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Mooney Valley’s ‘Una Faccia Una Razza’ Greek-Italian festival hailed a success

The Greek Herald
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Mooney Valley’s ‘Una Faccia Una Razza’ Greek-Italian festival hailed a success

The annual Moonee Valley ‘Una Faccia Una Razza’ Greek-Italian festival was held on Sunday, October 28 at Saint Dimitrios parish in Moonee Ponds, Victoria.

Thousands of visitors of both communities joined in the festivities which featured a Tarantella dancing workshop, Apollo Rising – a fusion Greek-Italian band, the musical stylings of Pantelis Krestas and Kalliroi, as well as traditional dance performances by the Pan-Macedonian Association of Victoria, the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne, Pegasus Dance School, the Kalymnian Brotherhood, and Panagia Soumela Whittlesea.

Mooney Valley's 'Una Faccia Una Razza' Greek-Italian festival

Dean Kalimniou’s Black Sea Icon Exhibition, held at the Festival and featuring over sixty icons, was attended by more than 1,000 people of diverse backgrounds including members of the Russian, Ukrainian and Lebanese communities.

Mooney Valley's 'Una Faccia Una Razza' Greek-Italian festival
Dean Kalimniou’s Black Sea Icon Exhibition.

Among the guests at the Festival were Federal National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister Bill Shorten; Federal MP for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou; State Member for Essendon, Danny Pearson; Labor Candidate for Maribyrnong, Jo Briskey; Mayor of Moonee Valley, Pierce Tyson; and Victorian Multicultural Commissioner and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis.

In his address, Minister Shorten praised the manner in which two established ethnic communities, the Greeks and the Italians, have collaborated seamlessly over many years to create a convivial and vibrant community within the City of Moonee Valley, highlighting parish priest Father John Frangos’ contribution to maintaining and enhancing intercultural cohesion.

Mooney Valley's 'Una Faccia Una Razza' Greek-Italian festival

Minister Shorten also highlighted Mr Papastergiadis’ intrinsic leadership role in positioning the Greek community in Melbourne as a key stakeholder and pioneer in fostering multiculturalism and tolerance in Victoria, outlining his multi-faceted and tireless commitment to promoting the interests of that community.

Mooney Valley's 'Una Faccia Una Razza' Greek-Italian festival

In turn, Mr Papastergiadis expressed the thanks of the entire Greek community for Minister Shorten’s tireless advocacy in the field of Industrial Affairs and the NDIS. He highlighted the close friendship forged between the Minister, not only with the Greeks of his electorate in Maribyrnong but also with the Greek community it its totality, stating that the bonds forged between Minister Shorten and the Greek community will endure for life.

Mr Papastergiadis went on to praise the organising committee for their efforts in putting together such a nuanced and stereotype-defying festival, pledging his support for all cultural activities that further the cause of Hellenism and multiculturalism.

Pontoxeniteas NSW unites generations at annual Dinner Dance celebration

Andriana Simos
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Pontoxeniteas NSW unites generations at annual Dinner Dance celebration

Pontoxeniteas NSW hosted a memorable and heartwarming annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 26 at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.

The evening was a joyous celebration of Pontian heritage, honouring those who continue to preserve and pass on the traditions of Pontian culture to younger generations.

Master of ceremonies Evalena Chilas opened the evening with a warm welcome, offering greetings for those celebrating St. Demetrios.

Pontoxeniteas NSW’s Junior, Intermediate, and Senior dance groups showcased their talent and dedication, led by dance teachers Christina Iwannidou and Alexandra Delis Papoulidis, accompanied by youth musicians Kosta Papoulidis and Prodromos Moysiadis.

In a touching moment, the Junior and Intermediate dance groups invited their parents and grandparents to join them on the dancefloor. Witnessing three and four generations dancing together was a beautiful reminder of the strong cultural bonds that connect the Pontian community.

This year, the Pontoxeniteas NSW Committee also honoured two exceptional women, Ms Iwannidou and Mrs Papoulidis, who volunteer their time to teach and inspire youth. Their dedication to preserving Pontian dance and culture was recognised with awards for their outstanding commitment and mentorship to the students.

The evening was a full house, featuring delicious dishes by Chef Aris Chatzigeorgiou, lively music by DJ Harry Apostolodis, and traditional Pontian music performed by Eric Fotiadis, Chris Skenderidis, Kosta Papoulidis, Peter Tsenkas, and Prodromos Moysiadis.

The event brought together representatives from various associations, including Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia President Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, Panagia Soumela Sydney President Peter Papoulidis, Diogenes Wollongong representative Olga Seteridis, and other Greek community leaders.

President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony, expressed her appreciation for everyone in attendance. She highlighted how wonderful it was to see third and fourth generations sharing the dancefloor, a testament to the enduring legacy and strong sense of community within the Pontian diaspora.

The Pontoxeniteas Annual Dinner Dance was a resounding success, celebrating the vibrancy of Pontian culture, the spirit of community, and the shared legacy that brings generations together.

EY granted extension for Cyprus Community of NSW creditors meeting amid legal turmoil

The Greek Herald
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EY granted extension for Cyprus Community of NSW creditors meeting amid legal turmoil

Ernst & Young Australia (EY), the administrators of the Cyprus Community of NSW, have secured a six-month extension from the Supreme Court to convene the second creditors’ meeting, now set for April 23, 2025. Originally, the convening period was set to end by October 30, 2024, but EY sought the extension to allow more time for the sale of the community’s real estate assets and to explore restructuring options.

The financial challenges for the Cyprus Community of NSW, became more severe when EY was appointed administrators in September 2024. However, the situation further intensified in mid-October when Cyprus Capital Limited, one of the major creditors, appointed receivers Olvera Advisors. This has created a complex dynamic, with both administrators and receivers managing the club’s assets, leading to confusion among creditors as to whom they should direct inquiries.

In its application to the Supreme Court, EY provided several key reasons for seeking the extension, including the need to:

  • Conduct independent valuations of the Cyprus Club’s real estate assets.
  • Call for expressions of interest from potential buyers.
  • Allow due diligence by prospective buyers.
  • Ensure that member approval is obtained at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
  • Satisfy statutory and regulatory requirements.

EY also noted the importance of maintaining the litigation stay, which halts all legal proceedings against the company while the sale and restructuring efforts continue. This stay is critical to protect the company from additional financial strain during this process.

The extension acknowledges the need for a thorough and orderly process for the sale of the community’s assets. It also permits EY to convene the meeting earlier if the sale progresses faster than anticipated. The administrators have assured creditors that they will continue to provide updates on any developments and remain focused on securing the best outcome for the community and its members.

Confusion Among Creditors

Despite these efforts, The Greek Herald sources reveal significant confusion among creditors, many of whom are unclear about whom to contact regarding outstanding payments. According to sources, several tradespeople who undertook work and upgrades at the Cyprus Club have yet to be paid. The dual involvement of administrators and receivers has further complicated matters, leaving many creditors uncertain about their claims and the future handling of the club’s finances.

The local Greek and Cypriot communities are anxiously following these developments and members remain hopeful that the outcome of the sale or restructuring will preserve the club’s legacy and secure a stable future for the community.

The Greek Herald has contacted Olvera Advisors for comment. At the time of publication there was no response.

Youth shine at the 12th Greek Student Film Festival in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
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Youth shine at the 12th Greek Student Film Festival in Melbourne

The 12th Greek Student Film Festival concluded on 27 October 2024 at Palace Cinema Como with a feature screening and celebration.

Students were met by a paparazzi entry to the Cinema where the short form film creations of students studying Greek in Victoria and New South Wales were presented to the attending audience.

Youth shine at the 12th Greek Student Film Festival in Melbourne

This year for the first time, the event was hosted by students. Nefeli Michalopoulou, Orpheus Sidiroglou and Stella Tzimas – all Year 9 students from the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) City Campus – presented the program and the awards with great humour and professionalism.

Whilst all the short films were well received by the crowd, the judging panel had to select a winner and judged the entries as follows:

Youth shine at the 12th Greek Student Film Festival in Melbourne
Photo: Constantly Flashing Photography / Peter Kakalias.
Youth shine at the 12th Greek Student Film Festival in Melbourne
Photo: Constantly Flashing Photography / Peter Kakalias.

Primary Schools category:

  • 1st Place: South Morang campus of the GCM Schools
  • 2nd Place: Year 2 from the Doncaster (Saturday) campus of the GCM Schools
  • 3rd Place: Year 3 from the City campus of the GCM Schools

Secondary Schools category:

  • 1st place: Year 7 from the Bentleigh campus of the GCM Schools
  • 2nd Place: shared between the Year 8 class from Oakleigh Grammar and Year 7 from the Balwyn campus of the GCM Schools
  • 3rd Place: Year 7 from Oakleigh Grammar

Audience Award: Years 5 & 6 from the City campus of the GCM Schools.

Addressing the event, the Chair of the GCM Cultural Committee, Leonidas Vlahakis said: “I am thrilled by the students’ film creations, and I am touched to watch students presenting the festival, with such ease of expression in Greek.”

Strength in community: OEEGA NSW’s annual push to defeat childhood cancer

The Greek Herald
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Strength in community: OEEGA NSW’s annual push to defeat childhood cancer

The New South Wales branch of the Organisation of Hellene and Hellene-Cypriot Women of Australia (OEEGA NSW) will be holding their annual Radiothon on Wednesday, November 6 to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute in Sydney.

From 10am to 8pm on Wednesday, people must tune into 2MM Radio Station to take part in the Radiothon. They will have the opportunity to hear the incredible progress being made in childhood cancer research at the Institute by Professor Maria Kavallaris and Dr Maria Tsoli.

Along with these stories, listeners will be able to tune in and hear personal stories from families impacted by childhood cancer.

OEEGA NSW

OEEGA NSW is a not-for-profit organisation consisting of Greek and Cypriot Australian women and mothers who have dedicated themselves to supporting medical researchers in eliminating childhood cancer.

Since 2007, OEEGA NSW has raised over $440,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute in Sydney, which has gone towards purchasing vital equipment for specialised scientific research.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so in two main ways:

  • Branch or Direct Deposit to: Account name: OEEGA Childrens Fund; BSB: 062 199; Account No: 1086 4859.
  • On the day at the 2MM Radio station either in person or by calling (02) 9558 0622.

Greek Australian poet wins prestigious Patrick White Literary Award

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian poet wins prestigious Patrick White Literary Award

Greek Australian anarchist poet Π.O. (Pi.O.) has won the $20,000 Patrick White Literary Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Australian literature.

Π.O. grew up in Fitzroy after his parents moved to Australia from Greece in the 1950s.

Π.O.’s poetry is often written in a phonetic vernacular, which can appear challenging on the page, but which springs to life when read aloud.

In a statement to Artshub, Π.O. couldn’t contain his excitement at the recognition.

“I’ve only won one award before this so it was gobsmacking to receive the accolade,” he said.

Π.O.’s Heide collection won the 2020 Judith Wright Calanthe Prize in the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards and was shortlisted in the 2020 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

He is already in the process of writing a fourth epic poem, this time about the gentrification of Fitzroy and inner city Melbourne.

Source: Artshub

Team Greece qualify for All Nations Cup quarterfinals

The Greek Herald
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Team Greece qualify for All Nations Cup quarterfinals

Team Greece defeated Burundi 2 – 1 in a pulsating football match to qualify for the quarterfinals of the All Nations Cup.

Greece finished on top of Group A and will play Zimbabwe in the quarters.

George Mells scored a brace either side of halftime to give Greece a 2 nil lead however, Burundi scored with 20 minutes left on the clock to setup a nail biting finish. Greece eventually claimed the very important 3 points to secure their qualification.

all nations cup team greece
all nations cup team greece

Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), was ecstatic following the win.

“Today’s game proved that these group of boys love playing for the jumper. Their passion and determination was immense and we as a community are super proud of their achievements so far. We look forward to what’s to come in the quarters and encourage as many people as possible to come and support our boys,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

all nations cup team greece

Coach George Katsakis had this to say following the win: “We had no choice but to win today otherwise we would’ve been eliminated from the tournament. The boys responded in true Greek fashion and I’m super proud of their commitment and passion. We now reset and get ready for the quarterfinals in what I’m sure will be a difficult game against Zimbabwe but one we are really looking forward to. The boys will be ready to go.”

Dates and times for the quarterfinals will be confirmed shortly.

Tsitsipas stages comeback against Carballes in Paris Masters opener

The Greek Herald
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Tsitsipas stages comeback against Carballes in Paris Masters opener

Although Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 11) found himself losing to Roberto Carballes Baena (No. 55) in his premiere at the Paris Masters tournament on Monday night, he kept his composure and claimed victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

At the beginning of the match, the Greek tennis player looked nervous and lost the first set 6-4, but then he made up for it.

In the second set he prevailed comfortably with 6-3, while in the third and last set Tsitsipas was the absolute ruler and with the same score he started his duties at the Paris Master on a positive note.

He is now waiting for the winner of the Borges-Tambilo pair to find out his opponent for the next phase.

Greece celebrates OXI Day with military and student parades

The Greek Herald
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Greece celebrates OXI Day with military and student parades

Greece celebrated OXI Day on Monday, October 28 with a number of military and student parades across different cities.

OXI Day marks Greece’s entry into World War II on 28 October 1940 after it defied an Italian ultimatum and the Axis occupation.

On Monday, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou laid a wreath at a war memorial in Thessaloniki and attended the large military parade in the northern port city.

President Sakellaropoulou was accompanied by Greece’s Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and other officials at the annual military parade in downtown Thessaloniki, which is also celebrating its patron, Saint Dimitrios.

In Athens, meanwhile, schools held student parades, with the biggest taking place in front of Parliament on Syntagma Square and attended by several ministers and other officials.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presided over the student parade in the western Athens suburb of Peristeri. He gave a brief address and described today’s youngsters as the country’s greatest “strength.”

“It is our duty to provide these children with the necessary tools so they can live a better life than that of their parents. But they must always remember that democracy is a form of government that requires constant attendance, active participation and a civil and respectful dialogue,” Mitsotakis said.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary

Peter Tantalos
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Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary

The 84th anniversary of OXI (“NO”) Day was marked with a commemoration in South Australia on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel on Franklin Street, Adelaide.

Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), this event honoured one of the most significant holidays in the modern Greek calendar — when, on October 28, 1940, then-Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas defiantly rejected Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum demanding access for Italian forces to occupy Greek territory. This resistance marked by the response “OXI” (No) sparked Greece’s entry into World War II alongside the Allied forces.

The GOCSA event began with a doxology service, bringing together dignitaries, community leaders, and families to pay tribute to the heroes of World War II. Following the doxology, attendees gathered outside for the wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of the fallen.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary

Vice-President of GOCSA, Peter Gonis, began proceedings by explaining that the “courageous declaration [of OXI] ignited a fierce resistance against the invading forces, ultimately leading to Greece’s victory. It is a day of profound significance… that symbolises resilience, courage, the unwavering spirit of a nation as well as the ties that connect our two countries together in their quest for freedom and democracy.”

GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos expanded on Mr Gonis’ comments by emphasising that “…OXI day holds a special place in our hearts, as a symbol of courage, resilience and unwavering commitment for freedom. It is a day that reminds us of all the sacrifices made by our ancestors and the price they were willing to pay to defend our beloved homeland, Greece.”

Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary
Vice-President of GOCSA, Mr Peter Gonis, addressing attendees.
Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary
President of GOCSA, Mr Peter Gardiakos, addressing attendees.

Mr Gardiakos also conveyed a message that was provided by the Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas, co-signed by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison MP.

Both the Premier and the Minister sent their “best wishes to the community” and stated that: “on this special occasion, we honour courageous Greek and Cypriot men and women in the early 1940’s, who stood together against a formidable enemy and changed the course of history.”

“OXI day is a reminder of what can be achieved when a community stands up for their shared values… these were the very same freedoms and values that Australian soldiers fought for and alongside Greek and Cypriots soldiers in the second world war. This day is a reminder of our long-standing relationship with Greece and Cyprus and allows us to acknowledge the strengthening of our State through the contribution of Greek and Cypriot migration…” the message added.

Wreaths adorned with blue and white ribbons were laid in honour of the Greek soldiers, the brave ANZAC’s who stood side by side with the Greeks, and all the civilians whose bravery shaped the outcome of the war.

Wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Mr Matthew Marozzi, representing the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia and the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Trian Gonis, representing Steve Georganas MP, Federal Member for Adelaide; The Right Honourable Dr Jane Lomax Smith, Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide; the Mayor of West Torrens, Michael Coxen; Able Seaman Irene Charalampakis of the Royal Australian Navy; Councillor Stephen Finos of the City of Unley; and Councillor Peter Ppiros of the City of Charles Sturt. Wreaths were also laid by the Cyprus Community of SA, the Greek Womens Society of SA Taxiarchis, the Pan-Arcadian Association of SA, amongst other community organisations.

People who laid wreaths.

A major feature of the commemoration was the active participation of students from GOCSA’s Greek language schools. These young participants, some dressed in traditional Greek costumes, recited patriotic poems and sang a song that celebrated the spirit of resistance and national pride.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary
Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary
Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary
Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary

Their performances reflected the enduring legacy of OXI Day and demonstrated how the GOCSA is ensuring, through their Greek language programs, that younger generations remain connected to their Greek heritage.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.

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