crash that killed 69-year-old Rosemary Franzidis in Queensland.
Franzidis died in a collision at Murrumba Downs in Moreton Bay on Thursday morning, November 7. Later that day, a 16-year-old boy was charged with manslaughter in connection to the incident.
“Rosemary Franzidis was a much-loved wife, mother, and grandmother, who cherished her family more than anything in the world,” her family said in a statement.
“A woman of strong faith, she had many church friends who will remember her fondly… Everybody who met Rose felt her love, kindness and generosity.”
“She will be extremely missed by friends and family in South Africa, United Kingdom, Australia and the USA… She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, three daughters, and three beautiful grandchildren.
“We request privacy at this time; we will not be doing any interviews or further media statements.”
Photo: ABC News / Sarah Richards.
The 35-year-old woman, from Caboolture, was charged on Sunday with two counts of attempted armed robbery in company, armed robbery, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Police allege that, in the hours leading up to the fatal crash, she threatened a woman with a weapon, assaulted her, and attempted to steal her car, but was interrupted by bystanders.
Shortly after, police allege the woman and the 16-year-old boy were together in a stolen vehicle when they threatened another woman with a gun and tried to steal her handbag. The attempt was foiled by nearby witnesses. At around 9:30am, the 16-year-old allegedly stole a blue Audi from Dohles Rocks Road, which was involved in the crash minutes later, resulting in Franzidis’ death.
The woman is scheduled to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court today, November 11. The 16-year-old’s case has been adjourned until December.
Billionaire tech entrepreneur Marc Benioff is reportedly in discussions to sell Time magazine to Antenna Group, a major Greek media conglomerate.
Benioff, the co-founder of Salesforce with a net worth of $10.7 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has engaged in talks with Antenna Group over a potential deal for the iconic publication, CNBC reported.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Benioff, who purchased Time in 2018 for $190 million, is considering a $150 million offer from Antenna Group.
This comes amid a period of frustration for Benioff, particularly following a public dispute with US Vice President Kamala Harris. Last month, he criticised Harris for refusing to grant an interview to Time, despite both Donald Trump and Joe Biden agreeing to sit down for interviews during their respective campaigns.
In another recent controversy, Time made headlines when it left Elon Musk off its list of the 100 most influential figures in artificial intelligence.
Antenna Group has been looking to expand its footprint in the US media market. Last year, it came close to acquiring Vice Media before the company filed for bankruptcy.
Time, like many other magazines, has faced challenges in the face of declining print advertising revenues and newsstand sales. In its heyday, the magazine’s circulation topped 4 million copies in the 1970s to 1990s, surpassing competitors such as Newsweek and US News & World Report. By 2012, its circulation had dropped to 3.3 million, and today, it stands at around 1.6 million subscribers.
Syriza is at risk of losing its role as Greece’s main opposition after the ousting of its leader, Stefanos Kasselakis, and his decision to launch a new political movement.
On Monday, at least five Syriza deputies are expected to inform parliament of their departure, reducing the party’s parliamentary presence to 30 lawmakers—one less than the center-left PASOK party.
“Syriza is about to lose its status as the main opposition,” noted Stelios Kouloglou, a former Syriza MEP. “Stefanos Kasselakis, the man who many saw as the messiah, will be remembered as the gravedigger who ultimately buried the [party’s] corpse that died under his watch.”
Between 2015 and 2019, Syriza held 35 seats as the primary opposition in the 300-member parliament. With Syriza’s decline, PASOK, which had faced a steep fall after being blamed for Greece’s prolonged economic crisis, will now assume the main opposition role under re-elected leader Nikos Androulakis, opposing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ center-right government.
Αυτήν την ώρα παραιτούνται μαζικά χιλιάδες προοδευτικοί πολίτες από το κόμμα που διέγραψε την ψυχή του: τη Δημοκρατία. Τελευταία άμυνα κάποιων, η λάσπη στον ανεμιστήρα.
Θα είμαι ξεκάθαρος:
Είναι άλλο να φεύγεις επειδή έχασες. Και είναι άλλο να σε διώχνουν επειδή κέρδισες. Ο…
— Stefanos Kasselakis – Στέφανος Κασσελάκης (@skasselakis) November 10, 2024
Kasselakis’ ouster was followed by his decision on Saturday to formally split from Syriza and establish “a movement of democracy, free citizens, and progress.” Kasselakis, Greece’s first openly gay party leader, spent his youth in the US and entered Syriza’s leadership after its defeat in double elections last year, succeeding former prime minister Alexis Tsipras.
During a contentious party congress on Friday, Kasselakis was barred from re-running for leadership, a decision his supporters condemned as undemocratic. The leadership race is scheduled for November 24, with a possible second round on December 1.
By Sunday, Kasselakis’s supporters felt confident that as many as eight additional MPs would leave Syriza, adding to the four who announced their departure on Friday. Kasselakis requires 10 parliamentary seats to establish his new political group.
On Monday, Syriza announced plans to request an investigation into Kasselakis’s wealth declaration, which had sparked controversy, including questions about his assets and any involvement in offshore companies.
Greek law enforcement has apprehended two men suspected of being involved in a large-scale international drug trafficking ring responsible for exporting crystal meth and MDMA to Australia.
In what has been described as one of Greece’s largest drug seizures, authorities confiscated approximately 56 kilograms of MDMA—the key ingredient in ecstasy pills—and nearly 30 kilograms of methamphetamine. The drugs were discovered hidden in boxes, cleverly concealed among olive oil and olive containers, in a warehouse in Athens.
The operation was launched after a tip-off led officers from Greece’s anti-drug unit to monitor the two suspects as they transferred the contraband to another warehouse in the city. The arrests followed a detailed surveillance operation, with the suspects detained as they attempted to move the drugs.
Investigations are ongoing, and police are working to uncover further details about the criminal network.
The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has warned that Europe is increasingly becoming a major producer of MDMA, with production levels on the rise. In a report released earlier this year, the EUDA highlighted the growing role of European countries in supplying MDMA to global markets, including Australia.
This latest bust follows a similar operation in February, when Australian authorities intercepted 120 kilograms of MDMA hidden in vans aboard a cargo ship that had travelled from Europe.
The arrests in Greece and the ongoing investigations highlight the complex and transnational nature of the global drug trade, particularly in relation to Australia, which remains a key destination for illicit drugs smuggled from Europe.
Yiannis Boutaris, the former mayor of Thessaloniki, esteemed businessman, and respected oenologist, passed away on Saturday, November 9, at the age of 82 after battling severe health issues in recent months. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to both the revitalisation of his city and the growth of Greece’s wine industry.
Born in 1942 in Thessaloniki, Boutaris was the son of a well-established winemaking family. He pursued a degree in chemistry at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki before earning a diploma in oenology. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who founded the I. Boutaris & Sons winery in 1879, Yiannis helped steer the family business to international acclaim. In 1997, he co-founded Kir-Yianni, a wine company that became one of Greece’s most celebrated, gaining recognition for its efforts to elevate Greek wines on the global stage.
In addition to his business successes, Boutaris was deeply involved in Greek and international wine organisations, as well as a variety of environmental and cultural initiatives. He held leadership roles in the International Wine Center, the Greek Wine Association, and served on the boards of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. His passion for conservation led him to become the president of WWF Greece and to establish Arcturos, an organisation dedicated to the protection of Greece’s brown bears and other endangered species.
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, running for mayor of Thessaloniki and securing the position for two consecutive terms until 2019. As the city’s 60th mayor, he was credited with transforming Thessaloniki into a more progressive, inclusive, and vibrant metropolis. His policies were focused on economic revitalisation, cultural promotion, and increasing the city’s visibility on the international stage.
Ο Γιάννης Μπουτάρης, πολυσχιδής, αντισυμβατικός και δημιουργικός, έδωσε όλες του τις δυνάμεις για μια Θεσσαλονίκη προοδευτική, ανοιχτή, ζωντανή και εξωστρεφή.
Η απώλεια του είναι μεγάλη για την πόλη που αγάπησε, για την οινική παραγωγή της πατρίδας μας και για τους ανθρώπους της… pic.twitter.com/LhTJ9S6Iyi
He worked tirelessly to preserve and highlight Thessaloniki’s rich multicultural heritage, promoting the city’s Ottoman, Jewish, and Balkan influences. His open acknowledgment of Thessaloniki’s Sephardic Jewish heritage was a landmark in Greek public life, culminating in the creation of a Holocaust Memorial to honour the tens of thousands of Jews from Thessaloniki who perished in the Holocaust.
Boutaris’ commitment to inclusivity and transparency also led to greater engagement with Thessaloniki’s diverse communities, while his initiatives to support tourism helped bolster the city’s economy and global standing. His leadership reflected a modern vision for the city, one that embraced its history while building a more sustainable future.
Boutaris’ impact extended beyond politics and business. He was a founding member of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the Oasis Support Center for Addicts, which reflected his concern for social issues and community welfare. In 2020, he published his autobiography, Sixty Years of Vintage, in which he candidly shared his personal struggles, including his battle with alcoholism. His openness about his challenges resonated with many and served as an inspiration for others facing similar difficulties.
Despite stepping down from the mayor’s office in 2019, Boutaris continued to serve his beloved Thessaloniki as a member of the municipal council. His ongoing contributions to the city’s political and cultural life demonstrated his unwavering commitment to public service.
Boutaris’ passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, including President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.
His funeral will take place in Thessaloniki on Tuesday, November 12.
Perusing an almost encyclopaedic, well-presented and much researched coffee table style book, ‘A Commemorative Centenary History of The Hellenic Community of Western Australia, 1923 – 2023′ by Dr John Yiannakis, and very impressed with the Community’s achievements, I was curious to learn more.
I decided to ‘start at the top’ by speaking with the longest serving post-war President of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia (HCWA), Paul Afkos.
There is much information on Mr Afkos online, attesting to his overall business acumen. He founded and managed Afkos Industries, designers and manufacturers of mining equipment, with his wife Bianca who sadly passed away this year, and of whom he speaks in the most tender and respectful terms.
“Bianca was the pillar of the business empire. A great intellect, visionary, business manager, a wonderful wife of 50 years, a mother to our two sons and daughters-in-laws to Catherine and Natalie, and grandmother to our four grandsons.”
His sons and daughter-in-law have key roles in the company: “James, the eldest, is a mechanical engineer, and Andrew is an economist.”
Curious to meet the man in person and find out what gives Mr Akfos, 71, his drive, I met with him at his hotel – the Afkos Grammos Boutique Hotel Resort (Grammos – is the mountain range nearby). The complex, amongst a nature’s wonderland, is perched on a hill above the town of Nestorio, Kastoria. It opened to the public in 2013 after years of dealing with Greek bureacracy.
“Work laws in Australia are well understood, simple and transparent whereas in Greece it’s substantially complex… businesses have become clerical employees of Greece’s governmental departments, resulting in a waste of their expertise, energies and resources,” Mr Afkos declared.
To say that he eventually got the job done though, is an understatement.
“This project carries 100 per cent of Australian funds invested in Nestorio, my birthplace which I left with my parents migrating to Australia in 1962,” Mr Afkos said.
Peace, comfort and understated luxury came to mind of my short, enjoyable stay at the Afkos Grammos Hotel. The popular and reputable online site, Bookings.com seems to agree, granting the hotel an excellent 9.8/10 rating. Four floors of gorgeous views, a swimming pool, tennis court, fine dining restaurant, as well as a more casual eatery and coffee/drinks area. Also included are a sauna, indoor and outdoor jacuzzi, pool side cafe, exquisite, eclectic interior design, a chapel, a small vineyard, conference centre, the list goes on.
But more importantly, the hotel employs local staff. This was the aim of Mr Afkos’ hotel – to help his fellow Nestorians to thrive. Apart from his local, polite and professional staff, Mr Afkos also helps local families in need, as well as donating major food contributions several times a year for the entire area, through His Eminence of the church of nearby Kastoria.
Even though Mr Afkos says, “I feel at home in Greece,” he adds “Greece is for holidays,” declaring: “Western Australia has become our home, and I am very proud being a Greek Western Australian. Western Australia gave me the opportunity to educate, to have a job, to become a business person, an investor with investments in other parts of Australia and overseas.”
Of the HCWA, Mr Afkos proudly asserts, “while WA has smaller numbers of Greek migrants, our achievements are greater than many other Hellenic Communities around Australia.”
“The mainstream Greek Australian community and representative of all in Western Australia has been, for the past 100 years, the HCWA. The first and only church since 1923 until the late 1960s was our Church – Saints Constantine and Helene – which was the focus and meeting place for all new migrants, later followed by the construction of other churches. It’s still the main church in our community,” he adds.
Recalling reading some years back there were issues with the Greek Community and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia, I took it upon myself to ask Mr Afkos what his relationship with this Church authority is like.
He earnestly answered: “Look, our community during my 14 years as President has been very close to the Archdiocese… I believe we have a good working relationship and am certain this will continue.
“The HCWA has a long-term vision in growing and strengthening all entities within our community and will always seek advice from His Eminence [Archbishop Makarios of Australia]; the entities are our Church, the Community at large, the age care facility and our School.”
Of the HCWA’s ‘cradle to grave’ Greek community amenities, St Andrew’s Grammar,
and the age care facility, Mr Afkos says that their combined values, which have been meticulously upgraded, are worth $11,000,00.
“This has come from the experience and good management skills of the elected volunteer board of directors… which required our commercial expertise since 2021, to reverse financial difficulties of previous years,” he says.
“With the financial difficulties overcome, the HCWA can look at other cultural events.”
And many such events there are, for all ages, especially this year marking the centenary of the HCWA.
Forever enterprising as a businessman but also a cultural promoter, Mr Afkos has future plans for a Byzantine Museum in WA, and an amphitheatre at his hotel’s property. These ventures, all essentially motivated by his love for his communities – the HCWA and beyond – to his birthplace Nestorio, Greece.
Does he think that Greek Australians are like Greeks in Greece, I ask, to which Mr Paul Afkos replies, “Greek Australians are more Greek than Greeks living in Greece. We’re prouder, we always want Greece to prosper more.”
This man’s insight is surely to be respected, not only due to being awarded an OAM (Order of Australian Medal), for the recognition of outstanding achievements to his community, but also as a patriot of both Greece and Australia.
In closing, Mr Afkos tells me that a large part of his life’s philosophy is, “always be humble, which our Orthodox religion teaches us, as well as honest, loyal and loving.”
Australia’s multicultural space allows its film industry to depict and dissect the cultural lives of those who reside Down Under. The 1970s Racial Discrimination Act saw Australian films move from the dominate white male narrative to a more representative view of the country’s residents.
The recent 29th Greek Film Festival made me reflect on Australian films with an emphasis on Greek culture. Representation can consist of an entirely thorough exploration of Greek culture, or simply feature cast and crew of Greek descent.
I’ve curated a short list of films where Greek and Australian culture merge; some lean into the effects of the migrant journey on forming relationships, while others take a comedic approach. Depicting culture on screen always presents risks of misrepresentation or leaning into stereotypes, but these films eloquently handle the task.
Kostas (1979, dir. Paul Cox)
Funded by the Victorian Film Corporation, the 1979 film Kostas,follows a Greek taxi driver in Australia and his relationship with one of his passengers. Their connection struggles against barriers of ethnicity and the migrant experience. The film does not shy away from depicting the subtle racism migrants faced. Ultimately, with music from Mikis Theodorakis, the film’s dreamy ‘70s aesthetic is essentially a love letter to Melbourne’s streets, Greek spaces, and art galleries.
Head On (1998, dir. Ana Kokkinos)
Ana Kokkinos’ renowned film Head On, adapted from Christos Tsiolkas’ novel Loaded, centers on Ari, torn between his community’s expectations of his identity and his own. Refusing to conform, he rejects all norms and explores his sexuality against the backdrop of Melbourne’s ‘90s night life. The queer and grunge aesthetic of Head On opened up a conversation about the harsher aspects of Greek culture and how second-generation Greek Australians struggle to form their cultural identity.
Bad Language (2010, dir. Viron Papadopoulos)
A suburban kafeneio. Illegal gambling. Miscommunication. Viron Papadopoulos’ Tropfest finalist, comedic short film Bad Language, sees young Bill operate his uncle’s gambling game for several hours. What ensues is a comedic attempt from both Bill and the elderly Greek gamblers to one up each other to see who can go the longest without speaking in their native tongues.
You Know What? I Love You (2012, dir. Natalie Cunningham)
The short documentary You Know What? I Love You feels like a warm hug from yiayia. Natalie Cunningham invites us to sit with her and her yiayia one afternoon as they spend time in the garden, bake koulourakia, and discuss their lives. It’s a beautiful short which captures the connection between different generations of Greeks.
Utopia (2019, dir. Kosta Nikas)
Kosta Nikas’ 2019 short film Utopia is an alternate reality of Australia where all actions are severely policed, reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984. The film comments on society’s ever-growing surveillance tactics. Nikas’ film has not ventured down the path of domestic Greek culture, rather featuring a dominantly Greek cast in a futuristic world.
A balance between varying types of representation is integral for accurate and realistic depictions of the intricacies of Greek Australian culture. Have you ever seen your experience on screen? Let’s hope that with the number of rising Greek Australian artists there is an influx of content to situate Greeks in Australia’s multicultural film space.
Greece continues to dominate in global shipping capacity, per the latest United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) data.
According to asiacargonews.com, Greek-owned vessels comprise 4,992 ships, with a combined carrying capacity of 394,977,181 deadweight tonnage (dwt), representing 16.9% of the world’s total dwt.
China ranks second with 6,600 ships and a capacity of 309,870,897 dwt, making up 13.3% globally. Year-on-year, the Greek and Chinese fleets declined by 17.4% and 13.4%, respectively.
Japan follows with 10.4% of global dwt, with Singapore at 6.3% and Hong Kong at 5.8%. Globally, the fleet now comprises around 109,000 vessels, reaching 2.4 billion dwt in capacity, with bulk carriers and tankers dominating.
UNCTAD highlighted Greece’s investment in fleet expansion and modernization, prioritizing energy efficiency and green technologies. According to the Union of Greek Shipowners, Greece also has the world’s largest fleet equipped to use alternative fuels.
