Greece’s Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) has levied a fine of 40,000 euros (approximately 64,639 AUD) against the ruling New Democracy (ND) party. The decision made on Tuesday, October 22, stemmed from the party’s inadequate measures to safeguard the personal data of numerous Greeks living abroad, following an inquiry related to the “email-gate” scandal.
The investigation was prompted by complaints from expatriate Greeks in March, who alleged that former New Democracy MEP Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou sent unsolicited emails in advance of the European Parliament elections scheduled for June.
In addition to the fine imposed on ND, the PDPA ordered two former party officials to each pay 10,000 euros (16,158 AUD). Nikos Theodoropoulos, the former Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, and Menios Koromilas, the Organising Secretary of Local Government and Crisis Management, were penalised for using and leaking a list of approximately 25,000 voters to Asimakopoulou.
Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou. Photo: Ekathimerini.
The PDPA cleared former Interior Ministry General Secretary Michalis Stavrianoudakis of wrongdoing, determining that the data leak from the ministry originated from an unidentified individual. Stavrianoudakis had resigned after the leak came to light.
Furthermore, the PDPA issued a substantial 400,000-euro fine (646,232 AUD) to the Ministry of Interior, along with the 40,000-euro penalty for Asimakopoulou due to their respective breaches of data protection laws. Asimakopoulou has appealed the fine, arguing that it is excessive.
Criminal investigation is ongoing over possible violations of personal data regulations.
A heartbreaking list has been publicised for the first time, detailing 64 women who have gone missing or been murdered along the NSW North Coast since the 1970s.
This chilling compilation highlights the brutal fate of these women, many of whom disappeared without a trace or were victims of violent crimes over a span of 30 years. Investigators suggest that one or more serial killers may have been operating in the region during this time.
Among those listed as unsolved cases is Maria Karakatsanis, a woman who vanished from Mooney Mooney on the Central Coast in 1983. Maria’s age remains unknown, and she is one of the many missing and murdered women whose fate has yet to be determined.
Despite extensive investigations, her disappearance continues to haunt the community, raising concerns about the potential involvement of serial offenders in the tragic events that unfolded along the NSW North Coast.
For the third year in a row, the local community gathered in Burwood on Sunday, October 20 to enjoy Fuse Fest – a celebration of multiculturalism organised by Youth In Action, the youth group of The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District Saint Nectarios.
The event featured the sounds and colours of seven different cultures, with dancing groups from across Sydney performing to support the event – representing Greece, Cyprus, Ireland, Sri Lanka, China, Iran and Bulgaria – as well as contemporary dancing.
There were also market stalls, food stalls and a youth activity hub for all to enjoy.
“We started this event in 2022 with two key aims – to celebrate our diverse and vibrant community and showcase different cultures, and to raise funds for Lucas Gardens School in Canada Bay, which provides educational programs for students with intellectual and physical disabilities, sensory impairments and complex medical conditions,” says Nicole Economos, Youth In Action Coordinator, who is also on the Board of the Parish and Community.
“It was a wonderful day with fantastic dance groups gracing our stage. The costumes were beautiful and their performances were so vibrant and enjoyed by all. Everyone had a great day and we are so grateful for the enthusiasm and support from all the performers, as well as the local community.
“We’re so happy to confirm that we raised $2,387 for Lucas Gardens School to purchase special play equipment for the students to interact in the playground. We are so proud of the efforts of our youth through this initiative and for their commitment and compassion towards such an important cause.”
Fuse Fest was proudly sponsored by Multicultural NSW through its Stronger Together Events and Festivals Grant, with support from Burwood Council.
The Relieving Principal of Lucas Gardens School Wendy du Plessis also addressed the audience, explaining the work of the school and expressing her deep gratitude for Youth In Action’s support.
Through Fuse Fest 2022, Youth In Action raised $3,088 for the school – enabling the purchase of a Gravity Relaxation Chair to support students who use wheelchairs, giving them the opportunity to sit in a more comfortable position in the classroom during their school day. Through Fuse Fest 2023, Youth In Action raised a further $4,150 to support the School’s needs – the purchase of iPads and special software to help the mainly non-verbal students to better communicate with their teachers.
“This year’s contribution brings Youth In Action’s total fundraising for Lucas Gardens School to $9,625, which is a wonderful achievement from our young people,” Nicole says.
“We are so grateful to all the performers who shared their time and their talents with us to support this event. We were also so proud to have seven different cultures represented this year, along with contemporary dancing.”
The day included performances from:
Sydney Chinese Drum Art Troupe (Chinese)
Belinda’s art of dance (contemporary)
Sri Lankan Dance Academy of Sydney (Sri Lankan)
Greek Dance Rhythms (traditional and contemporary Greek)
The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney held a fundraiser Taverna Night on Friday, October 18 at Yiamas restaurant in St Peters, Sydney.
The event was held to help raise funds for the beautiful handmade costumes and tiaras that will be used for the Lyceum’s upcoming “Women of Byzantium” production on November 24. The event is being held to mark the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, under the auspices of the Greek Foreign Ministry and the University of New South Wales.
“Women of Byzantium” is a multi-faceted production which explores the lives of nine women from the Byzantine era who changed the course of history, in the most difficult times in a completely male-dominated society. There will also be a Q&A session moderated by Dr Vasilis Adrahtas from UNSW.
There were over 150 people present at the taverna night, including a lot of young adults who wanted to support the culture and values the Lyceum has.
A lot of new people who had not known very much about the Lyceum attended and were impressed with what the Lyceum has done.
One young couple anonymously gave $500 in honour of their parents who loved Greek language and history. The couple were 4th and 5th generation Greek and wanted to maintain the culture.
Theo Maras, a prominent South Australian property developer and former GOCSA president, has issued an open letter to members of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), urging them to vote for unity in the upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). The EGM, scheduled for 27 October 2024, will decide on key motions that could align GOCSA with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, ending a long-standing schism. Members will be asked to vote on proposed constitutional amendments related to GOCSA’s management of assets and ecclesiastical affiliation.
Mr Maras, who has long been deeply engaged in issues affecting the Greek community in South Australia and GOCSA, has been a dedicated supporter of the community for many years.
In his letter, Mr Maras emphasises the importance of overcoming the longstanding division for the benefit of future generations.
Theo Maras’ open letter:
Dear Members,
As a former President of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, I feel compelled to reach out to you at this pivotal moment in our history.
For 64 years, we have endured division due to a schism that has weakened our community and distanced us from our fellow Hellenes here in South Australia.
This weekend presents a crucial opportunity to heal those wounds, move beyond the past, and embrace a future that unites all Greek people in South Australia, rooted in our proud heritage.
This decision is bigger than us.
It is about the legacy we leave for our children and future generations. Our divided churches cannot provide the strength, love, and guidance our children need, and it is unfair to pass this burden onto them.
By uniting our Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Orthodox faith, we can give them a strong foundation to build their lives upon, grounded in faith, community, and shared purpose, as any family should be.
I urge you to attend this weekend’s meeting and vote to end this division once and for all. I fully support the proposed motions and will be voting YES on all resolutions and motions put forward on Sunday, 27 October.
Let us show that we are stronger together, and that the bonds of love and faith are far greater than any differences.
By voting in favour, we are choosing reconciliation, strength, and a future filled with hope and prosperity.
Together, we can close this painful chapter and begin a new era—one where our Church stands united, ready to guide and nurture future generations, and where our community reclaims its role as the unified voice of Greek South Australians.
Sincerely,
THEO MARAS AM
The upcoming vote will be crucial for GOCSA’s future and its potential unity with the Archdiocese. If passed, it will mark a historic moment for GOCSA, bringing an end to decades of division.
The first episode in Dementia Australia’s Hold the Moment podcast series explores the experience of receiving a dementia diagnosis and discusses how accessing support and information early can be life changing.
In the episode Jim Rogers, a 57-year-old living with younger onset dementia, shares how it felt to be diagnosed with his co-host, journalist and Dementia Australia Ambassador Hamish Macdonald.
“I was shocked. It was almost an out-of-body experience, it was as though time stood still,” Mr Rogers said.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to seek support after receiving a diagnosis of dementia.
“I implore all general practitioners and healthcare professionals involved in dementia diagnosis to direct all their patients to Dementia Australia for support and information.
“Their support absolutely turned my life around and I hope this podcast helps others to know there is help available.”
People living with younger onset dementia have received a diagnosis under the age of 65. In 2024, it is estimated there are almost 29,000. This is expected to rise to almost 41,000 people by 2054.
Dr Marita Long, Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor and general practitioner reiterates this call.
“I encourage all my colleagues to refer patients of any age, with any concerns or questions about dementia to Dementia Australia to access support and services,” Dr Long said.
“Dementia Australia’s Referrer Kit is a great start and is easily found on their website.”
The episode also features Catherine Daskalakis, a 57-year-old Sydney kindergarten teacher, who shares the frightening experience that led to her own diagnosis and what gives her hope in the dark moments.
“Not in my wildest dreams did I think I had Alzheimer’s disease.” Mrs Daskalakis said.
Since her diagnosis, Catherine has become determined to live well with dementia and share her story, reducing the stigma and highlighting that dementia does not just impact elderly people.
“I wanted to share my story, and if I could just give that one person hope, I have done my job.” Mrs Daskalakis said.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said with more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, a figure that is expected to double by 2054 it is vital that people know to contact Dementia Australia for support and for health care professionals to refer their patients to Dementia Australia for ongoing support and information.
Nearly a year after the statewide ban on mobile phones in schools, it has been overwhelmingly praised as a success by close to 1,000 school leaders. Principals express their relief at being able to “protect a whole generation” of children from the distractions and addiction associated with screen time.
Year 11 Ashfield Boys’ High School students and soccer championship winners Isaiah Cham, Joe Dempsey-Martin, Ali Abilba and Zac Argiratos revealed that they used to spend as much as five hours a day on social media and gaming on their phones before the recent ban.
“For the first couple of days you’re kind of stumped – you don’t know really know what to do (during breaks without phones),” Zac told The Daily Telegraph.
“You’ve got this extra hour in your day, so what do you fill it up with? It took us a couple of days to realise we have a field.”
Principals like Ashfield Boys’ High School’s Dwayne Hopwood (centre) have been thrilled to see the impact of mobile phone bans on their students. Photo: Tom Parrish.
In a survey conducted by the Department of Education involving 968 primary and high school principals, an impressive 95 percent supported the mobile phone ban at their schools.
When asked about its effects on students, 87 percent of the 204 secondary school principals surveyed noted a reduction in classroom distractions, with 68 percent stating the situation had improved “a lot.”
Social interactions among students have also seen positive changes, according to 86 percent of principals, and more than half reported that student learning has become “a lot better” since the ban was implemented.
Overall, four out of five principals observed improvements, while only 19 percent indicated no change, reported a decline in student learning, or chose not to respond.
Young batsman Sam Konstas faced a setback in his bid for Test selection, failing to capitalise on a golden opportunity during the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.
Seen as a potential contender for the opening spot following impressive twin centuries against South Australia, Konstas struggled on day two, ultimately dismissed for just four runs.
Konstas, along with star teammate Steve Smith, encountered a formidable Victorian bowling attack after NSW found themselves in a precarious position at 5-83. While batting in familiar MCG conditions, he was trapped lbw by Scott Boland. Despite his protests that the ball was heading down the leg side, the umpire ruled against him, further complicating his push for a spot in the Australian Test lineup.
As the latest top-order candidate to falter, Konstas joins a list of players vying for the position left vacant by the injured Cameron Green. His performance was particularly disappointing given that he had been named in the Australia A team for an upcoming match against India A.
While other contenders like Marcus Harris, Beau Webster, and Nathan McSweeney also struggled, Konstas had the chance to solidify his position but instead left the field with questions lingering about his readiness for international cricket.
With NSW facing a significant first-innings deficit, the pressure is on Konstas to deliver in future matches if he hopes to secure his place in the Test squad.
A multitude of Victorian community organisations and local constituents have expressed support for a proposed Motion to recognise the Genocide of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks which is expected to be tabled in the Victorian Parliament later this month.
According to sources, a wide range of groups from diverse multicultural, ethnic communities and religious organisations have expressed support for the Motion.
Indicative of the breadth of such support, Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Mornington Chris Crewther recently stated: “I believe it is critical to acknowledge this to honour the victims, survivors and their descendants and to ensure that it never happens again.”
Dean Kalimniou.
Dean Kalimniou, a member of the Joint Justice Initiative, comprised of members of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek communities who have been campaigning for the recognition of the Genocide in Victoria and who have spearheaded the move for the Motion, in a letter on behalf of the Panepirotic Federation of Australia to parliamentarians pointed out:
“[T]he motion honours every day Victorians who stood up during one of the darkest chapters in modern history, including the Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sir David Hennessey, Victorian Captain Stanley Savige, who played a key role in saving tens of thousands of Assyrians and Armenians; and Ballarat-born George Devine Treloar and Melbourne resident Joice Nankivell Loch, who resettled tens of thousands of survivors of the Greek Genocide.”
The world’s best tennis players are set for some thrilling match ups at the third edition of the United Cup, the innovative mixed teams event in Perth and Sydney from Friday, 27 December to Sunday, 5 January 2025.
Staged against a picturesque Sydney Harbour backdrop, 18 countries were drawn into six groups of three teams at the official draw on Monday.
Todd Woodbridge, Casey Dellacqua and Lleyton Hewitt assisted with the official proceedings, while John Fitzgerald and Alicia Molik attended the United Cup draw event at The Ritz-Carlton at Elizabeth Quay in Perth.
Perth
Top seeds Team USA, led by 2023 US Open champion and world No.3 Coco Gauff and world No.6 and US Open finalist Taylor Fritz will headline Group A at RAC Arena in Perth, alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez’s Team Canada and a third team to be confirmed in November.
Third seeds Team Greece, led by popular duo Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, both former world No.3s, have been drawn into Group C. Kazakhstan featuring world No.5 Elena Rybakina and Team Spain also feature.
Team China’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games singles gold medallist Zheng Qinwen and Zhang Zhizhen headline Group E alongside defending United Cup champions Germany, led by world No.3 Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund, and Brazil’s world No.10 Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Photo by Stefan Gosatti / Tennis Australia.Photo: Stefan Gosatti / Tennis Australia.Photo: Stefan Gosatti / Tennis Australia.
Sydney
Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz’s Team Poland top Group B in Sydney. They will face Czechia’s Karolina Muchova and Tomas Machac and Casper Ruud’s Team Norway.
Group D will feature this year’s Roland Garros and Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini and Flavio Cobolli of Team Italy and France’s Ugo Humbert and Diane Parry. Team Switzerland complete the group with Belinda Bencic, who returns to professional tennis after giving birth to her daughter Bella in April, alongside Dominic Stricker.
Team Australia, led by Alex de Minaur and Olivia Gadecki, return to Sydney as part of Group F. They will face No.6 seeds Great Britain, featuring debutant Jack Draper and Katie Boulter. A third team, to also be confirmed in November, completes the group.
Lleyton Hewitt said, “To play in Sydney is pretty exciting for Alex, he loves playing on Ken Rosewall Arena, we know how well he plays out there, so it’s a good opportunity.”
“Alex always plays well on Ken Rosewall Arena, he gets the home crowd advantage out there as well. Hopefully he can push deep … get as many matches as possible through the United Cup and give himself the best preparation for the Australian Open,” Hewitt added.
Photos by Tennis Australia.
United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow said the draw for 2025 will see some of the biggest names in world tennis play the United Cup across Perth and Sydney.
“Everyone who plays this event absolutely loves the experience,” Farrow said.
“It’s the perfect way to acclimatise to the Australian conditions. They enjoy being here and you can also see from the intensity on court how much it matters to them to win it as well.”
Western Australia Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Hon. Rita Saffioti said she was pleased to once-again be hosting the prestigious tennis event.
“With the United Cup returning for its third year, we’re thrilled to see it once again attracting visitors from across Australia, while giving our local community the chance to witness their favourite international players battle it out right here at RAC Arena,” Saffioti said.
“Events like the United Cup reinforce Western Australia’s status as a premier destination for major sporting and cultural experiences, shining a spotlight on our beautiful state for the world to see.”
Photo: Matt King / Tennis Australia.Photo: Stefan Gosatti / Tennis Australia.Lleyton Hewitt and Casey Dellacqua take part in the 2025 United Cup Official Draw during the 2025 United Cup Official Draw at Foundation Hall, Museum of Contemporary Art on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Matt King / Tennis Australia.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said he was delighted to kick start the summer with the exciting United Cup.
“This tournament has become a staple on the NSW sporting calendar, providing fans with a fantastic opportunity to watch established and emerging stars, inspiring the next generation of tennis players,” Kamper said.
“The excitement and atmosphere of the United Cup again confirms Sydney’s undeniable spot as the premier sporting destination of the Asia Pacific and I am once again looking forward to thrilling competition.”
The tournament schedule will be released on Tuesday, 22 October with tickets to the United Cup group stage on sale from 5.00pm local time in each host city.
