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Greek Community of Melbourne urges Victorian Premier to endorse genocide motion

The Greek Herald
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Greek Community of Melbourne urges Victorian Premier to endorse genocide motion

In a letter to Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Bill Papastergiadis has urged the state government to back a proposed motion in the Legislative Council to formally recognise the genocides of Greek, Assyrian, and Armenian populations from 1915 to 1923.

Full letter in English:

Dear Premier,

I write to you on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and the community which we represent and serve.

I understand that the Victorian Greens intend moving a motion in the Legislative Council to recognise the 1915-1923 Greek, Assyrian and Armenian Genocides.

The GCM and the broader Victorian Greek community would like to express our strong and unequivocal support for the proposed motion which we encourage your Government to support.

We encourage you to show the same commitment and leadership that you have shown at other times such as with the recognition of past wrongs committed against the indigenous community including apologies for these injustices. This has helped in addressing intergenerational trauma of our indigenous communities. The proposed recognition of these genocides will address such trauma in Victoria’s Greek, Armenian and Assyrian communities.

The historical facts are accepted and well documented by respected academics and historians. They show that 3 million mainly Christians of Greek, Armenian and Assyrian ethnicities were the victims of these genocides. It is not only these community members that support the recognition of these genocides it also includes Christian denominations from across the State including the World Council of Churches and other Christian denominations that have written to you.

The established facts surrounding the genocides have also led to 34 nations around the world recognising them including, the US, France, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden. Many states within these nations have also recognised the genocides.

Many thousands of community members will congratulate you if Victoria becomes the next state to recognise the 1915-1923 genocides in their Parliament following New South Wales (1997), South Australia (2009) and Tasmania (2023). The Liberal Party has stated that they will support the motion if the Labor Party does. The motion should be supported as a matter of principle, and we urge you to do so on that basis.

It should be emphasised that this recognition is not anti-Turkish as some may claim. It is a necessary foundation for reconciliation between peoples by bringing the affected communities together to share their stories of suffering and move toward a future of understanding as we have done with our indigenous communities.

The debate and vote on this motion will be a defining moment for those who have been waiting for recognition and justice, and the way members vote will not go unnoticed.

We hope that you will support the motion and should you feel it appropriate and necessary, I stand ready along with other representatives of the Greek Community to meet with you to discuss it.

Finally, it should be noted that I write this letter in my capacity as President and on behalf of the of the GCM and not in my capacity as a VMC commissioner.

Yours Sincerely,

Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne

SA Premier joins Greek community in opening 2024 Greek Film Festival

Peter Tantalos
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SA Premier joins Greek community in opening 2024 Greek Film Festival

On Tuesday, October 22, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) launched the 2024 Greek Film Festival with the Premier of South Australia, the Honourable Peter Malinauskas MP, at the Palace Nova Cinemas in Prospect, Adelaide.

The near sold-out evening featured two screenings of the comedy Hear Who’s Talking featuring star Meletis Ilias, marking the beginning of a week celebrating Greek film. 

GOCSA President, Peter Gardiakos, expressed his gratitude to the Premier and all cinema-goers for taking the time to be at the event and added the importance of maintaining the film festival as a core part of the community calendar. 

“Film and cinema have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, educate us with history that describes our rich Greek heritage and its influence on our lives. So, as we gather to watch these films over the next six days, let’s embrace the power of storytelling, allowing ourselves to foster a deep connection and appreciation of our Greek heritage,” Mr Gardiakos said.

Premier Malinauskas began by outlining that “across generations [and] for a long period of time, [the Greek community] have made a bigger contribution to the cultural community we have globally, almost more than any other culture in history. And that is something you should all have a degree of pride in.” 

The Premier added, in a spirit of togetherness and looking ahead, that “…[W]hen we think about our history, it is appropriate to think about our future as well… I am aware, and have been paying a bit of attention recently to a significant decision that is before GOCSA and the community over the course of this weekend. It is not my place as Premier of South Australia to offer a view or to endorse a particular position. But can I say this. As a government, we are incredibly excited about the historic opportunity that is before the community, and I wish you all the very best in your deliberations and… the prospect of a single united Greek community representing the future of Greek/Hellenic culture in this state…”

Building on the Premier’s speech, the new Consul General of Greece in Adelaide Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou expressed her pride in celebrating “another manifestation of the Greek Orthodox Community’s modern and contemporary face… expressing a cultural aspect of our community [which is] very important for the new generations…” 

Attending the opening night were many members of the GOCSA community, cinephiles excited about the new offerings of Greek cinema, as well as distinguished guests including the Member for Adelaide, The Honourable Lucy Hood MP, representing the Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and the Arts, the Hon Andrea Michaels MP; the Honourable Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of SA; and Councillor Zoe Papafilopoulos, representing the Mayor of the City of West Torrens, Michael Coxon.

Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne releases Dimitria Festival 2024 program

The Greek Herald
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Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne releases Dimitria Festival 2024 program

The Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria have announced their much-anticipated Dimitria Festival 2024 program. 

The Dimitria Festival has been a cherished tradition among the Greek community, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and history of Macedonia. This annual event, held in honour of Saint Demetrius, the  patron saint of Thessaloniki, brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy a vibrant display of Macedonian traditions that have evolved over 2,500 years. 

This year’s program aspires to captivate a broader audience and extend its reach by partnering with a diverse array of organisations, including many beyond the Greek community.

Dimitria Festival 2024 seeks to embody the ancient Macedonian tradition of cultural connection and engagement, fostering a spirit of unity and inclusivity that transcends boundaries. 

The program is as follows: 

The President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Peter Stefanidis said: “Dimitria has always been a major part of Melbourne’s Greek cultural program.”

“[…] we believe that pivoting towards a more educational program coupled with festivals aimed at connecting with other cultures is what will keep Dimitria relevant in the coming years,” Mr Stefanidis added.

“The greatest aspect of Greek culture has always been how accessible it is to anyone who comes into contact with it. We are obligated to keep this tradition going if Melbourne is to remain Australia’s cultural capital.” 

The Dimitria closing festival is a joint collaboration with long-time member of PanMac, Heidelberg United FC. It will also be the association’s Christmas party, so expect the visit of a special guest.

Lobster Cave owner Bill Ferg faces nearly $1 million bankruptcy claim

The Greek Herald
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Lobster Cave owner Bill Ferg faces nearly $1 million bankruptcy claim

Owner of Melbourne’s renowned Lobster Cave restaurant, Vasilios Fergadiotis, widely known as Bill Ferg, is facing a bankruptcy claim of nearly $1 million related to the acquisition of a former business.

This action, initiated in the Federal Court, signifies a serious escalation in the financial difficulties of Ferg, who has operated The Lobster Cave in Beaumaris for nearly 40 years.

Ferg’s challenges have already resulted in multiple companies under his management collapsing into insolvency. His personal assets have thus far been shielded from these troubles, as the corporate structure provides protection for a director’s personal holdings, assuming there has been no breach of duties.

However, Former Green Earth Industries director Jesus (Harvey) Jimenez is pursuing Ferg’s personal assets as he seeks $930,000 he claims he is owed from the sale of a dairy and vegetable wholesaler to the hospitality veteran.

If Ferg is declared bankrupt, he will be forced to step down as director from his various companies, and hand over his shares.

Source: Herald Sun.

Greek-owned fashion retailer Harrolds goes into liquidation with $16 million debt

The Greek Herald
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Greek-owned fashion retailer Harrolds goes into liquidation with $16 million debt

Australian luxury fashion retailer Harrolds, renowned for attracting celebrities and showcasing some of the world’s most prestigious designers, has entered liquidation leaving behind debts of $16 million.

The company, which operated for nearly 40 years, was placed into liquidation in early October. Founded in 1985, the company opened its first store in Melbourne and became known as the Australian destination for high-end brands such as Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Balmain and Burberry.

As a Greek family-owned business, Harrolds held the distinction of being Australia’s only privately owned luxury department store.

Harrolds’ managing director Ross Poulakis said it was with “deep regret” the company had made a “difficult decision” to put the luxury retailer into liquidation.

Photo: Landini Associates.

“Despite our best efforts to adapt to the evolving economic environment, a combination of reduced luxury spending, decreased foot traffic, unprecedentedly high levels of CBD office vacancies and extremely unfavourable government policies has significantly impacted our ability to sustain operations,” Poulakis told The Daily Telegraph.

“Unfortunately the retail sector in Australia has been hit hard and like many other retailers before us in this period we have had to close our doors.”

SMB Advisory has been appointed as liquidators, with nearly 90 creditors collectively owed over $16 million. An initial report submitted to creditors and filed with ASIC reveals a number of high-profile names among the creditors.

Notably, Victoria Beckham’s company is owed $30,000, while two entities associated with Tom Ford have debts totaling $33,000. Additionally, American designer Thom Browne is listed with a significant debt of $253,000.

Other debts include just over $1,000 owed to Versace and $853 due to Stella McCartney.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

‘Ange & the Boss’ enjoys sold-out screenings at Melbourne Greek Film Festival

The Greek Herald
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‘Ange & the Boss’ enjoys sold-out screenings at Melbourne Greek Film Festival

Over the last week, a new sports documentary ANGE & THE BOSS has premiered before sold out cinema audiences in Sydney and Melbourne. The screenings are part of the Greek Film Festival and management at Melbourne’s Astor said it was the first time the iconic venue had been sold out in years.

ANGE & THE BOSS is focused on ‘The Boss’, the legendary Hungarian and Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskas who terrorised defenses in the 1950s and 60s, captaining the Magnificent Magyars to years of undefeated glory, and soring 83 goals in 84 internationals. As now Tottenham Manager Ange Postecoglou says at the start of the film, “if you’re having a poll of 100 journalists… 90% of them are having him in the top ten players of the last century.”

ange and the boss

But this film isn’t about the great Puskas’ well documented heyday. ANGE & THE BOSS focuses on the last leg of his amazing football life. In the late eighties he landed in Melbourne’s outer east, coaching clinics and a junior team in Keysborough, before finding his way to South Melbourne Hellas, where the team captained by Postecoglou won the 1991 championship in dramatic fashion.

“When I heard about this story ten years ago,” director-producer Tony Wilson says, “I was amazed I didn’t know anything about it. Surely Puskas living here should have been front page news? I figured if I didn’t know, others wouldn’t know either and it would be a good topic for a documentary.”

“Interviewing the players was a joy,” co-director Cam Fink says. “The love for Puskas and that magical era is still abundant.”

ange and the boss
ange and the boss

The Astor audience certainly shared that love. ANGE & THE BOSS is full of funny little stories — about food, training philosophies, translation foibles and the Postecoglou experience, driving the great man around in his 200B. But it also has sections dedicated to the Hungarian tragedy of 1956, and the great Greek migration of the 50s and 60s.

On Sunday, generations of Greeks and other migrant groups sat in a cinema with lumps in their throats as they watched black and white images of courageous men and women walking down gangplanks, looking for work, dancing in parks, making new lives. The photo of a five-year-old Postecoglou with his immigration number card is poignant.

ange and the boss

Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis, who is also South Melbourne Hellas Chairman, noted the film’s powerful message about community in his opening remarks to the Q & A. Mr Papastergiadis noted that “this story transcends football.”

“It talks about the migrant experience, its challenges, and successes. More importantly, it is a story of how migrants from Greece helped transform the lived experience of all Australians. In that process, they engaged with all the migrants in Australia and importantly the Hungarian Football King, Mr Puskas,” Papastergiadis added.

“This encapsulates the strength of our multiculturalism where we all gain from a shared experience.”

ange and the boss

Mr Papastergiadis then handed it over to Santo Cilauro, who organised a big ‘Hi Ange’ thousand-strong-selfie to send to his great friend in London.

When Socceroos’ and South Melbourne greats Paul Trimboli and Miki Petersen joined for the Q & A, the sold-out audience remained in its seats. This was a football film event, and now it had its footballers.

“Magical” is the word Petersen used for the Puskas era in the film, and Trimboli repeated it on stage. They were funny and deferential and gave more examples of Puskas’ relaxed easy manner. “Don’t make it any nervous,” Trimboli remembered was regular Puskas pregame instruction. “Don’t need it!”

ange and the boss

At the end of proceedings, all the Puskas era South players in the theatre descended on the stage – Peter Tsolakis, Kimon Taliadoris, Michael Michalopoulos. We also saluted Val Kopasz, who with her husband Arpi, owned the garden supply and looked after the man they called ‘Öcsi. [Little Brother’].

The event concluded with hugs and shared memories in the foyer. Trimboli and the other players signed autographs and posed for photos. “How can we show our parents? When will it be on again?” was the popular refrain. At the moment, the filmmakers are hamstrung by the cost of license fees for a wider release. But if the response to the premiere is any indication, ANGE & THE BOSS is headed for the back of the net and will enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Ange & The Boss will have one more outing as part of the Greek Film Festival, 4pm Saturday at Palace Balwyn.

Greek flag to fly in Canterbury-Bankstown City to honour OXI Day

The Greek Herald
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Greek flag to fly in Canterbury-Bankstown City to honour OXI Day

Canterbury-Bankstown Councillors have voted to fly the Greek flag in recognition of the annual OXI Day celebrations.

Councillors unanimously endorsed a Notice of Motion at last night’s Council Meeting (Tuesday, October 22) to fly the flag at Bankstown, Campsie and Earlwood.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said Greek culture is a meaningful part of the City’s rich diversity.

“We’re lucky to have so many different cultures to celebrate in CBCity and we’ll be raising the Greek flag in honour of our wonderful Greek and Cypriot community,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“The Greek community has contributed so much to the City. It’s a community that thrives on hard work and a commitment to family and boasts some of Australia’s leading entrepreneurs, businessmen and academics.”

greek flag canterbury bankstown
Greek flag raised at Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre. File photo.

Observed each year, OXI Day (also referred to as Ohi or Ochi) is also known as “Day of No.” The day commemorates General Ioannis Metaxas’ refusal to Italy’s Benito Mussolini to give free access for Italian troops to invade and occupy strategic areas of Greece during World War II. This ultimately led to Greece’s involvement in the war on the side of the Allies.

OXI Day is a cherished national holiday celebrated on October 28 annually in Greece, Cyprus and by their ancestral communities worldwide, which sees streets and homes decorated with the Greek flag and communities observing parades and services.

Mayor El-Hayek said Greek Australians make up the seventh-largest ethnic group in the country, with more than 22,000 calling Canterbury-Bankstown home.

Earlwood boasts more than 7,000 residents of Greek ancestry, one of the largest Greek communities in Australia.

Pontian Federation calls on Victorian Premier to support motion for genocide recognition

The Greek Herald
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Pontian Federation calls on Victorian Premier to support motion for genocide recognition

The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia have sent a letter to Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan calling on her to support a proposed motion to bring Victoria in line with other states of Australia who have recognised the Genocide of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek people.

In the letter, the Federation said “many thousands of Victorians will congratulate you [the Premier] if Victoria becomes the next state to recognise the 1915-1923 genocides in their Parliament.”

Full letter in English:

pontian federation victorian premier genocide recognition
pontian federation victorian premier genocide recognition

Nod to King Charles III’s Greek roots at community barbeque in Parramatta

Andriana Simos
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Nod to King Charles III’s Greek roots at community barbeque in Parramatta

“They’re just like us,” Andrew Hardjchari said after meeting with Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at a community barbecue hosted by NSW Premier Chris Minns at Parramatta Park on Tuesday, October 22.

Andrew co-owns Aril Estate with his brother Dimitris, and he was one of many regional NSW produce stalls on display showcasing organic and sustainable produce. His stall showcased traditional Greek and Mediterranean products such as naturally fermented table olives, extra virgin olive oils, and pomegranate syrups, molasses and jams.

“It was wonderful meeting them. The Queen knew her stuff. I was speaking with her about all the olive oil products we sell and she said ‘I’m familiar with them’ and I thought ‘wow they’re just like us. They like the same stuff we do’,” Andrew told The Greek Herald on the day.

king charles in australia
Andrew Hardjchari co-owns Aril Estate with his brother Dimitris. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Chris Zournazidis, General Manager at Beef Producers Australia, said he was honoured to be at the event and showcasing his Manning Valley Naturally grass-fed beef to Their Majesties.

“My little backstory is that my yiayia actually cooked fasolada for Prince Phillip back in 1954, so 70 years ago,” Chris said.

king charles in australia
Chris Zournazidis, General Manager at Beef Producers Australia.

On the day, the King and Queen also met with a long list of inspiring Australians including the police hero of the Bondi Junction shootings, Detective Inspector Amy Scott; author and actor Anh Do; Olympian Noemie Fox and singer Casey Donovan. The Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Father Christophoros Krikelis was also present.

king charles in australia

School students were a highlight of the King’s walk through the barbecue, with His Majesty stopping at a Greater Sydney Parklands Mandala exhibit and exclaiming “that looks nice” as the Queen showed off a nature crown on her head created by the nearby youth.

king charles in australia
king charles in australia

The King and Queen later had a go on the tongs at the BBQ, with the King snapping the tongs, saying “they’re long aren’t they,” drawing laughter from everyone gathered.

At the Mediterranean BBQ stall, the General Manager of MISC Parramatta Sebastian Khouri said he was excited to promote Parramatta’s multiculturalism to the King and Queen. 

“I think, the same way that Australia opened its doors to so many cultures, we’re taking the Australian classic and switching it on its feet a little bit and adding the flavours of Parramatta into it,” Sebastian said.

General Manager of MISC Parramatta Sebastian Khouri with his team.
king charles in australia

During the Royal Agricultural Society sheepdog display, the King and Queen looked on in amusement as the sheep were herded by dogs around a scrambling media scrum trying to avoid getting in their path.

Chris Zournazidis, General Manager at Beef Producers Australia,

In a speech, His Majesty praised the food on display at the stalls and the city’s multiculturalism.

“Being here in Western Sydney gives me an opportunity see first hand what I have heard about before, and that is the Parramatta and the region around it has become one of the most dynamic, enterprising and culturally diverse communities in the world,” he said.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Significant appointments approved at Holy Eparchial Synod of Australia session

The Greek Herald
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Significant appointments approved at Holy Eparchial Synod of Australia session

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) convened under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia on Tuesday, October 22, following the recent visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the country.

The meeting featured both administrative actions and meaningful reflections on His All-Holiness’ historic visit.

The session commenced with an inaugural prayer, after which Archbishop Makarios and the Bishops present extended their wishes for the health and longevity of the Ecumenical Patriarch, marking the 33rd anniversary of His All-Holiness’ election to the Apostolic and Ecumenical Throne of Constantinople. They also expressed profound gratitude for the Patriarch’s visit.

Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia. Photo: Parish of Saint Nicholas Marrickville.

Archbishop Makarios proposed two important appointments at the meeting, both of which received unanimous approval. Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia was named Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, while Archdeacon Athinagoras Karakonstantakis was appointed Deputy Secretary. These selections aim to enhance the administrative efficiency of the Synod.

Following these appointments, the meeting addressed various agenda items, making necessary decisions on multiple matters. The Synod is scheduled to reconvene today, October 23, to continue its discussions and decision-making process.

Source: Orthodox Times.

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