In a heartwarming act of generosity, 90-year-old Anastasia Gkesa Liveriadu, an expatriate from Melbourne, has donated a plot of land to the Greek municipality of Ptolemaida for the construction of a kindergarten.
Ms Liveriadu, who has lived in Australia for many years, has never forgotten her homeland Greece and decided to contribute to the future of the children in her birthplace.
In an interview on the Greek channel Alpha’s programme “Weekend with Manesis,” she explained her decision, recalling how she emigrated to Australia decades ago: “It wasn’t poverty that drove me to come to Australia. It was the circumstances. I was studying in Athens, worked in Athens, and arrived in Australia alone, with little English, and managed to study here in Melbourne and excel in my career.”
Ms Liveriadu worked as an educator in higher education and has one daughter.
The elderly expatriate was inspired by the words of John F. Kennedy and chose to donate the land in Ptolemaida.
“When I heard the president say, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,’ I decided to donate this piece of land for the benefit of the residents of my hometown,” she concluded in her interview.
Once completed, the kindergarten will bear her name as a mark of honour.
After a three-year hiatus, the Greek Film Festival made a much-anticipated return to Canberra from October 25-27, drawing in audiences eager to celebrate the best of Greek cinema.
The event, organised in collaboration between the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Hellenic Club of Canberra, featured three screenings from the 29th Greek Film Festival line-up, captivating the local Greek community and film enthusiasts alike.
People enjoyed the Greek Film Festival in Canberra. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The festival kicked off with an exciting Opening Night on Friday, October 25, at Palace Electric Cinema, where Thodoris Niarchos’ hilarious comedy Hear Who’s Talking brought the house down with laughter. The atmosphere was festive and full of anticipation as guests were treated to speeches from prominent community figures.
Attendees included the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra, Pana Tsironis, and Hellenic Club of Canberra Director, John Loukadellis.
Among the speakers was Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Film Festival, who emphasised the festival’s broader mission to promote Greek culture beyond New South Wales.
Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), echoed these sentiments, stressing the significance of preserving Greek culture and language through films and other events, especially appealing to young people.
In his address, the then-President of the Hellenic Club, Andrew Satsias, praised the collaboration between the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Hellenic Club of Canberra, expressing optimism for a continued partnership in the coming years.
Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos.
Hellenic Club of Canberra President Andrew Satsias.
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis.
President of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris.
The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos dedicated a few words to Peter Giannoudis and Stavros Raftopoulos, who he considers pioneers in distributing Greek films in Australia. He also highlighted the importance of Greek cinema in connecting immigrants to their heritage.
The film festival continued on Saturday with a screening of Murderess by Eva Nathena. The festival wrapped up on Sunday, October 27, with Christoforos Papakaliatis’ romantic drama What If, leaving viewers with a blend of hope and nostalgia as the credits rolled.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Philhellene and fifth generation Australian, Peter McCarthy, 82, (also sometimes known as ‘Panagiotis’ and ‘Skoulandris’), has been associated with the Greek community for over 60 years – “since having married my wife Deanna (Sofia) of Greek descent in 1962.”
He adds, “our three daughters and four granddaughters are christened in the Greek Orthodox faith.”
Peter says he has been involved in researching Greek migration to Australia for 25 years “mainly for personal and family reasons to endow my grandchildren with knowledge of their heritage.” Delving into this research has led him to broader socio-historic horizons, which he describes as “opening a Pandora’s box and releasing a Hydra!”
In this context as a connoisseur of historical research, Peter came across an important written speech. This eloquent, patriotic speech was given by Anargiros Stratigos and was broadcast on a Sydney radio station in 1946. It referred to ‘OXI’ Day, the Greek National holiday of October 28th. Mr Stratigos, Vice-President of the Greek-Australian League of Athens, came from Greece to Australia as an envoy of the then-Regent of Greece, Archbishop Damiskinos.
Peter describes this speech document as “the first official, notarised reference to the term ‘OXI’ Day in Australia.” The document and ensuing speech were a historic event attempting to cement the important friendship and camaraderie of Australia and Greece as Allies in both World Wars.
Referring to the brave ‘OXI’ (‘NO’) of the Greeks to Mussolini’s fascist forces entering Greece on the 28th of October 1940, representative phrases from Mr Stratigos’ 1946 speech include:
“These were the days when… the gallant Greek nation – unarmed, indigent, and unready, considered the mere thought of surrender as high treason and desecration of the memory of its ancestors, drawing added courage from a glorious history of three thousand years, having as only guide its indomitable spirit.”
And: “That NOwas the dawn of the Victory of the Allied Nations, the first ray of hope in the despairing hearts of the civilised world.”
Furthermore, the speech acknowledged that the Greek and Allies’ long struggle delayed the Axis plans to invade Russia which could have changed the entire course of the War and world history. The thwarting of the Axis invasion of Egypt and north Africa was also mentioned. The plans to potentially invade India didn’t materialise, due to “these and so many other colossal services, the heroic Nation (Greece due to their ‘OXI’] rendered to the Allied Victory, service acknowledged and praise for all the Allies and their eminent leaders.”
Thanks to Peter’s meticulous research capabilities, we also know that Mr Stratigos had relatives in the northern NSW town of Inverell (570 kilometres from Sydney), originating from Kythera where Peter’s wife’s family hails.
We also have such information due to Peter’s Philhellenism, leading him to take interest in sources relating to Greek Australian history in particular. In this case, his source is his wife’s mother, the late‘Beatty’ Calliope Psaros and her“cardboard box.” It hosts a collection of Inverell newspaper clippings from 1927 “spanning 50 years.”
In the relevant clipping regarding Mr Stratigos’ visit to Australia and his speech in 1946, we also now know that his visit included the awarding of a commemorative medal and a diploma from Athens University to Australia. These endowments, which Mr Stratigos delivered from Greece to Australia, were in reverence of the over 17,000 Allied Australian soldiers who fought in Greece, and the many who lost their lives on Greek soil in WWII.
But there was also another important gift that Mr Stratigos brought from Greece to Australia in 1946. It was an ancient Corinthian urn from the 6th century, presented to Australia’s then-Prime Minister Ben Chifley.
The documenting of this event was also discovered by Peter through the newspaper clippings of his mother-in-law ‘Beatty’ in her cardboard box. In this case, an article from the Inverell Times in 1946 about this over 2,600-year-old Corinthian urn gift.
The ancient urn “contains earth fromthe graves of Australians killed” and buried at the Phaleron War Cemetery in Athens, who lost their lives fighting for Greece during WWII as Allies of the British forces assisting Greece in 1941.
This ties in with October 28th, 1940 when Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas said ‘OXI’ to Mussolini’s demand for his fascist army to enter Greece. From that day, Greece was at war with the AXIS powers; initially Italy and soon after with Italy’s ally, Germany. Greece was aided by her British Allies, including Australian troops.
Apart from his rigorous assessing and documenting, Peter’s passion for historical research and for Hellenism, is also a lived experience. This is exemplified by his visit to Crete in 2005 where he was “extremely moved” by the 28th of October celebration in Liberty Square (Plateia Eleftherias), Irakleio.
“It was lined with Australian Gum trees, so I took off a couple of branches and laid them on the war memorial site,” he says.
This personal tribute of Peter’s from Australia to Greece, I feel, is as poignant as that of Mr Stratigos’ official visit to Australia in 1946, including the urn presentation. Both men serve as ambassadors to both countries.
All these aforementioned historical gems which Peter has brought to light have been subsequently confirmed through his visits to Canberra, to the National Library of Australia and to the Australian War Memorial there.
He asserts: “In my research I’m careful to determine what is as correct as possible through cross referencing from at least two entirely different sources,” he says.
Peter has actually seen the Corinthian urn gift by visiting the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. He was escorted to a storage unit there, where an attendant wearing white gloves lifted the lid of the urn revealing the sacred soil within. Then, from a box, the urn was lifted out. Peter’s records from 1946 state that the urn “had been in the [Greek] National Museum and is regarded as a priceless treasure. It will now be placed in the War Museum at Canberra, where it will hold an honoured place.”
Perhaps it’s time this priceless and symbolic urn, this gift essentially from the Greek people to the Australian people, be put in its intended place. The public should be able to view it as a permanent exhibit with a descriptive placard, of course. I wonder why this hasn’t occurred. After all, it’s not a Trojan Horse.
The 29th Greek Film Festival (GFF) in Melbourne reached its grand finale in style at the historic Astor Theatre on Sunday, October 27. Over the course of 12 days, film enthusiasts were treated to a diverse lineup of Greek feature films and documentaries, with over 7,000 tickets sold.
The Closing Night event was held concurrently at all four of the participating Palace Cinemas, with the historic Astor Theatre hosting the final night party. Guests were invited to come dressed in 70s attire, as the featured film – Gorgones kai Magkes – paid tribute to the iconic Greek actress Mary Chronopoulou, whose presence in classic Greek cinema has left an enduring legacy.
Photo: Astrini Kopeloudi-Wallace.
Chair of the organising committee Leonidas Vlahakis said: “The reason we chose to show Gorgones kai Magkes at the Astor is symbolic. This is the theatre where I first watched the movie as a young boy, and it brought back so many memories. It felt right to choose the Astor Theatre to pay tribute to one of the most significant actresses of the ’60s era, Mary Chronopoulou.”
After the heartwarming tribute and screening, the night was far from over. Guests joined a lively after-party with the popular Melbourne band Cats and the Canary. Their infectious tunes had the crowd dancing and celebrating well into the night to the upbeat sounds of 60s Greek music. The theatre was transformed as everyone celebrated the culmination of another successful festival.
Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), expressed his pride in the festival’s success and the overwhelming community support: “We are absolutely delighted to see so many members of our community here today to close the festival. We are very pleased with the ticket sales, which prove that our community is embracing this event more than ever. It shows that we are truly doing something right.”
The 29th Greek Film Festival once again underscored the strong connection between the Greek community and cinema, celebrating both cultural heritage and providing insight into contemporary Greek life.
As the curtains closed on this year’s festival, the GCM is already planning the 30th edition, promising even more exciting films, tributes, and cultural experiences for the community to enjoy.
The proposed changes that would have marked the end to a 64-year schism between the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) have not passed, despite 61% of support from members.
As it stands, the religious services provided by the Autocephalous Church (of which GOCSA are a part) are recognised by the Australian Government pursuant to the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) – however the sacraments provided to the community are not recognised by the GOAA or other canonical Orthodox Churches.
Motion 2 related to the “Resignation of GOCSA’s Membership of the Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church of America and Australia and to enter into an agreement with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia” and that, amongst other points, “[t]he Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Inc will not sell or otherwise change the use of the Association’s Churches for a period of five years from the date that this resolution is passed.”
Motion 3 proposed “in accordance with Art. 2b of the Constitution to determine from time to time the meaning of “Orthodox Faith” and “Greek Orthodox Faith”, bringing the interpretation in line with that of the Archdiocese and other Churches under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
500 community members met on Sunday, October 27 for the EGM. Photo: Greek Orthodox Community of SA.
President of GOCSA, Peter Gardiakos, commenced his initial address to the meeting with a passionate plea to the membership to consider the significance of the vote, understand their important role in exercising their democratic right and the impact of the decision before members.
Mr Gardiakos outlined the historical legacy of the community, noting its 94-year history and the 64 years of schism which has persisted, outlining that the vote is a way to remove the separation of Greek communities. He explained that the schism has separated families, brothers and sisters, and that what they are intending to do is unite as one Greek people.
Mr Gardiakos emphasised that GOCSA was at a crossroads with this decision, and that the power to determine the course of GOCSA’s history and the future of its children and grandchildren lies with the members and their vote.
Throughout the meeting there was fiery opposition to the proposed amendments, emotional and impassioned debate, as well as fierce advocacy for the proposed changes. The meeting fostered an open and transparent process, allowing members to express themselves and make their opinions and voices heard.
However, it must be noted that there was a steady flow of members who cast their ballots early and left before the meeting concluded, disgruntled by the fiery nature of the debate and the emotional nature of some speeches, describing them as “platforms to air grievances.”
Photos: Greek Orthodox Community of SA.
In documents seen by The Greek Herald, arguments against the motion were numerous across a range of areas. Opposition voices were concerned with areas such as GOCSA’s autonomy and governance, likening it to a loss of sovereignty. Additionally, it was feared that the proposed “hybrid employment model” unfairly shifts responsibilities and liabilities onto GOCSA, with opponents calling for greater transparency in relation to legal and financial advice, particularly around clerical remuneration. Historical tensions between the two entities exacerbated opposition, with some seeing the agreement as a continuation of unresolved conflicts dating back to 1958.
On the other side, those who spoke in favour of the motions advocated for the prospect of unity, including a powerful address by SA Chief Justice Chris Kourakis (in his capacity as a member of GOCSA). Arguments in favour of the motions echoed the opening comments of President Gardiakos, making the case for unity of the Churches for the sake of the next generations and the preservation of GOCSA into the future.
Peter Psaroulis (of the GOCSA Executive Council) in the meeting outlined that “the Deed ensures that GOCSA’s governance and management will not be subject to the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese will not close any of the GOCSA churches. The Archdiocese will recognise our sacraments upon application at no charge. The Archdiocese will not request any annual contributions from community churches. The Archdiocese will not see any transfer of title or deeds, and GOCSA will retain legal ownership and control of GOCSA’s churches.”
Arguments and analysis ensued in relation to the acknowledgement of sacraments, and the definition of the application process. This was clarified by Con Costi (GOCSA legal counsel) who stated that “…the Archdiocese will recognise historical sacraments. If you want to, you can ask for a certificate. But it will already be recognised. The application is for the purpose of receiving a certificate. And there will be no fee for that certificate. The reference to the Archbishop’s discretion does not relate to the recognition of historical sacraments.”
The meeting concluded at approximately 6:40pm after hours of debate and discussion. While members left the meeting with strong opinions, it was clear that members were provided a platform to express all concerns and queries they may have had with the proposals before them.
The vote count arrived at approximately 11:30pm, indicating that the proposed motions in relation to the unification of the churches had been unsuccessful.
Following the vote result, while some have described it as a win for the independence of GOCSA, there is continuing concern amongst other GOCSA members who told The Greek Herald that GOCSA has faced persistent difficulties in sourcing priests to provide services to the community, and that this problem “will not change/go away as a result of this vote.”
Dr Vladamir Devrelis, President of the SA Intercommunities Council, reflecting on the outcome of the vote stated that “…we pray for unity… we thank the brave and hardworking people that work for a better tomorrow as they keep the next generations in mind.”
The results of the votes are as follows:
MOTION 1: Required 60% to pass
Numbers 319 FOR: 177 AGAINST
63% achieved – CARRIED
MOTION 2: Required 75% to pass
Numbers 305 FOR/191 AGAINST
61% achieved – NOT CARRIED
MOTION 3: This was separated and passed in two parts.
Promising young duo Anastasia Golubeva and Hektor Giotopoulos Moore have made history by winning Australia’s first grand prix medal at Skate Canada, securing a bronze medal in Halifax.
The pair, aged 18 and 22 respectively, finished behind the reigning world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps.
Originally from Russia, Golubeva and Giotopoulos Moore train in Montreal alongside the top-ranked Canadian team. This prestigious event is the second of six ISU grand prix competitions, where athletes aim to qualify for the elite final in Grenoble, France, in December. The Australians missed the American leg due to injury.
In their second year competing as seniors and fourth overall, they previously placed 10th at this year’s world championships and earned two silver medals at junior worlds.
After the short programme, they were in third place and held on to finish with an overall score of 186.14, despite Uzbekistan’s Ekaterina Geynish and Dmitrii Chigirev moving up to challenge with a score of 189.65.
Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps dominated the event, achieving a score of 197.33, despite Deschamps falling on a triple toe loop early in the free skate.
Leading up to the competition, Golubeva expressed her excitement about training with the seasoned Canadian skaters after relocating to Montreal earlier this year.
“Skating with Deanna and Maxime is so good for us,” she said in an interview with adivinesport.com. “I really enjoy training with them. We are friends.”
Giotopoulos Moore, whose family resides in Seattle, noted that training alongside experienced athletes is inspiring as they prepare for the next Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina in early 2026.
“We really enjoy it here—it’s a much better quality (training environment) for us than in Sydney,” he said. “There are really no other elite-level pairs in Australia.”
Each year since 2010, the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation (AHMF) has held its annual School Competition on the weekend before OXI Day (October 28).
The first students to receive awards are now young professionals. AHMF President Steve Kyritsis hopes the awards will inspire future generations to remember their heritage.
“It’s an excellent way for young children to engage with their culture and history, fostering a deeper understanding,” he told The Greek Herald, adding that it provides an opportunity for both individual students and schools to explore the significance of OXI Day.
“Thousands of children have participated. Our goal is for kids to learn why we created this monument. It’s a monument to the ANZACs and Greek veterans who sacrificed so much during WWI and WWII. We have an obligation to remember them. That’s why we initiated this project.”
Olyvia Vlahos and Carly Haralampopoulos, both 12, learned about the day then-Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum, marking Greece’s entry into WWII, from their teacher Mary Lefteriotis. The Greek national day holds special meaning for them as both their great-grandfathers fought in WWII. Learning about Greece’s history helps them connect with their own family stories.
Olyvia, with ancestry from Lefkada, Kalamata, and Epirus, wrote a poem and drew a heart combining the Greek and Australian flags.
“Our teacher told us about the ANZACs who fought in Greece during WWII, so I focused on Greek-Australian friendship,” Olyvia said.
Similarly, Carly, with ancestry from Nafpaktos, highlighted the bond between Greeks and Australians in her submission.
Their teacher, Ms Lefteriotis, explained how opportunities like the annual OXI Day competition offer a more holistic learning experience by integrating history, art, and language.
“Each year, we discuss both world wars, the ANZACs, and the Greek-Australian connection. We emphasise the friendship between the two countries and the importance of honouring heroes. Then, we participate in this competition and visit this monument to pay tribute to these heroes,” Ms Lefteriotis, a teacher at the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools, said.
Kalliope Batziakis, a Year 8 student, attended with her family to receive her award for a Greek-language poem.
“It’s important for us to connect with our heritage,” Kalliope told The Greek Herald.
Despite never having visited Grevena, Kastoria, Farsala, and Mytilene, her heritage is from these parts of Greece.
“I wrote a poem, in the Greek language, about the friendship between Greece and Australia during wartime. We must remember the sacrifices of our ancestors,” Kalliope added.
Lalor North Primary School, Victoria’s only bilingual state school, was well-represented with seven student awards. Families from the school gathered, shared banter and showcased the strong sense of community and kinship within the school.
Lalor North Primary School teacher Connie Diakodimitriou noted increased student enrolments. After a period of decline, the Bilingual Greek Program has expanded to three classrooms again, and enjoys the support of Elizabeth Bryan, the school’s principal.
“Word is spreading about the work we’re doing, and more people are discovering our school,” Ms Diakodimitriou said, emphasising the unique benefits of the bilingual program, allowing students to engage with their culture and history.
“Students are excited to participate in events like this and learn about their heritage. They are proud Greek Australians.”
Greek-Italian-Australian student Gabriella Vitale, a Year 5 student at Lalor North Primary School, enjoys being in a composite class where she gets to revise her work by helping younger students.
“I enjoy helping them and getting to know them,” she said.
Her mother, Yiota, said subjects taught in Greek and English have ensured her children have excelled in both languages.
“We enrolled them because we live nearby, and it has been great. They’ve developed language skills in both Greek and English and receive plenty of individual attention in class,” she said.
Maira Triantafylou, Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs of the Greek Consulate of Melbourne, an educator herself, congratulated the students and teachers for their efforts in learning about Greek history and language.
“Your participation today demonstrates your strong commitment,” she said.
Greek Consul General to Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis highlighted the deep historical connection between Greece and Australia, despite their geographical distance.
“This monument serves as a constant reminder of our shared history. Its success has inspired others to follow suit,” he said, emphasising the importance of children building connections with their past as a way of shaping their future.
Peter Andrinopoulos, event coordinator and host, thanked attendees and sponsors for their support. He pointed in particular to the importance of sponsors for this annual tradition to continue and invited any Greek Australian business, education institute or benefactor to sponsor a prize to help encourage young students to connect with their roots.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Stefanos Periharos-Drizos, a 63-year-old married, father-of-two, has been to many October 28th celebrations, including viewing the yearly procession of school children such as his own when they were younger.
He feels that the annual October 28th, ‘OXI’ Day, Greek national holiday is essentially a tribute to the Greek people – the ‘folks’ – rather than an acknowledgment of previous, or current, Greek political parties in power.
Born in Athens, with a heritage from Meligala, Messinia in the Peloponnese,
Stefanos’ views on October 28th are influenced by his historic frame of reference. His parents and acquaintances were part of Greece’s National Liberation Front (EAM) who were “an alliance of various political parties and organisations which fought to liberate Greece from Axis Occupation.”
The basis of the October 28th National Holiday began when, in the early hours of the 28th October 1940, the then-Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas declared ‘OXI’ (NO) to the Italian ambassador.
“Metaxas’ ‘OXI’ did not occur immediately, but after negotiations that had been going on for a while with other fascist governments beforehand,” Stefanos says.
Nonetheless, the Italian ambassador – a representative of Mussolini – on October 28th in 1940, expected confirmation from Prime Minister Metaxas for Mussolini’s fascist army to have access into and through Greece. This was refused by Metaxas, with the Greek people’s support.
“OXI Day is a celebration purely of the people for the people of Greece. No one guided or guides us in this. As Greeks we’re proud of our resistance to fascist bullying. We demanded our independence on this occasion – but also on a few others,” Stefanos expounds.
“For example, in 1821 with our liberation from the Ottomans thanks to patriotic leaders such as Kapodistrias, Kolokotronis, Karaiskakis, etc. And in 1944 with the Mountain Government (a Communist Party-dominated government established in Greece in 1944 in opposition to both the collaborationist and to the royal government-in-exile in Cairo).
“Apart from the 28th October 1940, these are the ‘other’ occasions in which the Greek people have been solely independent – not controlled by foreign interests such as those of the British and then the Americans and their Greek lackeys.”
I point out that upon hearing of Metaxa’s refusal to bow down to the Italian fascists, Greeks of all political persuasions were brought together in support of this ‘OXI’, showing unity.
Stefanos pauses and states, “not all Greeks, because many of them were locked up, exiled on the xeronisia (barren islands serving as prisons) and it wasn’t until the following year when more manpower was needed for the war front that these, mainly communists, escaped to fight for Greece’s independence.”
Proudly, he adds, “We, the Greeks, resisted the Axis fascist forces for more than triple the time of any other country before eventually being occupied; for 219 days, from October 28, 1940 to June 1941.
“[…] we must continue to celebrate the 28th October, the ‘OXI’ of all Greeks. If you let your history fade away, you have no memory of your culture. Our memory as Hellenes includes that we gave civilisation to all the world.”
‘OXI Day shows we are brave’
Vicky Nikolakopoulos, in her 50’s, is a Greek Australian who spends her time between Greece and Australia, particularly in the last few decades.
“The 28th of October National Holiday – OXI Day – shows who we are as Greeks: proud, patriotic, brave, and independent thinkers; the latter trait getting us into trouble, as we don’t usually unite. But for OXI Day we did, and do, just that. All of us – from our Prime Minister Metaxas back then in 1940 (although a dictator, a true patriot), down to villagers and urbanites of all ages,” Vicky says.
She expresses her enjoyment watching the October 28th parades in Greece.
“It really moves me how people of all ages get out into the streets and essentially celebrate our love of independence,” Vicky says.
Vicky Nikolakopoulos.
She adds that living in Greece has made her more aware of global history and politics which overall, didn’t seem part of her world in Australia.
“History here is everywhere. For example, in the importance of the olive trees of my relatives in their village. And not in the olives as… a ‘trendy’ hors d’oeuvres, but because in our history, we experienced much poverty and even starvation as a people, due to foreign occupations,” she says.
“Growing up in Australia, in the new world, the ‘lucky country,’ it took me a while to fathom why my parents were always going on about the importance of celebrating Greek historical events. But now I know why and feel it in my core, through being part of national celebrations like the 28th of October.
“I’m proud to be Greek and Greek Australian, and for me, the 28th of October is one of these symbolic events to be reminded, on a national and community level, of this love of freedom, of our culture, our history, our traditions, our uniqueness dating back from Antiquity.”
Regarding Greeks in Greece or Australia who choose to ignore the significance of October 28th, Vicky declares: “You can’t and shouldn’t ignore your history – which includes being united as Greeks regardless of political views. You know that old saying: ‘Divide and conquer’? As Greeks we should make sure we don’t allow disunity among us to occur – regardless of economic class. October 28th, OXI Day, serves as an important reminder of our bravery and bond as Greeks in the face of all that we have been through and is particularly relevant in today’s complicated and divisive world.”
Andriana Petrakis, a Greek Australian tennis athlete with an intellectual impairment, has been named finalist for South Australia’s ‘Young Australian of the Year Award.’
The athlete from Adelaide, South Australia is not only one of the top players in the world in the Intellectual Disability category (II-1), but she also serves as a role model of humanity and mental strength.
When Andriana was nine, her parents – unable to afford occupational therapy – saw tennis as an alternative to build her movement skills, hand eye coordination and social skills. Just over a decade later, Andriana represented Australia at the 2023 Virtus Global Games, the world’s largest elite sports event for athletes with an intellectual disability.
Photo: Sport Inclusion Australia.
Now an assistant coach with Tennis SA’s Pathway Program, Andriana hopes to inspire other young people with a disability to learn new skills, meet new people and apply themselves while also having fun.
Andriana shares her passion, positivity and understanding of autism as a public speaker. She is ranked number five internationally and number two in Australia in the women’s singles People with an Intellectual Impairment category. She was awarded Tennis SA’s Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability in 2023.
The Greek Herald closely follows the achievements of Andriana. The nomination is a great honour for Andriana, her family, and the Greek community in Australia.
Hollywood icon Anthony Hopkins has captivated the internet with a delightful video of him dancing the syrtaki, which he shared on his Instagram account.
The celebrated actor showcased his talent not in front of the camera, but on the dance floor, thrilling hundreds of thousands of viewers with his moves. At 86 years old, Hopkins radiated enthusiasm for Greek culture in the video, which features him energetically performing the well-known Greek dance.
Set to the beloved tune of “Zorba’s Dance” by Mikis Theodorakis, the clip highlights the joy and vibrancy of the syrtaki, further endearing the legendary actor to his audience.
The syrtaki marks a vital part of Greek folk culture and is often danced at celebrations and gatherings for weddings and other cultural events.
