Aristides Avlonitis has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for his role in a bungled attempt to import over 229 kilograms of cocaine into Western Australia that ended with him and two accomplices clinging to an esky in wild seas off Albany.
Avlonitis, 39, was extradited from the Northern Territory after the 2023 incident, in which he, Mate Stipinovich, and Karl Whitburn retrieved nine large packages of cocaine from a bulk carrier before their boat, Aces and Eights, sank in rough conditions.
The trio were rescued after hours in the water wearing life jackets and holding onto the esky.
Police later recovered the wreck and discovered more than 270 individual packages of cocaine.
District Court Judge Nicholas Egan described the men as “Keystone criminals,” saying they were “not the masterminds or even high up in the hierarchy.”
Photo: ABC News / Ashleigh Davis.
The court heard Avlonitis had agreed to act as deckhand for $50,000, while Stipinovich was promised $100,000 but had no boating licence, little experience, and had purchased the unsuitable vessel for $72,000.
Whitburn became too seasick to assist with the retrieval, and the judge said the boat may have sunk after seawater entered the fuel line or cracked the hull.
Egan noted that none of the men profited from the operation, calling their potential payments “a pittance compared to the value of the drugs.”
Avlonitis must serve at least six years before being eligible for parole. Stipinovich received 12 years and three months, and Whitburn eight years.
Greece’s Parliament approved a contentious amendment banning demonstrations in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in central Athens on Wednesday, October 22.
The measure passed by roll-call vote with 159 votes in favour and 134 against, following requests from SYRIZA and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).
Under the new law, the Defence Ministry will take over maintenance of the monument, while the Citizen Protection Ministry will continue to oversee public order in the area.
The legislation prohibits gatherings, occupations, or any alterations to the site on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue.
The debate sparked sharp clashes between the government and opposition, which accused the administration of undermining the constitutional right to assembly.
Η ρύθμιση για το Μνημείο του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη εμπεδώνει απλά την κανονικότητα και το προφανές: ότι το δικαίωμα στη συνάθροιση και τη διαμαρτυρία μπορεί να συνυπάρχει με την προστασία ενός χώρου ιερού. pic.twitter.com/1FRiKTfEGd
Opposition parties also criticised Defence Minister Nikos Dendias for not speaking during the debate, despite voting in favour.
Dendias had earlier stated that the monument “will not be treated as an object of political exploitation or social division,” a remark seen as an attempt to distance himself from the controversy.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis responded that the only reason a minister would not speak on a measure within his jurisdiction “would be if he was in a coma.”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissed reports of a rift with Dendias, telling Skai radio, “The defence minister, with whom I personally communicated before submitting the provision, expressed no disagreement with its content. He co-signed it and will vote for it in today’s roll-call vote.”
On 20 October 2025, the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library of South Australia was transformed into a scene of elegant celebration as South Australia’s Greek community gathered to honour the visit of Ioannis Loverdos, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad.
The event was co-hosted by Tom Koutsantonis MP, Treasurer of SA, and the Hellenic Studies Foundation, welcoming an audience that reflected the depth and breadth of Hellenic presence in the state.
Hellenic Studies Foundation. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
Guests included Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Minister Andrea Michaels MP, Frank Pangallo MLC representing the Leader of the Opposition, and Connie Bonaros MLC.
Also in attendance were Lord Mayor of Adelaide Jane Lomax-Smith, Mayor Michael Coxen, Councillor Mary Couros, and a cross-section of industry and community leaders from South Australia’s vibrant Greek community.
(L-R) Minister Andrea Michaels MP, Athena Lambetis, Ivana Tsianos and Stephanie Skordas.
A celebration of connection and identity
In his opening remarks, Treasurer Koutsantonis spoke with characteristic passion about the enduring bond between Greece and its diaspora.
“The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs has a special mandate to look after Greeks abroad. Now that term [Greeks abroad] means a lot to all of us, who are so far away from our parents and grandparents’ home. We’ve made our homes and our fortunes in our lives, and our families, on the other side of the world,” Koutsantonis said.
SA Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis.
He went on to describe the significance of the visit for SA’s Hellenic community, noting that the presence of the Deputy Minister here in the state is not only appreciated, but meaningful, and “represents a bridge between the Hellenic Republic and the Hellenic diaspora; between our homeland and our heartland; [and] between roots and branches that flourish across oceans and generations.”
Koutsantonis emphasised the call to live Hellenism actively and transmit it to future generations.
“Our different weaving of language, passion, community life, and faith is creating a resilient cultural fabric that continues through the generations,” he said.
“It’s not a matter of simply celebrating our culture. Anyone can do that. It’s an act of stewardship. It’s a matter of ensuring the stories and values and the spirit of Hellenism aren’t only preserved but renewed – and one of the most important vessels for that is language.”
He described language as the vessel of Greek history, philosophy, and values – the means by which legacy becomes inheritance – concluding that “Hellenism is alive and well in South Australia.”
Peter Charatsis (Hellenic Studies Foundation) and Alex Demetriou (Chairman – HACCI (SA)).
Bridging homeland and diaspora
Deputy Minister Loverdos expressed his admiration for Adelaide’s cultural energy and dynamism, and the passion of its Greek community.
Reflecting on the shared history between Greece and Australia – forged in the camaraderie of the World Wars – he spoke of a bond that transcends geography.
“Here amongst you, I feel like I’m home… Greece and Australia are two countries who are very far from each other [geographically], but we are very close friends and allies…. [But] what brings together Australia and Greece, is the Greek Australian community. You are covering the [distance]… And for me, Greek Australians are Greek,” Loverdos said.
Greek Deputy Minister Ioannis Loverdos.
He expanded on this theme of unity, declaring that Hellenism is a global phenomenon.
“Hellenism is not only for the Greeks who reside in Greece. There are Greeks everywhere, in America, in Canada, in Germany, in Australia. We are all Greeks. Why are we all Greeks? Because we share the same values and the same principles, not only the origin… because we share logic, philosophy, critical thinking, science, democracy, freedom – all these were invented by our forefathers… The Greek civilisation is ecumenical… belonging to the whole of the world,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the Greek language as one of the strongest and oldest in existence: “It’s a language that has existed for more than 35 centuries – from the times of Homer until now. It’s the language the Gospels were written in, the language of Plato and Aristotle, and the language of Alexander the Great.”
Turning to faith, Loverdos underscored the interconnection between Orthodoxy and national identity.
“It is not only a religion for us. You can be whatever religion you want. But for Greeks, it’s not an honorary religion. It is a part of our national identity. If we were not Orthodox, we would have become Muslims and would have become Turks during the Ottoman years. So, for us, these two important things – the language and our religion – are our national identity,” he said.
Loverdos concluded with a passionate call for unity and pride, the pride of being Greek and that “in Greece, we bow to no one, only to our flag, and to our Lord Jesus Christ. To nobody else, we do not bow.”
The dinner offered more than a celebration, but was a reaffirmation of the living bond between Greece and its diaspora and that the light of Hellenism continues to shine brightly in South Australia.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos
The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a deeply moving and meticulously researched presentation titled Greek Heroines of WWII, marking the 28th of October, OXI Day, and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Convened by Tina Contos and Eleni Kandylas-Mallios, the program captivated the audience with its insightful exploration of the courage and sacrifice of Greek women who defied occupation and tyranny during the war.
The program captivated the audience with its insightful exploration of the courage and sacrifice of Greek women. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Adding to the occasion were speeches by Hellenic Lyceum President Liana Vertzayias, Greek Consul General in Sydney George Skemperis, and historian Costa Vertzayias AM, each offering reflections on the enduring legacy of women in wartime Greece.
Hellenic Lyceum President Liana Vertzayias.Costa Vertzayias AM.
The event also featured a stirring performance of the Horo tou Zalongou by the Senior Hellenic Lyceum Dancers, led by Dance Ephor Irene Tsenkas, evoking the bravery of the Souliot women who chose death over enslavement.
The Senior Hellenic Lyceum Dancers.
As is tradition, the afternoon concluded with a sumptuous afternoon tea prepared by the Lyceum’s committee ladies, who filled the hall with warmth and hospitality. Among the guests were Father Miltiades Chryssavgis and members of Sydney’s Greek community.
The afternoon concluded with a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Honouring unsung heroines
In their presentations, Ms Contos and Ms Kandylas-Mallios introduced remarkable women whose heroism has too often been overlooked. Some heroines mentioned were:
Lela Karayannis, a mother of seven, sheltered ANZACs and Jews while aiding British intelligence before being executed for her defiance.
Sara Fortis (Sarika Yeshua), a Jewish teenager from Evia, formed and led her own unit of female partisans, known as the Andartisses.
Ioulia Bimba built bombs in her kitchen and destroyed the Gestapo Headquarters in Athens before being captured and executed by guillotine in Vienna.
Iro Konstantopoulou, only 17, was executed by firing squad after refusing to betray her comrades.
Sofia Vembo, the “songstress of victory,” inspired soldiers through her patriotic songs and donated her fortune to the Hellenic Navy.
Olga Stambolis (née Simos) – a Greek-Australian heroine from Ultimo – left her family to serve as a spy in Athens for the British and Greek resistance, surviving imprisonment and torture before returning to Australia.
Tina Contos.Eleni Kandylas-Mallios.
The presentation also included excerpts of poetry by Yannis Ritsos, music by Mikis Theodorakis, and archival footage including Nana Mouskouri singing Song of Liberty at the official 80th anniversary of WWII’s end.
Reflection and remembrance
In closing, Consul General Mr Skemperis praised the presenters for bringing to light the stories of ordinary women who achieved extraordinary feats.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis.
He reflected on the emotional toll of war on women – as mothers, daughters, and survivors – and the strength they carried in rebuilding Greece from the ashes of conflict.
The afternoon was not only a tribute to heroism but a profound reminder of women’s pivotal role in shaping both Greece’s wartime resistance and its post-war rebirth.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The hall was brimming with warmth, laughter, dance, and the aroma of homemade food; unmistakable signs you’d stepped into an Anemones celebration. Helen Hatzis offered visitors a taste of Eva Karpeti’s mandarin liqueur, while Georgia Sahinis served her specialty loukoumia.
It’s always cosy at an Anemones event, but Sunday, October 19 at the Darebin Northwest Uniting Church in Preston marked a special milestone: a quarter of a century of dance, friendship, and service for the Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs.
“Sometimes we forget how much we’ve offered over the years,” said President Nola Radiotis, her voice trembling with emotion after 14 years at the helm of the organisation.
“When we visit nursing homes and see older people light up at the sound of Greek music, even those who can no longer dance, we realise how much joy we bring. We don’t just offer; we receive so much in return.”
For 25 years, Anemones have danced their way into the hearts of Melbourne’s multicultural community. From festivals to aged care visits, their mission has been to preserve Greek culture through music and movement, and to nurture one another along the way.
Vice President Fotini Michalopoulos said, “I see how hard the Committee, led by Nola, seek out events that get the ladies out and about, keep them informed on topics relevant to them as mature women, see them participating in and enjoying festivals and importantly offering an alternative to an isolated life.”
The group’s performances in nursing homes remain their proudest achievement. “It’s very moving,” Nola said, pausing to compose herself. “We see people’s memories return. Their eyes shine. And for us, that’s priceless.”
Darebin Mayor Kristine Olaris praised the group for stepping “far beyond membership,” while Deputy Mayor Emily Dimitriadis, Nola’s former student, called Nola a “wonderful leader” who helps make Darebin “a special place.”
Their contribution has been recognised with city and statewide awards. Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan sent a message congratulating Anemones on “25 years of serving the community,” acknowledging their role in “fostering social cohesion and that vital sense of belonging.” It was laminated and proudly pinned on the wall.
Federal MP Ged Kearney praised the women’s resilience: “You left your homes, came to a strange country, worked so hard and raised your children. And what’s more, what’s really important is that you built your village here, for your families, because it does take a village to raise children and that’s what you’ve done.”
She paid tribute to the late Sofia Mastoris OAM, founding member of the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria and member of Anemones since the early days. “You could feel how much this community misses Sofia,” Kearney said. “But her legacy of empowering women lives on in every smile and every dance step.”
Kearney dashed to her son’s 30th birthday carrying plastic tubs of keftedakia, spanakopitakia and other homemade treats, because Anemones are old school when it comes to food.
Walls were lined with photos, clippings, and traditional costumes, meticulously arranged by Faye Petroulakis and Nicki Sarimichailidis, with thumbs up from Nola. “You can tell she’s been a teacher,” joked her daughter, Peggy Radiotis, on photo duty for the day.
They weren’t the only mother-daughter pair, an emerging trend in the group. Michalopoulos recalled, “My early engagement with Anemones was as my mother’s chauffeur to weekly dance lessons and events. Fast forward a handful of years and the group has transitioned to one where multiple generations and family groups are engaged.”
Fotini Triantafyllou joined for similar reasons. “At first, I joined to encourage mum to attend, but now I love it. It’s fun, social, and meaningful,” she said.
Maria Mandilas dances alongside her mother, Konstantina Dimou, one of the first members of the group. Maria’s son, Tim Mandilas of the Florina Aristotelis Dance Group, serves as their dance teacher – recruited by his grandmother, of course.
True to form, Anemones took to the floor for sympethera, karagouna, balos, kalamatiano, and hasaposerviko. The live band – George Kiriakidis, Tim and Dean Mandilas – kept the music flowing as Zoe Radimisis sang, laughter echoing through the hall.
“Our feet aren’t always right, but that doesn’t matter, as long as we stand up, give it a go, and smile. That’s what counts,” Nola chuckled.
Behind the dainty sandwiches and poppy seed cake lies a group that’s also digitally savvy. During COVID, they mastered Messenger, and the chat remains a daily lifeline for sharing news and celebrations.
Anemones continue to bloom 25 years on, a living, breathing testament to the beauty of Greek heritage, the strength of women, and the enduring power of community.
Those who want to join in the fun for the next 25 years, can email anemonesgroup@gmail.com
Sydney Olympic FC may be forced to change its new logo after it was found to breach protections over official Olympic symbols, including the rings and torch.
The club unveiled the design on Sunday, October 19 before its first home game in the Australian Championship but later removed the rings from its social media accounts after the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed the symbols are protected intellectual property.
While Sydney Olympic is permitted to use its name – as it predates the Olympic Insignia Protection Act 1987 – it cannot use “Olympic properties” such as the rings or torch without a licence.
“These are protected Olympic IP reserved exclusively for official Olympic sponsors and licensees,” an AOC spokesperson said in a statement.
“Sydney Olympic FC did not approach the AOC about this logo specifically, but we will give them a call and talk through Olympic IP permissions, requesting them to remove the rings and torch given they are protected Olympic properties.”
The Greek Herald contacted club chairman Damon Hanlin for comment, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards took place at Government House on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt MP, along with Robert Caulfield, President of the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoriaand Seniors Rights Victoria, joined the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, to present the prestigious awards.
Greek Australian Nola Radiotis, nominated by Mary Lalios, received the COTA VictoriaSenior Achiever Award, recognising her outstanding contributions to positive ageing and her dedication to supporting older multicultural women through movement, culture, and community connection.
For the past 14 years, Nola has served as President of the Greek Women of Northern Suburbs “Anemones”,a volunteer group that provides a warm and inclusive space for older women.
She runs weekly dance and exercise classes, organises cultural events and excursions, and even established a group chat to ensure members stay connected – often providing the highlight of the day for many.
A tireless advocate for older people, Nola also applies for grants to keep community programs low-cost or free. As a skilled interpreter, she helps multicultural women access essential information and services.
Beyond her work with the Anemones, Nola also serves on the committees of the Hellenic Women’s Federation Victoria and the Northern Federation of Ethnic Senior Clubs. Over the years, she has dedicated close to 10,000 hours of volunteer service, uplifting and empowering seniors across Victoria.
Speaking about the award, Nola told The Greek Herald, “This recognition is not just for me, but for every woman who finds strength, joy, and friendship in our community. When we move together, share stories, and support one another, we remind ourselves that ageing can be full of purpose, laughter, and love.”
The award announcement followed the Anemones’ 25-year celebration on the preceding Sunday, where Ms Lalios proudly shared news of Nola’s nomination with the community.
The 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Award recipients exemplify the spirit of giving, advocacy, and leadership that strengthens Victoria’s diverse communities. Their generosity and dedication continue to inspire people of all ages to live with purpose and connection.
A warm Sunday afternoon in Melbourne saw many attend the launch of the Greek Australian Cultural League’s (GACL) periodical magazine Antipodes.
First published in 1974, it is the longest published bi-lingual Australian periodical. The 2025 Antipodes is the 71st volume and features stories about post-war Greek migration to Australia.
Approaching the Panarcadian Association for the launch, I was greeted by a delicately crafted window display of 1950s teacups, magazine covers, suitcases and other household items.
Launch attendees were transported back to the era of post-war migration when entering the foyer and seeing an ‘immigration department’ registration table where they could write on a name tag the year they arrived in Australia and the name of their ship. Many elderly Greeks in the line for this registration were fondly and emotionally sharing their stories of migrating to Australia.
Walls of the room were also covered in old photographs of Greek migrants in Australia.
Celebrating the 71st volume of Antipodes, GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos presented an extremely well-organised afternoon of speeches, a screening of the short film Two Migrant Boys and an entertaining fashion runway of 1950s-1970s clothes which was curated by the talented Ourania Papageorgiou.
Closing the launch with the fashion show had attendees buzzing, especially when boubounieres were handed out as a bride and groom walked the runway.
Photo: Jim Claven.
The launch was hosted by Anthea Sidiropoulos and opened with footage of the Patris ship arriving in Melbourne.
Speeches were delivered by Ms Alexopoulos, Secretary for the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Marinis Pirpiris, and Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission Vivienne Nguyen. Migration is something all speakers connected to on a personal level and shared their own journeys.
Former Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou officially launched the 2025 Antipodes. She made a particularly interesting point when she noted that the migrant stories in Antipodes don’t have a sense of victimhood, but are rather recounts of resilience in a time of uncertainty. Post-war Greek migrants established themselves in an unknown country with little understanding of the language and culture, and managed to build their lives from scratch.
In attendance at the launch were Dr Mary Elizabeth Calwell, daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth Calwell, former chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission George Lekakis AO, and Moira Triantafyllou, Education Officer for the Greek Consulate.
Sponsors of the event were Andronas Conservation Architecture, Toorak Law, ADK Insurance Brokers and the Ithacan Philanthropic Society.
Ms Alexopoulos told The Greek Herald, “We are at a point in our society that these sort of events which honour or are dedicated to that first mass migration… should be do[ne] in a different light… We need to pull our resources together and get that second and third generation involved… to do something that is outside the square.”
Regarding the future of GACL, Ms Alexopoulos said they hope to grow their team with new people and they will continue with their 2026 plans to produce another periodical, host their bi-annual book award and annual literary competition.
It was heartwarming to see smiles in the crowd when they heard memories shared by the launch speakers. Mr Pirpiris shared a memory of sitting around the fireplace when he was little and listening to his family’s stories. Later, excited whispers flowed through the crowd when they saw familiar streets of 1960s Melbourne in Two Migrant Boys.
Georgia Tragas attended the event with her family and was touched to relive her experience migrating to Australia.
She said the evening brought back many memories for her of “how we came to Australia in ’65… how we raised our children, how we worked hard. How we sent our children to English school and of course also to Greek school so they could learn the Greek language, our tradition, our culture.”
It was especially touching for Georgia to see footage of the Patris screened at the launch, a reminder of how she had arrived on that ship to Melbourne where her new life began.
97-year-old Anastasios ‘Tasos’ Kolokotronis’ story was one of the many featured in Antipodes. His story follows his first months arriving in Australia, attempting to find work in Sydney before moving to Melbourne.
He said, “we started our life here… it was difficult, without the language, without money, but we managed and tried different jobs. Finally, I found a good job… as an automotive and aircraft engineer.”
In his piece, Tasos speaks about his experiences in Australia and impressions of the country. He shares light-hearted stories alongside the darker aspects of migration. Attending the launch with pride, Tasos reflected on the event saying, “It brought back memories of the old days [and] I saw some friends here.”
The launch of this year’s Antipodes was a heartfelt tribute to Australia’s Greek migrants. The volume was thoughtfully compiled by the GACL team who understand that at the crux of Greek Australian culture is a story of a migrant who was just trying their best to create a better life.
South Australia’s Attorney-General has requested a review of the decision to grant parole to Snowtown killer James Vlassakis, the ABC has revealed.
The South Australian Parole Board announced in August that Vlassakis would be released after serving 26 years of his life sentence.
Parole Administrative Review Commissioner Michael David KC confirmed that an appeal against the decision has been lodged, with a directions hearing expected in the coming weeks.
Parole Board chair Frances Nelson KC previously said she considered Vlassakis “genuinely remorseful” and a suitable candidate for release.
Now in his mid-40s, Vlassakis was the youngest of the four men involved in the infamous “bodies-in-the-barrels” murders committed between 1992 and 1999.
He pleaded guilty to four murders and received a life sentence with a 26-year non-parole period.
Vlassakis later became a key witness for the prosecution in the trials of John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who were convicted of 11 and 10 murders respectively and are serving life sentences without parole.
The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney, proudly presented by Benchmark Greek Law, paid tribute to the efforts of Hellenic-background filmmakers from its city in an in-depth conversation event with three local talents in Alex Lykos, Kay Pavlou and Billy Cotsis.
The event titled ‘Sydney Silver Screen: A Tribute to Local Legends’, that took place on Monday 20th October, saw the three Sydney-based filmmakers engage in a Q&A session at Steki Taverna led by Ouzo Talk host Tom Skolarikis.
The trio shared keen insights into various subjects regarding their respective journeys, while also discussing larger topics centred around the film industry, including some of the harsh realities the industry itself faces and its impact on creators.
They noted the Greek Film Festival provides critical support for Greek Australian filmmakers, a sentiment shared when visiting director from Greece, Kostas Macheras, appeared towards the end and remarked that it is also an important vehicle for providing an insight into modern Greece.
All the aforementioned filmmakers have had works of theirs included as part of this year’s Film Festival program, with Cotsis highlighting it as an immense privilege to have been included in that list.
“We (himself and his collaborators) created a film specifically for this year’s Festival. That’s how much this Festival means to us,” Cotsis said.
Pavlou added her pleasure that the festival spotlights documentaries such as hers (‘Two Homelands’), while stating: “It’s a beautiful, inclusive experience for us as Greek Australian filmmakers. It’s embracing of us and of our audiences.”
Lykos expressed that the festival’s biggest asset is how it cultivates and celebrates Hellenism through its honouring the film exploits of talented creators.
“Tonight was about community, coming together and celebrating our Greekness, and I always see that as a very, very big privilege,” Lykos said.
Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Film Festival of Sydney and Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), stressed events such as these are critical in achieving one of the key goals of the Film Festival.
“The Greek Film Festival of Sydney has always wanted to showcase not only international Greek films, but also the works in our Greek Australian film industry from talented directors, writers, producers, and all other types of creators,” Ms Karteris said.
Among the guests in attendance at the event included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, and Vice President of the GOCNSW Con Apoifis.
