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SA tomato farmer Harry Kapiris out of pocket as virus continues to strike crops

The Greek Herald
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SA tomato farmer Harry Kapiris out of pocket as virus continues to strike crops

South Australian farmer Harry Kapiris is among many that has reported positive tests for tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), which is set to cost the industry “tens of millions of dollars.”

This has forced Kapiris to let go of 30 staff members and incurring losses of approximately $1 million, and with the virus persisting there is a palpable sense of anxiety amid the uncertainty.

“It’s not a good feeling to destroy perfectly good-looking crops. It’s heart-wrenching,” he told ABC.

“We had a couple of positive results in two [glasshouses] out of probably about 20 or 25 [glasshouses]. We made the decision as a family to scrap the season thus far and try and start again.”

Photo: Growing Produce.

However, starting over is proving challenging. Both state and federal governments have yet to establish a formal process for growers to demonstrate that their properties are free of the virus, which has left Kapiris frustrated.

“They should be aware of it and they should have a plan in place if this virus comes in… But everyone got caught with their pants down, for want of a better adage, just walking around and saying, ‘Well, where’d it come from? What’s happening?’ And really not knowing what to do,” Kapiris concluded.

Source: ABC News.

Lender acquiring Jon Adgemis’ pubs proposes new George Calombaris restaurant

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Lender acquiring Jon Adgemis’ pubs proposes new George Calombaris restaurant

Celebrity chef George Calombaris may soon open a restaurant at Sydney’s Oxford Tavern, potentially by Christmas, as lenders aim to acquire more assets from troubled publican Jon Adgemis.

Ben Madsen’s Archibald Capital is seeking $28 million to purchase the Oxford Tavern and five other venues previously run by Adgemis. Adgemis’ name is absent from the fundraising documents, and he is not expected to be involved in the new venture.

Archibald, an opportunistic debt investment firm, was a previous lender to Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group (PHG), with the asset transfers part of a prior agreement.

Adgemis, who once oversaw an extensive portfolio of over 20 pubs, bars, and hotels, is now facing a significant reduction in his holdings following recent actions by lenders, including Archibald.

He is left with only a few venues in development, one of which is a hotel planned for the former site of Noah’s Backpackers at Bondi Beach, purchased for $68 million in 2022. This marks a stark contrast to his previous expansive presence in the Sydney hospitality scene.

Recently, five of his former hotels were also placed into administration by Muzinich & Co, a New York-based private credit provider, and are now on the market.

Hotels affected include the Strand Hotel located on the outskirts of Sydney’s CBD, Camelia Grove Hotel in Alexandria, the Norfolk Hotel in Redfern, the boutique Oxford House in Paddington, and the Exchange Hotel, which is a closed pub and development site on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst.

This latest development marks another blow in a string of misfortunes for Adgemis who struck a $400 million refinancing deal in May 2024 with Deutsche Bank, Gemi Investments, Archibald Capital and Muzinich & Co, to save his PHG from collapse.

Adgemis’ project started to fray after he took on hundreds of millions in debt at high interest rates from a variety of lenders just before financing costs rose. Some lenders started trying to sell off his properties, staff were left out of pocket, and suppliers were unpaid. The Australian Taxation Office also visited the pub group’s offices in early May 2024.

In June this year, operations at the Hellenic Club of Sydney’s Alpha restaurant and Beta Events were taken over by Con Dedes of Dedes Waterfront Group after PHG made a swift exit.

Source: Financial Review.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew pays a visit to the Greek Consulate in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew pays a visit to the Greek Consulate in Melbourne

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a historic visit to the Greek Consulate in Melbourne, following a Divine Liturgy hosted at Margaret Court Arena and a youth parade celebrating the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Ecumenical Patriarch received a warm welcome from Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Adelaide’s Consul General Alexandra Theodoropoulou, and other staff members at the Melbourne Consulate.

Later, the Patriarch blessed a dinner hosted in his honour by Bishop Silouan of Adelaide.

The Patriarch reflected on the historical struggles for unity within the Church in Adelaide. He recognised the efforts of both the government and the Church, emphasising the ongoing work of Archbishop Makarios and Bishop Silouan to restore harmony.

“It is well known that Archbishop Makarios has a special love and sensitivity for the former Archdiocesan District, now Diocese of Adelaide. We fully share these sentiments, as Adelaide has suffered from divisions and schisms within the Church since the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia,” His All-Holiness stated.

“The Ecumenical Patriarchate recognises the dedication of Archbishop Makarios and Bishop Silouan, who have initiated a dialogue of love, unity, and reconciliation with the community. We express our gratitude for this blessed initiative and offer our prayers for its success.”

Concluding with prayers, the Patriarch extended a heartfelt invitation to those who have distanced themselves from the Church to return and embrace a spirit of mutual understanding and unity.

Tributes flow for veteran Australian journalist George Negus

The Greek Herald
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Tributes flow for veteran Australian journalist George Negus

Iconic television reporter George Negus has passed away in Sydney at the age of 82. Negus was renowned for bringing international issues to Australian audiences on platforms such as 60 Minutes and Dateline.

Having battled Alzheimer’s disease for several years, Negus faced a heartbreaking decline, with recent updates indicating he had become “non verbal” in his final days.

In a statement, his family shared that he “passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a gracious decline from Alzheimer’s disease, all the while with his trademark smile.” They expressed gratitude to Australian healthcare workers for their support during his last moments.

“Despite the challenges diseases like Alzheimer’s inflict on families, we still shared beautiful times, laughter and happiness together in recent times,” the statement continued. “George told us endlessly that he never imagined having a family, so the part of his life we shared was everything to him, and always his priority. While we know he will be celebrated for his unique contribution to journalism, football, and the environment, he would also want to be remembered for the incredible family man he was.”

Tributes flowed from those who knew the beloved reporter and had worked with him over the years, including his colleagues at 60 Minutes and the ABC.

“An icon of journalism. A legendary broadcaster. A friend to many,” a 60 Minutes tribute said. “We will always treasure the stories and memories he gave us all.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Negus was a “giant of Australian journalism” and praised his courage, curiosity and integrity.

Members of the Greek community also honoured him, with The Greek Herald‘s journalist Mary Sinanidis saying she was “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing.

“His work as a journalist inspired countless people, including myself. He had a unique ability to connect with his subjects and tell their stories with empathy and power. His contributions to Australian journalism will never be forgotten,” Ms Sinanidis said.

Source: The Advertiser.

SmartSat CRC joins with Hellenic Space Centre to boost Australia-Greece space collaboration

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SmartSat CRC joins with Hellenic Space Centre to boost Australia-Greece space collaboration

SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat CRC) and the Hellenic Space Centre (HSC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing international cooperation in space science, technology, and innovation between Australia and Greece.

The MOU aims to harness the complementary strengths of SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre by fostering joint research, sharing scientific and technical information, and exploring synergies between the Kanyini Mission and HSC’s National Microsatellite Program through coordinated data acquisition and AI applications. It also encourages the exchange of experts and other collaborative activities to advance space technology and research.

The collaboration will initially focus on several key areas:

  • Microsatellites: Both countries are advancing capabilities in microsatellite technology, with SmartSat CRC leading Australia’s space and research initiatives and HSC developing Greece’s National Microsatellite Program. The new partnership aims to integrate AI and bolster multi-sector collaborations. 
  • Earth Observation: Joint research on Earth observation technologies and applications in agriculture, natural disaster monitoring, environmental sustainability, maritime surveillance, and climate change adaptation.
  • Space Science and Academic Collaborations: Including areas such as Space Domain Awareness, IoT, and Space Communications, with a shared focus on radio frequency and optical communications.
  • Commercial Networking: To promote collaboration between academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders from both countries to foster space research and technology commercialisation.

Prof. Andy Koronios, CEO of SmartSat CRC, commented: “The collaboration between SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre offers exciting new opportunities for our two nations to leverage the significant potential of space technologies to improve life here on Earth.”

“We can work ‘hand-in-hand’ to solve major problems such as preventing, responding to and mitigating the risks of wildfires, supporting agriculture and protecting our environment. Australia and Greece have had a long and positive relationship, and this agreement creates an opportunity to build a strong relationship in advanced technologies, such as the next generation of satellites, telecommunications and AI technologies. With my Greek background, I am particularly proud of the prospects of this partnership,” Prof. Koronios added.

Dr Nick Sergis, CEO of Hellenic Space Centre, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a very promising collaboration between our countries in the domain of space, including related technologies, applications, products, research and innovation.”

“Both countries have critical needs, mainly imposed by the global climate crisis, that microsatellites and Earth Observation products, in particular, can address, at least to some degree. Both countries are also very active in space research carried out in prominent institutes – such as SmartSat – by renowned researchers. This MOU comes, therefore, as a natural step forward to strengthen space capabilities and co-create new opportunities for the space ecosystem,” Dr Sergis added.

HSC’s National Microsatellite Program, in partnership with the European Space Agency, plans to construct and launch 15 microsatellites by 2026 as part of a €200 million national space program. Supported by the European Recovery Fund, this initiative will enhance disaster management, environmental monitoring, and support for public agencies, in an effort to address challenges like climate change both at a national and global level.

Panarcadian Association of Melbourne celebrates milestone 65th anniversary

The Greek Herald
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Panarcadian Association of Melbourne celebrates milestone 65th anniversary

On October 12, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’ celebrated its 65th anniversary and also commemorated the Liberation of Tripolitsa in 1821.

The event, held at The Arcadian in North Melbourne, was filled with traditional dancing from the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) dance group. Guests were also entertained by live music band Gkazi, which brought the crowd to the dance floor for plenty of glendi and kefi.

Emcees Nikita Chronis and Susana Kakalis welcomed and entertained the guests.

panarcadian association of nsw 65 years
panarcadian association of nsw 65 years

Panarcadian Association President George Kotsirilos was introduced and called up to deliver a speech. He said the 65th anniversary milestone marked a “significant achievement” for the community.

“This milestone is a testament to the resilience, spirit, and unwavering dedication of our founding members and generations of Arcadians who have followed,” Mr Kotsirilos said.

“The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’ has managed to establish one of the most reputable names for itself in the Greek community, at the same time being the proud custodians of this 110-year-old historic building which was purchased on September 11, 1985.

“As we look to the future, let us continue to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid by our predecessors. Let us remain committed to preserving our heritage, supporting our community, and inspiring future generations of Arcadians. Most importantly, the 3rd and 4th generations.”

Mr Kotsirilos later acknowledged the past Presidents in the room including Leonidas Argiropoulos, Nikos Piperis, Dimitris Alexopoulos, and Chrissa Kantas.

panarcadian association of nsw 65 years
President George Kotsirilos with secretary Angela Alexakos.

He also gave historical background to the 203rd anniversary of the liberation of Tripolitsa, a pivotal moment in the Greek War of Independence.

“The fall of this Ottoman stronghold [Tripolitsa] marked a turning point in the struggle for freedom, inspiring hope and courage among the Greek people,” he said.

“The bravery and sacrifice of the Greek revolutionaries, led by heroes like Theodoros Kolokotronis and Andreas Londos, paved the way for the establishment of the modern Greek state. Their legacy continues to inspire us today, reminding us of the importance of fighting for justice, liberty, and human dignity.”

panarcadian association of nsw 65 years

When Mr Kotsirilos finished his speech, he then read out a letter of congratulations received from Kostas Vlasis, member of the Hellenic Parliament of Athens, Representative of Arcadia.

At the conclusion of the speeches, the present committee members had the honour to cut a cake with some of the former Presidents who attended the event.

Sydney’s Lemnians enjoy annual Liberation of Lemnos Dance

The Greek Herald
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Sydney’s Lemnians enjoy annual Liberation of Lemnos Dance

On a warm evening in October, the Lemnian Association of NSW “Maroula” gathered members, families, and friends for a vibrant celebration of the Liberation of Lemnos in 1912.

The annual event, held on Saturday, October 12, was a joyful occasion filled with dancing, music, and heartfelt tributes to a significant moment in Greek history.

Arthur Velliss, the Vice President of the Lemnian Association, welcomed everyone warmly as the Master of Ceremonies. After acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land, he introduced the distinguished guests.

Among them were Sophie Cotsis MP, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations; Commodore John Stavridis of the Royal Australian Navy; and Pria Viswalingam, the mastermind behind the SBS documentary ANZAC – Lemnos 1915, which had highlighted the island’s role during the Gallipoli campaign.

The evening kicked off with a captivating performance by the newly formed Junior Lemnian Dance Group, choreographed by Amelia Magoulias. The young dancers, proudly performing for the first time, received thunderous applause from the audience, setting a lively tone for the night.

John Sentas, President of the Lemnian Association, then took to the stage to share a few words, speaking with pride about the Association’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Lemnian heritage in NSW. He was followed by committee member Elizabeth Kados, who explained the historical significance of the Liberation of Lemnos in October 1912, a pivotal moment that freed the island from Ottoman rule.

As the speeches concluded, Ms Cotsis addressed the attendees, acknowledging the enduring contributions of the Greek community in Australia and the importance of celebrating such milestones in their shared heritage.

The celebrations continued with a spectacular dance performance by Paroula’s School of Traditional and Contemporary Dance, led by Paroula Thurban and Nicole Englezios. The dancers’ skilful movements and energetic routines captivated the audience, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

At the close of the performance, the three dedicated dance teachers were called to the stage to receive flowers as a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to the Lemnian Association.

As the evening drew to a close, Mr Velliss thanked everyone for attending and invited them to enjoy the remaining hours with music and dancing. The sound of traditional Greek melodies filled the hall as the band played, and guests danced late into the night, celebrating their shared culture and history.

The musicians for the night were Tassos Lambrou (aka Tassos Bouzouki) on Bouzouki and Vocals, George Lambrou on the Accordion, and Peter Kokkini on Guitar and Vocals.

The Liberation of Lemnos Dance was not just a celebration but a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Lemnian community, reminding all present of the importance of honouring and preserving their heritage for generations to come.

Exhibition of rare icons to be displayed at St Demetrios Moonee Ponds Parish Festival

The Greek Herald
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Exhibition of rare icons to be displayed at St Demetrios Moonee Ponds Parish Festival

An exhibition of rare icons is planned as part of the St Demetrios Moonee Ponds Parish Festival ‘Una Razza Una Faccia’ which will take place on October 27.

The icons, all dating from the 18th-19th century, form part of the private collection of the lawyer and writer Konstantinos Kalymnios and come mainly from Asia Minor and the Greek-speaking regions of the former Russian Empire, especially from the Black Sea region now comprising parts of modern Russia and Ukraine.

These icons of diverse styles and iconographic traditions, some of which were placed in iconostasis of holy churches, have their own harrowing stories to tell; they were hidden during the years of the Soviet rule so that they would not be destroyed or vandalised and were guarded with reverence and with many risks by the faithful.

The exhibition will be open to the public during the festival and admission is free. The exhibition will be open Friday evening, Saturday 11-2pm, Sunday 11-5 pm. Address: 1 Gladstone Street, Moonee Ponds.

Greek Community of Melbourne schools welcome students and teachers from Perth

The Greek Herald
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Greek Community of Melbourne schools welcome students and teachers from Perth

On Saturday, October 12, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools were delighted to host students, parents, and teachers from Perth’s Institute of Greek Language and Culture of Evangelismos at the Greek Centre.

The Evangelismos Greek School students traveled from Perth to participate in events celebrating the visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Melbourne.

GCM schools perth

Their visit to the GCM School provided a wonderful opportunity for both schools to engage in Greek language activities, share insights about their programs, and establish connections that may inspire future collaborations.

During their visit, Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the GCM Schools, led a tour of the Greek Centre, introducing the guests to the school’s programs and curriculum. This was followed by a lively cultural exchange, featuring storytelling by author Syrmo Kapoutsi, as well as engaging educational games, music, and dance activities.

GCM schools perth
GCM schools perth

To further enrich the experience, Spyridoula Demetriou, board member of the GCM and member of the Education Committee, accompanied the visitors to the Hellenic Museum, where she provided an informative and enjoyable guided tour.

Reflecting on the visit, Mrs Bakalidou remarked, “We are always eager to build relationships and partnerships among Greek schools across Australia. Our shared goal is to promote and preserve the Greek language and culture. By exchanging ideas and experiences, we enhance our ability to support the needs of our schools and students, which are often very similar.”

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing communication and future collaborative efforts to support Greek language education in Australia.

Brisbane’s Hellenika wins Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines

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Brisbane’s Hellenika wins Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines

The results of Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards are in, and Brisbane’s premier dining destination Hellenika at the Calile has been crowned Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines.

Now in its 31st year, the awards ceremony was held at the Ovolo Hotel in Woolloomooloo, New South Wales, on the evening of Monday, September 30.

On the night, Melbourne’s Gimlet at Cavendish House was crowned Australia’s Wine List of the Year. In addition to the major trophy, Gimlet picked up some of the night’s other highlight awards, including Best Wine List VIC, Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – City, and Sommeliers’ Choice Award.

Australia’s Best Listing of Greek Wines category won by Hellenika was one of four new categories at this year’s awards.

Of this year’s results, Chairman of Judges Peter Forrestal commented, “Never has the scene been more vibrant with a wide range of choices facing consumers; better-educated sommeliers and waiting staff, more thoughtfully curated lists, or more carefully assembled cellars. Nor more delicious wines from a wider range of countries as well as fantastic offerings from Australia. While the density of population means that it is scarcely surprising that the capital cities dominate, wining and dining in country areas has never been better than it is now.”

Source: winelistoftheyear.com.au

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