Owner and director of GJK Facility Services, George Stamas, and his wife Jaqui Maree, have been revealed as the mystery buyers of Australia’s priciest one-bedroom apartment, purchasing the ocean-view unit overlooking Bondi Beach for an impressive $11 million.
The couple made their decision swiftly after spotting the “for sale” sign while having lunch at the renowned Icebergs restaurant, located just across the road on Notts Avenue.
Selling agents Alexander Phillips and Vince Licata from PPD noted that the Melbourne-based buyers acted quickly to secure the luxury apartment.
“The buyers spotted the apartment when they were at Icebergs for lunch,” Mr Phillips told Financial Review. “We showed them the apartment the next day, and that was it.”
The designer unit with panoramic views of Bondi Beach was first listed for $14.5 million auction guide through another agency in January, but the price was reduced and the speedy deal negotiated by PPD on behalf of vendor Darrell Grundy.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla touched down in Sydney on Friday night for their first full day of engagements during their royal tour. The atmosphere was lively, with chargrilled asparagus being served and an hourglass presented to the New South Wales parliament.
On Sunday, the day’s events kicked off with a church service where the royal couple interacted with Sunday school children and were warmly welcomed by members of the public.
King Charles then proceeded on his own to deliver a speech at the NSW parliament before meeting the Governor-General at Admiralty House, located along the picturesque banks of Sydney Harbour.
Photo: Keana Naughton / ABC News.
As King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived for a service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, they were greeted by a crowd of hundreds, including many children who waited eagerly with an array of gifts. The Queen donned a pale green dress and straw hat, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Among the crowd, Helen Hetrelezis and her brothers, who arrived almost three hours before the church service allowing them to talk to Queen Camilla.
“We spoke about her visit. I asked the Queen about her stay, she said she was enjoying Sydney very much,” Ms Hetrelezis said.
Dozens of dockworkers in Greece have taken a stand against the Gaza war by blocking the loading of a container filled with 21 tonnes of ammunition destined for Israel.
The event occurred at Piraeus port, after the container arrived from North Macedonia on Thursday, September 17, was scheduled to be loaded onto a Marshall Islands-flagged ship.
The dockworkers’ union had previously called for a protest against the shipment, urging its members to prevent the transfer of weapons that would be used in the ongoing conflict.
“It’s time to shout loudly that we won’t allow Piraeus port to become a war springboard,” the union stated on Facebook. “We fight for peace… no to Greece’s participation in the war!”
🚨🚨🚨🚨 WE DID IT!
After workers of Piraeus all night blocked the #israel container the ship "Marla BULL" departed WITHOUT the weapons
The people can win! From Greece From the world #Palestine is not alone!
Photos shared on social media showed union members with flares and messages sprayed on a truck, one of which read: “Murderers, get out of the port.”
While Greece has supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, the country has also demanded an immediate ceasefire to address what it has termed an “unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe.”
As a result of the blockade, the truck with the cargo is currently held by port authorities, and an investigation has been initiated. An arrest warrant has been issued for a union leader involved in the protest, despite the container possessing a valid transit permit, according to officials.
Eva Nathena is one of the most renowned Greek set and costume designers, celebrated for her creativity and artistic approach, evident in many major productions. She has collaborated with some of the most prestigious names in the arts. Her career is marked by a sensitivity to detail and artistic expression. Her ability to blend tradition with modern aesthetics is one of the key elements that distinguishes her in the world of art.
Born in Heraklion, Crete, she studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts, with Chronis Botsoglou as her painting instructor and Giorgos Ziakas as her set design tutor. Dionysis Fotopoulos served as her mentor. She is a multifaceted personality, always interesting to talk to, as she avoids clichés and brings originality to every conversation. Through her words, you understand why she has reached such a high level, even though achieving this was never her ultimate goal.
In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald ahead of the screening of The Murderess at the upcoming Greek Film Festival in October, she shared her thoughts. This 2023 Greek production, directed by her and written by Katerina Bei, is based on the novel by Alexandros Papadiamantis.
She discussed the film’s selection for this year’s Academy Awards, what she thought when she said that The Murderess wasn’t destined to become a huge success, and what she has regretted in life. She also shared her greatest dream and sent a message to the Greek community in Australia.
The Murderess has been selected to represent Greece at this year’s Academy Awards. How do you feel?
I received the news while in New York at the Greek Film Festival. I immediately wanted to speak with my producer, Dionysis Samiotis, because at no point in this journey was I alone. It was never just ‘me’. It was always ‘us’.
You’ve previously stated that The Murderess wasn’t destined to be a huge success and that it wouldn’t be a film watched by many people. In the end, you were proven wrong—spectacularly. What didn’t you anticipate?
I didn’t expect that the majority of tickets would be sold to young people—students and university-goers! In hindsight, I have an explanation: I spent years trying to master Papadiamantis’ complex language. After countless readings, I realised he embedded soundscapes into his language. I recorded these in a unique, almost obsessive score, which later became visual landscapes. Today’s youth, more than ever, are children of imagery. I believe they connected with the film’s visuals, understanding much more than perhaps adults did.
Your film will be screened at the Greek Film Festival. What impression will it leave on the expatriates who choose to come and watch it?
Some say it’s a heavy, harsh film. But it’s not the film that’s harsh; it’s the truth it contains. I say that when you recognise something, you acknowledge it, understand it, and bring it to light, leading to redemption and catharsis. I always wish the audience to connect with the movie—not to enjoy it. This isn’t a film to be enjoyed.
Eva Nathena.
A girl from Heraklion, born and raised in the countryside, with a father who wanted her to be a doctor or a lawyer, but whose artistic talent inevitably led her down another path. Was it fate?
Creating this film felt like a life’s mission—not necessarily mine, but one I was determined to see through. I could have taken any role behind the camera as long as I saw it come to life. If that’s what you mean by fate, then I suppose it was.
If you could look back on your life and career, is there anything you regret or wish you’d done differently?
In my career, I don’t think I have any regrets. In life, perhaps the only thing I would have liked is to have had more children.
What is your greatest professional dream?
It’s not a professional dream in the narrow sense of the term. It’s to complete something I started years ago when I went to teach in prisons. I want to finish it with a film, that’s what I mean.
How would you like to be remembered when you eventually retire?
I don’t know. I’d like my children to remember me as a good mother. And my friends and colleagues to do the same. My desire for personal legacy is quite modest.
Finally, what message would you like to send to the Greeks of Australia?
Stay connected with films. With art in general. Art conquers even our transgressive selves. I’ve seen it perform miracles! That’s the message I try to pass on to people, even to my students in prison. Thank you.
Archaeologist Daphne Martin (nee Zafeirakou) is proud of her Spartan roots. Although she was born in Paris, France, Daphne is based in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. Last month, she was in Australia to present a talk at the University of Sydney in the Chau Chak Wing Museum that has 600 various objects of Greek origin.
She spoke with The Greek Herald about her love of archaeology, especially the ancient world of Sparta, her mission to put Sparta back on the map, and how she is working towards a book on the material construction of identity in Sparta and Laconia, prior to the Persian Wars.
What part of Greece are your parents from?
My mum grew up in Sparta and our village is Karyes, Lakonia, the home of the caryatids, according to Pausanias.
What prompted you to study archaeology as a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge?
I became truly enamored with the ancient world from the age of about 14, I would say. Going to Sparta every summer, I was perplexed why the ancient ruins weren’t receiving any attention in comparison to the Acropolis. I made it my mission to put Sparta back on the map, and that’s what drove me to undertake my undergraduate degree in Classics and History of Art at Yale University (USA) and then to pursue and complete my PhD at the University of Cambridge on the material culture of Sparta and Laconia.
Photo by Julian Woods. Visiting archaeologist Dr Martin at the University of Sydney.
What was your thesis about?
My thesis is about the material construction of identity in Sparta and Laconia, prior to the Persian Wars. Through focusing on archaeological evidence, I show a new side of Sparta, beyond stereotypes of an austere and warfare-oriented society. I also shed light on overlooked groups such as the perioikoi, and try to understand how they created and preserved their own communities all around Laconia (similarly to the villages which dot the Laconian landscapes today, and each have their own character and sense of community).
I’m now working on turning this into a book and hope I will be able to share my discoveries both with the scholarly community and broader public.
When was the first time you did a dig? Where was it and was anything uncovered?
The first time I did in dig was Sparta (fittingly!). I had the opportunity to ‘shadow’ Greek archaeologists from the Laconian Ephorate of Antiquities as a high schooler, while they conducted excavations on Sparta’s acropolis as part of a restoration to make the site presentable for locals and tourists.
I remember being so excited to find a boar’s tooth – and learning from them that wild boars still roam the Taygetus mountain range to this day. I found that to be such a powerful and inspiring connection between Laconia’s stunning flora and fauna in antiquity and in modern times. Something that I think needs to be talked about more is not only the preservation of Laconia’s antiquities, but also its spectacular natural environment.
Chau Chak Wing Museum. Photo by Julian Woods.
Where else have you been a part of an archaeological dig?
I have also worked at the Mycenaean settlement of Mygdalia Hill near Patras; the site of Eleutherna on Crete; the site of Molyvoti in Northern Thrace; the Amykles Research Project, a major sanctuary to Apollo outside of Sparta; the site of Selinunte on Sicily; and participating in a Cambridge field survey on Samos.
Describe why you were involved with the University of Sydney recently.
I was the William Ritche Visiting Fellow at the University of Sydney. I worked with Professor Tamar Hodos (Director of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens) on theoretical approaches to the circulation of material culture in the 1st millenium BCE Mediterranean.
During my time in Sydney, we organised a conference titled ‘Tracing Globalisation’ and got to exchange exciting ideas with colleagues from institutions around Australia and New Zealand. This is part of my planned postdoctoral research on Sparta’s links to the broader Mediterranean.
While in Sydney, I wanted to find a way to share my research on Laconian art and archaeology with the Greek community. Candace Richards (curator at the Chau Chak Wing Museum) and I came up with this idea for doing a gallery talk and interactive object handling session focused on Laconian objects in the collection.
Ancient Theatre (Sparta). Supplied D. Martin
Is there much of a demand to be an archaeologist in 2024?
You’d be surprised! It’s definitely a small world, where everyone sort of knows each other, especially in the context of Greek archaeology. I think what’s exciting about archaeology in the 21st century is the immense opportunities offered by digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence. I’m very excited to see how the field continues to evolve and develop over the coming decades, and hopefully I get to be part of it.
Olive trees on the Acropolis (Ancient Sparta). Supplied by D Martin
When is your next dig?
I’m actually paying a visit to the University of Sydney/AAIA’s Zagora project on Andros when I’m back in Greece later in September. This is a fantastic project sponsored by the Australian Archaeological Institute in Athens, and co-directed by Dr. Paul Donnelly, Dr Stavros Paspalas, and Prof Lesley Beaumont examining a unique and extensive Iron Age Settlement on the Cycladic Island. Other than that, I am planning to continue working on digs in Sparta and Samos for summers to come!
Ada Nicodemou, star of Home and Away, is backing the Unplug24 campaign, a movement encouraging people to step away from social media for 24 hours on October 24, according to The Advertiser.
This initiative, created by Wayne Holdsworth, honours his son Mac, who tragically took his own life in 2023 after being harassed online.
Nicodemou, a mother of a 12-year-old, is concerned about the impact of social media as her son approaches his teenage years. Talking to The Advertiser, she acknowledges the dangers of online bullying, sextortion, and depression, and stresses the importance of delaying children’s exposure to social platforms.
Unplug24 has gained significant support, with public figures like singer Jessica Mauboy, Health Minister Mark Butler, and fitness trainer Michelle Bridges joining the cause. These advocates highlight the toxic effects of social media, particularly for vulnerable users.
Nicodemou admitted to having a “love-hate” relationship with social media, acknowledging its addictive nature and the impact of negative comments from trolls. She believes that the longer children can be kept away from social media, the better.
Other supporters include actor and former commando Damien Thomlinson, who has lost friends to suicide. He emphasized the dangers of social media for those experiencing “dark thoughts,” noting how quickly it can worsen their mental state. Comedian Rob Shehadie also urged that children should be shielded from external influences online, reinforcing the importance of real-life connections.
Unplug24 promotes a break from the pressures of social media, encouraging users to focus on meaningful interactions and mental well-being.
The Greek favorite, Bougatsa, has earned a prestigious spot in the Taste Atlas ranking of the world’s top 100 best breakfasts, landing in 4th place, according to tovima.com
When visiting a Greek bakery, it can be tough to choose between savory options like spanakopita or tiropita, but when it comes to satisfying a sweet craving, Bougatsa is the perfect choice. This traditional Greek pie has gained global recognition for its deliciousness, securing its place among the world’s best breakfasts, according to Taste Atlas.
Bougatsa’s name comes from the Byzantine Greek word “πογάτσα” (pogátsa), which traces its origins to the Roman phrase “pānis focācius,” meaning “hearth bread.” This later evolved into the Italian focaccia. Bougatsa was brought to Greece by refugees from Constantinople in the early 1920s and became particularly popular in Northern Greece, especially in Thessaloniki and Serres. Today, you can find it all over the country, with varieties that include custard-filled (“bougatsa cream”) and cheese-filled options.
The version highlighted by Taste Atlas, bougatsa cream, is made with thin layers of phyllo dough and a creamy semolina custard, dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
In the global ranking, Malaysia’s roti canai, a pan-fried flatbread, claimed the top spot, followed by Serbia’s komplet lepinja, a flatbread with cream and egg, in second place. Brazil’s pão de queijo (cheese bread) came in third, just ahead of Bougatsa.
The Vatican Museums have unveiled the restored second-century “Apollo Belvedere” sculpture, following a five-year restoration effort. Once regarded as the epitome of classical Western beauty, the 2.24-meter (seven-foot) marble statue depicts the Greek god of medicine and poetry in motion, with his left arm poised as if having just released an arrow.
According to The Australian, the restoration, costing around 260,000 euros ($280,000), addressed significant structural issues identified in late 2019, particularly fragility in the legs and a general lack of balance in the statue’s structure, according to the restoration team.
A carbon-fiber rod was added to the base, stabilizing the sculpture, which was presented at the Vatican’s Pio-Clementine Museum to public applause. Guy Devreux, head of the restoration workshop, explained that the challenge was to avoid moving or dismantling the sculpture. The innovative use of carbon fiber provided “extraordinary results” without altering the statue.
Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums, highlighted the difficulty of temporarily closing access to such an iconic piece during the restoration.
Originally discovered in 1489 in the ruins of an ancient Roman house, the “Apollo Belvedere” was brought to the Vatican by Pope Julius II. The restoration also involved replacing the statue’s left hand with a cast from a fragment of a plaster copy of the original Greek statue, a bronze work attributed to the renowned sculptor Leochares from around 330 BC.
If you’ll indulge me, I am a classic new world coin which proudly shares Greek and Italian ancestry. Both are important but this time, when the coin was tossed it landed Greek. So, with equal measure of surprise and fortune, in September 2024 I’d be connecting with the Greek side.
I’ve always been more deeply rooted to my Greek side and was raised surrounded by my yiayia and pappou. Given the slightest opportunity, you can rely on my pappou to exclaim: ‘Greece number one.’ After attending the inaugural Greek Youth Camp to Athens, I share his sentiment. This was more than just a vacation, but rather a pilgrimage to a land that forms the cultural foundations of my heritage.
After acclimatising at our official accommodation, the Army Summer Resort in Agios Andreas, we commenced our dive into a busy but fun packed itinerary. My mother was particularly happy to have the support of the Greek army’s protection. Greek mothers hey, I’m sure you all understand.
Cultural activities included visiting the Acropolis, Delphi and Mycenae to an unforgettable day on the ferry visiting Poros, Hydra and Aegina. My love of American rap has now been augmented with Greek rap music. We also had the honour of listening to the legend himself, Giorgos Dalaras at the Herodion!
Attiki, with its warm Mediterranean air and historic streets, felt like stepping into a dream. I have seen pictures and heard stories from my grandparents, but I can now say that I’ve touched, tasted and breathed its intoxicating aroma.
The juxtaposition of ancient ruins and modern life, the bustling streets of Athens, and the laid-back coastal towns surrounding Attiki created a unique atmosphere that felt strangely alien yet familiar.
At Syntagma Square in Athens, the guards outside the Hellenic Parliament, with their traditional uniforms and solemn ceremonial movements, brought to life the stories I have heard about Greece’s long and proud history. History is important but it reminded me that I am now a custodian of this heritage, soon it will be my time to impart these stories. That’s why I’m here and why our leaders have so generously and graciously funded the trip. We are the future, members of a far-flung Hellenic diaspora to which the torch has been passed. On this day everyone seemed to have a deep connection to that shared past, but a commitment and tenacity to keep the flame burning.
Nafplio was a personal highlight. It was not what I expected, with its seafront promenade and Venetian era monuments, yes, the other side of my genetic coin. I was struck with how my Italian roots and various other influences shape such a unique town. Greece isn’t just Mykonos and the party islands, but so much more. A fact I wish to pursue while exploring Greece on future trips.
In what felt like two shakes of a donkey’s tail, our journey had ended. Greece no longer felt abstract and old. It felt like a second home—a place where my past and present could coexist.
Returning to Australia, I carry a deeper appreciation for my Greek heritage, and a renewed sense of pride. Visiting Attiki has allowed me to rediscover my roots in a way that books, stories, and pictures never can. It is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with a place that had always been a part of me. Memories no-one can erase and most importantly, ones I feel duty bound to share.
In a celebration of global collaboration and personal growth, two Oakleigh Grammar students recently attended the 2024 Round Square International Conference.
Taking place in Colombia during the September school holidays, the 56th iteration of the international conference invited students and educators from across the world to explore how history can inform and inspire future innovation and progress.
Accompanied by Principal Mark Robertson and Round Square Facilitator Rebecca Bettiol, the Oakleigh Grammar Year 11 students, George and Natasha, participated in a variety of workshops, discussions, and cultural activities. These were geared toward fostering international friendships and gaining valuable insights into leadership, sustainability, and global citizenship.
The event brought together over 1,000 students and educators from 50 Round Square schools worldwide.
Round Square conference.
As a Round Square school, Oakleigh Grammar is dedicated to character education and experiential learning, guided by six core IDEALS: International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.
The theme of this year’s Round Square International Conference, “Blooming from the Past,” resonated deeply with attendees, encouraging them to reflect on historical achievements and lessons that can inform a brighter, more inclusive future.
At the School’s Term 4 commencement assembly, George and Natasha presented a poem written in Spanish which told the story about a journey from Greece to Australia, echoing the journeys of migrants from Greece and other countries who have come to Australia seeking a new beginning.
For Oakleigh Grammar, the Conference reinforced the importance of international engagement and the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible global citizens.
The participation of Oakleigh Grammar students in such prestigious events reflects the School’s dedication to the values of the Round Square organisation, including internationalism, democracy, environmental stewardship, and leadership.
In 2025 there will be opportunities for other students to attend other Round Square conferences in Australia and worldwide, further enriching the education and learning they receive at the School.
