Greek police investigating the circumstances of Baldock’s death said there was no suggestion of foul play.
The examining coroner found there were no signs of injuries or bruises on the deceased’s body, concluding he had died after he had swallowed water.
It was unclear whether the 31-year-old was alone or if his death had been triggered by “sudden collapse.”
Baldock is believed to have been dead “for five hours” before his body was discovered by the owner of the first-floor apartment, who jumped over a fence to access the property. The man had been asked to look for the footballer by Baldock’s concerned partner, who had remained in England with the couple’s young son, after her repeated telephone calls had gone unanswered.
Με βαθύτατη θλίψη και οδύνη, η Εθνική Ομάδα και η Ελληνική Ποδοσφαιρική Ομοσπονδία αποχαιρετά τον Τζορτζ Μπάλντοκ. https://t.co/xNv3HFUktp Η στιγμή επιβάλλει σιωπή. Συλλυπητήρια στην οικογένειά του. Συλλυπητήρια από τη δεύτερη οικογένειά του. Αντίο… 🕊️ #Rippic.twitter.com/81WmUBNu5Q
The full-back, who was born in England and had Greek roots on his father’s side, qualifying for the national team through a grandmother, moved to the Greek capital after signing for Panathinaikos in the summer.
The news of the tragic and untimely demise of the player reverberated throughout the global football community, with an outpouring of condolences and expressions of shock on social media.
The 22-time major tennis champion Rafael Nadal has announced that he would be retiring at the end of the year.
Nadal is set to hang up his racquet for good in Spanish colours and in front of a home crowd at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga next month.
In a video posted on social media, the 38-year-old indicated his decision was related to persistent injury problems that had resulted in “some difficult years, these last two especially.”
Mil gracias a todos Many thanks to all Merci beaucoup à tous Grazie mille à tutti 谢谢大家 شكرا لكم جميعا תודה לכולכם Obrigado a todos Vielen Dank euch allen Tack alla Хвала свима Gràcies a tots pic.twitter.com/7yPRs7QrOi
“I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations,” he said. “It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.
“But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end, and I think it’s an appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”
With an immediate outpouring of sympathy coming from fans, pundits, and many of his fellow players, Nick Kyrgios was the first to send Nadal a retirement message.
Kyrgios more or less announced his name to the world when he shocked Nadal at the 2014 Wimbledon when he was still a teenager.
We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and goodluck with whatever comes next. https://t.co/ZRHMRcSqFI
Greece secured their first-ever win against England as Vangelis Pavlidis scored twice in a well-earned 2-1 victory in Nations League Group B2 at Wembley on Thursday.
Greece dedicated their victory to the late George Baldock, who was found dead at his pool in Glyfada, Athens on Wednesday. A minutes silence was held at the start of the match for Greece’s defender.
Pavlidis opened the scoring early in the second half with a precise finish, and although Greece had three more goals disallowed, they dominated a lackluster England side.
Jude Bellingham seemed to save England with an 87th-minute equaliser, but Pavlidis struck again in the fourth minute of stoppage time, slotting the ball past Jordan Pickford from close range.
The win moved Greece to the top of the table with a perfect nine points, while England, suffering their first defeat under interim manager Lee Carsley, dropped to second with six points.
When the Ecumenical Patriarch arrived on the night, he was greeted by rows of children lined up on the church stairs wearing t-shirts which spelled out the message ‘Your All-Holiness, we love you’ in Greek. The Ecumenical Patriarch greeted all the children with a smile and blessed them happily.
Youth outside the church. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
After the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia by a choir and band featuring students from All Saints Grammar at Belmore, His All-Holiness addressed the hundreds of faithful who had gathered outside the church.
He began by emotionally recalling his previous visit to the Kogarah parish 28 years ago and praised God for granting him the opportunity to return for a second time to a place where the “heart” of Hellenism and Orthodoxy beats strongly.
“The cornerstone of this thriving community,” the Ecumenical Patriarch noted, “was – and continues to be – the Greek Orthodox church… which has played a vital role in maintaining a cultural connection with the homeland and fostering a sense of belonging among the Greek Orthodox faithful.”
His All-Holiness later highlighted the Parish’s contribution to the broader society, through its active involvement in charitable activities, support for schools and hospitals, and engagement in other community initiatives, as well as its cultural “openness” to people from different cultural backgrounds.
Following his speech, His All-Holiness admired the younger generation of the Parish, who performed and sang in his honour.
He then entered the church, deeply moved, accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, their Eminences Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, parish priest Father Athanasios Giatsios, and other Bishops and clergy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
Official VIP guests also present included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; the Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper; the Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure; Georges River Councillor, Sam Stratikopoulos; President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah, Nicholas Varvaris; and Vice President of the Parish-Community, Christos Georgiou.
Some of the official VIP guests.
Bishop Christodoulos addressed His All-Holiness with words of gratitude on behalf of everyone before members of the Parish-Community Board presented him with a portrait of himself.
The Ecumenical Patriarch, responding, once again recalled memories of his visit to Kogarah in 1996, and mentioned the humble personality of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, later a Saint of the Orthodox Church and Patron of the GOAA.
He also referred to the 70 saints who have been added to the Church’s calendar during his Patriarchy, calling it a blessing from God and an enrichment of spirituality.
The event ended with the presentation of gifts from the Ecumenical Patriarch to Bishop Christodoulos, Father Athanasios, and other clergy. Numerous uplifting hymns were chanted by everyone gathered, creating an atmosphere of joy and hope for the future.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The Australian Hellenic Choir Inc. will hold its latest concert event ‘Rebetiko Reimagined,‘ featuring Rebetiko music arranged for the modern era, at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Saturday, October 19 from 7pm.
The concert will feature arrangements by Leon Vitogiannis, the Choir Music Director, and Stefanos Maragkakis, the Choir Pianist. Collaborating, they have arranged traditional Rebetika for a 30-piece orchestra featuring a modern twist. The Choir will perform a number of famous Rebetika songs.
Ahead of the event, The Greek Herald spoke with Leon and Stefanos.
Leon, you will be the Hellenic Choir of Australia’s Music Director for its upcoming concert ‘Rebetiko Reimagined.’ What has the process entailed so far?
As the Music Director for the Hellenic Choir of Australia’s Rebetiko Reimagined concert, my primary responsibility is conducting the performance. My role has also involved overseeing the musical direction and interpretation. I’ve been responsible for selecting and co-arranging the repertoire with Stefanos, ensuring it captures the essence of rebetiko while offering a fresh perspective.
Reimagining traditional Greek music is an idea I’ve had for quite some time. It’s one of those concepts that had to wait for the right moment. Shortly after I shifted my attention to rebetiko, Stefanos and I met to discuss the collaboration. We met regularly to explore what the project would look like—what music we would select, how we would reimagine it, and how deeply we could explore the meaning of each song and its significance to the genre. As we began arranging the music, drawing on both of our artistic tastes and strengths, we formed the arrangements that will premiere at this concert.
The process has included months of rigorous musical preparation and rehearsals with the choir, guiding them through musical gestures and shaping the overall sound to align with our vision of blending tradition with modern influences. Leading up to the performance, my role also involves working with instrumentalists and vocalists to ensure the show is cohesive, engaging, and true to the spirit of this iconic genre.
Practice photos ahead of the concert. Photos supplied.
Stefanos, as the choir pianist, what does your role entail for the upcoming concert?
My role, on the surface, involves solos, improvisations, and other virtuosic elements, much like what one might expect in a piano and orchestra piece. However, my responsibilities go beyond performance. As the co-arranger and orchestrator, I am deeply involved in shaping the overall sound and structure of the pieces. Both Leon and I have an intimate understanding of the music, which ensures a seamless performance without surprises.
This concert promises to feature Rebetiko music arranged for the modern era. What can people expect on the night?
On the night of the concert, audiences can expect a dynamic reinterpretation of Rebetiko music, blending its traditional elements with modern influences. The arrangements will feature fresh takes on classic Rebetiko tunes, incorporating touches of classical, Jazz stylings, and rich orchestrations that offer a diverse array of musical colour to the original compositions. This fusion will offer a unique and engaging experience, appealing to both long-time fans and those discovering the genre for the first time. The aim is to create a performance that feels both authentic and contemporary, drawing in listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Are the music pieces original? How did they get produced?
The concert will open with an original composition. The rest of the program, while based on beloved rebetiko songs, features a significant amount of originality within each arrangement. Unique elements, such as newly composed solo lines, changes in musical style, and entirely new sections, have been incorporated, ensuring that each piece offers a fresh and creative take on the traditional rebetiko sound.
Is this the first time you are working together? What has that been like?
Despite having both worked with the Australian Hellenic Choir for a number of years, this is the first time that we’ve collaborated to this extent on musical arrangements. Being an immensely skilled and versatile composer, it has been a wonderful opportunity to have Stefanos bring his artistic knowledge to the rebetiko genre. We took on this project with pens and notepads as arrangers, and we both look forward to sharing the music with the orchestra, choir and our soloists.
Leon and Stefanos have both worked with the Australian Hellenic Choir for a number of years. Photo: Eirini Alligiannis.
As young people, why do you think it’s important to promote rebetiko music and do it in a way which is modern for younger generations?
Promoting rebetiko music to younger generations is important because music transcends cultural and generational boundaries. To introduce rebetiko to an audience that may be unfamiliar with it, particularly younger listeners or those from non-Greek backgrounds, it is essential to present the music in a way that resonates with their tastes. By incorporating elements from genres such as jazz, Latin, and cinema, we create a bridge between rebetiko and modern sensibilities. This approach can inspire the audience to connect with and appreciate rebetiko, leaving the concert with melodies that may spark a deeper interest in the genre.
For additional information about the Australian Hellenic Choir or this event, membership and auditions please call: James Tsolakis, AHC President: 0416 060 700; Despina Lucas, AHC Vice President: 0438 289 699; or email ah.choiraust@gmail.com. For Sponsorship or Benefactor Enquiries, please call: 0416 060 700.
Event Details:
What: ‘Rebetiko Reimagined’ concert by the Australian Hellenic Choir
When: Saturday, October 19
Where: Sydney Conservatorium of Music (1 Conservatorium Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm AEDT
Tickets: $79 per person with $69 concession tickets available. Buy here: https://bit.ly/3SlQMPN
The finalists for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards (PMCAs) have been announced andThe Greek Herald and its Digital Editor Andriana Simos have been shortlisted in two categories.
The Greek Herald has been named finalist for ‘Publication of the Year,’ while Miss Simos is up for ‘Young Journalist of the Year.’
Publisher of The Greek Herald, Dimitra Skalkos said the recognition “underscores the vital role we play in a multicultural society, where information and connection are paramount.”
“Through our commitment to delivering timely and relevant news, we strive to inform and unite our community, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make us stronger together. We believe in the power of communication to bridge gaps and foster understanding, ensuring every voice is heard and valued,” Ms Skalkos said.
Photo from last year’s event where The Greek Herald was finalist again for ‘Publication of the Year.’
Miss Simos said being named a finalist in the PMCAs was a “proud” moment in her career and something she would not take for granted.
“The strength of the Greek community is the cornerstone for all the work I do, and to shine a light on that is a profound honour. This achievement is founded on the unwavering support of my wonderful family, my colleagues at The Greek Herald, not to mention all the community members I’ve had the privilege to interview and work with over the years,” Miss Simos added.
The PMCAs celebrate excellence in the multicultural media and marketing industry, recognising journalists, editors, and publishers across print, radio, TV, and online platforms.
The awards also recognise those who have effectively engaged and communicated with diverse audiences, promoting community harmony and unity through innovative storytelling and marketing campaigns.
The winners of the PMCAs will be announced at an award ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, October 17.
On Wednesday, October 9, members of South Australia’s Greek community gathered for the launch of the Dimitria Festival 2024.
Organised by the Pan Macedonian Federation of SA, this event marked the official commencement of the festival, which will showcase the rich traditions, culture and heritage of Macedonia and Greece in late November.
The festival, held from November 16-17, 2024, at the Hellenic Macedonian Cultural Centre, promises a full program of events, including music performances and traditional dances.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
The President of the Pan Macedonian Federation, Konnie Agalianos, welcomed the attendees, highlighting the importance of the Dimitria Festival as a key cultural event in Adelaide.
“The Dimitria Festival marks the peak in the Pan Macedonian Federation’s calendar, where we celebrate our ancient and modern culture, history, and geography. During the event, we are given the opportunity to showcase the cultural heritage of our great Macedonia and to bring all our Greeks, Australians, and other cultures together…” Ms Agalianos said.
“We Greeks from Macedonia are proud to have our roots from the one and only region known as Macedonia. We have unique dances, musical instruments, costumes and cuisine… and this year, we will bring it all together…”
The Hon. Tung Ngo MLC representing the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier for SA and the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, praised the Dimitria Festival as a cornerstone event that fosters understanding, unity, and cultural harmony within the broader Australian community.
“The proud legacy of the Dimitria Festival is a testament to the dedication of past and present organising committees. It also showcases SA’s appreciation of Macedonian culture, food, music, and our shared commitment to celebrate that heritage…” Mr Ngo said.
“Your dedication enriches our community and makes SA a more inclusive and culturally aware place, paving [a way] for new migrants to this country to settle and enjoy the Australian way of life.”
The Hon. Jing Lee MLC, representing the Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia MP, lauded the efforts of the Pan Macedonian Federation for preserving and sharing their cultural heritage through the Dimitria Festival.
“The organisation of the 43rd Dimitria festival is a testament to the strength and leadership of this community. Because it is through continuation, consistency and wanting to… give back so… the next generation can have that legacy,” Ms Lee said.
“There is a saying in my culture, being from a Malaysian Chinese background, that when you drink water, you must always know the source. So only when you remember the past you can channel that to the present, then the present will take you into the future…”
Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, echoed the importance of Dimitria Festival celebrations in Thessaloniki and Australia, and expanded on the historical roots of the festival, drawing on the presence of the ancient goddess Dimitria on the official festival’s poster and the etymology of the festivals name.
Finally, the Mayor of the City of West Torrens Michael Coxen, took a moment to acknowledge the significance of the Hellenic Macedonian Cultural Centre as a hub for the local Greek community. He expressed pride in his city’s support for this festival, acknowledging that the Dimitria Festival was honoured by the City of West Torrens as a community event of the year in 2020, providing “further evidence of the popularity and importance of the Dimitria Festival in West Torrens.”
As the evening concluded, attendees enjoyed traditional Macedonian cuisine. The launch of the Dimitria Festival 2024 marks the beginning of what is to be a successful celebration of rich Macedonian heritage in SA.
About 1,500 members of Australia’s Greek diaspora came together on Tuesday, October 8 to honour His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at an official dinner in Sydney.
The event took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) and was held to mark the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA). It featured a vibrant musical program that enhanced the festive atmosphere.
During the dinner, a special video message from Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was played, in which he emphatically declared “the unbreakable bonds of our Greek people with Orthodoxy.”
The Greek PM also highlighted the significant contributions of the GOAA to Hellenism and its positive impact on Australian society, declaring its “national significance.”
During the evening, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia extended a heartfelt greeting to the Ecumenical Patriarch, expressing the deep love and respect of both the clergy and the faithful of the GOAA.
He emphasised that “it was impossible to celebrate the centenary without the presence of our Father and Patriarch,” while noting the historic invitation from the Australian Government, recognising the Patriarch’s esteemed position as a global religious leader.
His All-Holiness, visibly touched by the warm reception, expressed gratitude to the Greek diaspora for their generous hospitality and acknowledged their significant role in shaping modern Australian society.
In attendance, Leader of the Federal Opposition Peter Dutton MP spoke on His All-Holiness’ presence in Australia and expressed it “offers us an opportunity to reflect on the enormous contributions of the Greek community to our nation.”
“Known as the ‘Patriarch for Peace’, His All-Holiness has been a tireless advocate for global peace, environmental protection, and the spiritual wellbeing of all communities. His message is one of compassion and stewardship, transcending religious and cultural boundaries, and resonating with the timeless values that Australians hold,” he added.
A father-daughter duo from Sydney have changed the way people view and understand mental health by launching their own podcast – ‘The Psychiatrists Waiting Room.‘
The podcast features Georgia Cassimatis, a Greek Australian journalist from Sydney, and her father, Nicholas, who is a psychiatrist in Neutral Bay. They delve into the world of mental health, explaining a variety of mental illnesses in a series of episodes.
After releasing the first episode in January this year, the podcast now features a total of 12 episodes and has been so successful that it has been renewed for a season two, expected to launch in November.
“We know there’s a lot of overwhelming information out there on mental health, and people are getting confused and don’t quite understand different complex illnesses like autism and schizophrenia,” Georgia told The Greek Herald.
“We decided to kill two birds with one stone by creating a podcast that explains it all simply, using my dad as the expert, and me as the interviewer.”
The podcast explores things including Bipolar Disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression and Anxiety.
Who is the podcast for?
When Georgia and Nicholas started the podcast, they never considered the age demographic they’d be targeting.
“When I think of podcasting in general, I think the demographic for it is Gen X and under,” Georgia said.
“I would say that this podcast is for anyone aged between 18 and 80, or just anyone that is super curious about learning about mental health.”
Nicholas, a psychiatrist of more than 50 years, said he thinks the podcast appeals to the relatives and friends of patients, as well as patients themselves who are interested in mental health.
“The people it appeals to, really, are the ones who want to learn more and understand more about mental health,” he said.
Why did you do a podcast on mental health?
Georgia said growing up with a dad who is a psychiatrist, she became exposed to the “world of mental health” from a young age. At school, her peers would even approach her to pass on questions to her dad.
“People would come up to me and say, ‘can you ask your dad what this means or what this illness is, or what this problem means,’ and I thought, ‘wow dad has a really good knack for answering really complex questions quite easily and logically’,” Georgia said.
“Then, being a journalist, I knew the world of podcasting was really opening up and there are so many possibilities there, so I thought mental health would be a great topic to cover for a podcast, and I decided to team up with my dad.”
The journalist of 25 years said this wasn’t the first time she has worked alongside her dad.
“About 10 years ago, I did a stint in magazines, and I remember there was a point where I just wasn’t sure where the direction of magazines was going, and my dad said to me, ‘look, my secretary’s left, can you just help me out as I move to a new office, I’m going into a private practice’,” Georgia said.
“So, I went and helped him set up and I ended up working with him three days a week and took on freelance journalism.
“This led to me learning all about mental health and I became really interested in it. I just found that there’s all this stuff out there in the medical world that’s just not being explained simply in the media, and that led to the podcast.”
Georgia said throughout her time as a journalist, she’s seen some major changes on the way mental health is viewed.
“I was passionate about it for years, and I still am,” she said.
“The interesting thing is, over the past 10 years, I’ve seen the world change their attitude towards mental health and it’s no longer something that’s swept under the carpet, but it’s something that’s being more and more normalised, and I feel like I’ve really seen that arc and been part of it too.”
What’s it like working with family?
Nicholas described his experience working with his daughter on the podcast as “very simple.”
“I just detach and talk to Georgia as I’m talking to you,” he said.
“She is very good at asking questions, being the journalist she is, and I’m very familiar with talking to people about mental health too, so for me, I find it very easy.
“When Georgia first suggested the podcast, I began thinking, ‘what am I getting roped into? what’s going to happen? will this cause any problems? etc,’ but the way we conducted it made me feel comfortable, like we were having a general discussion about various conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.”
Georgia said she enjoys working with her dad.
“I did have to say to him that it’s my podcast, not his, and I’m the one that’s in control, but honestly, all I had to do was give him a bit of direction and it’s been a lot easier than I thought,” she said.
What has the response been like?
Georgia and Nicholas shared how the response to ‘The Psychiatrists Waiting Room’ has been “so lovely.”
“Everyone’s just so appreciative of what we have created,” Georgia said. “I’m just so happy that my goal has been achieved.”
Nicholas shared that he was surprised at how well the podcast has been doing.
“I’m bewildered and a little bit surprised,” he said.
“There are a million podcasts out there and we don’t have a high profile, so it’s interesting that there’s people out there googling different topics and finding our podcast and engaging with it and supporting us. It’s very gratifying.”
Most people today forget about prioritising one of the most important things that affects everything in their day-to-day lives – their mental health.
This year, for World Mental Health Day, The Greek Herald decided reached out to Greek Australians of different ages to ask them how they take care of their mental health and why it’s so important.
Being self-aware
Dr Betty Damianidou is a psychologist from Thessaloniki and Santorini in Greece, who has spent the last eight years living and practicing in Australia. She owns BD Psychologist in Newcastle, and additionally provides online patient sessions to people around the country, as well as in Greece via My Mirror.
With more than 18 years of experience in her field, Dr Betty shared what helps her with her own mental health.
“As a psychologist, you still have to do your therapy yourself, and one of the benefits is that you learn all these techniques that help you become more self-aware which is very important,” Dr Betty told The Greek Herald.
“One of the things I like to do is practice mindfulness, because it allows me to try to stay in the moment, not jump too far ahead, not catastrophise, and I’m also able to catch myself when I’m doing that.
“I also try to exercise regularly and get good sleep every night, which is just a part of getting on top of that work/life balance. I really like walking, which really helps my mind and acts as a stress reliever, and I also like doing a little bit of yoga, a bit of swimming, and Latin dancing.”
The Greek psychologist shared that “mental health is something that affects everything.”
“If the mind is not well, the body is not well, and then we don’t feel as motivated or as focused to do things,” Dr Betty said.
“Having good mental health is really important for our self-development and for succeeding in life, and if anyone is ever struggling, it is important to talk and get support from others, including family and friends.”
‘Good mental health shapes your future’
Peter Tsitsinaris is a first-year plumbing apprentice from Adelaide, South Australia. He shared that as a young person finishing school and stepping into the real world to pursue a career, it’s important to have good mental health.
“Your mental health is what helps you shape your future,” Peter told The Greek Herald.
“If you go to work with a good mindset, then you’re up for a better career path, as you’re more ambitious and more motivated. If you don’t have good mental health, then you won’t want to get up to go to work, and you’ll lose that ambition and drive and then it doesn’t set you up for a good future.”
The 22-year-old added that he thinks more awareness is needed surrounding mental health.
“Mental health is covered when we’re in school, but coming out of it, you don’t really hear about it all too much, whether that’s in the workplace or just in everyday life,” Peter said.
“I do think it needs to be spoken about more for people in their 20s, because that’s a serious age where people are getting more responsibilities and turning into adults, and stress becomes a little bit more of a factor in their day-to-day life and they’re learning how to cope with it.”
Peter said surrounding himself with loved ones, listening to music and playing soccer all contribute to his positive mental health.
“My family, my girlfriend and my friends all play a big part in it. I love spending time with them, and they make me feel like I’m never alone,” he said.
“Mental health is such a serious thing, so just knowing that there’s always someone looking out for me, and I am here for them is really comforting.”
He added that hopes to see more people feel comfortable opening up about mental health.
“It’s important that people aren’t afraid to speak up,” he said. “A conversation can change a life and all it takes is one question to check on someone.”
Supporting each other
Angela K is a Greek Australian mum-of-three and full-time teacher in Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory. She shared the importance of having good mental health to provide the best support and guidance for her students and family.
“As a parent and teacher, it can be quite challenging at times to deal with my mental health, especially when life gets very busy,” Angela said.
“Over the years though, I’ve tried to become better at looking after myself, which is essential to then look after my children and partner.”
Angela said although finding time for her hobbies can be challenging, it’s vital to ensure she has good mental health.
“One of the things that helps me with my mental health is DJ-ing, and I don’t care whether other people find that weird, or they judge me for doing it because at the end of the day, it’s something that makes me happy, and I love seeing people dance to my music” she said.
The Canberra mum added that the key to her good mental health is staying connected to friends and family.
“It’s important to prioritise family time, but also to have time for my friends too. I’m quite a social person, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learnt how to implement setting boundaries and doing what I can to take care of myself first,” Angela said.
“Having people that you can talk to and trust and share experiences with, especially as a parent, is also helpful because it reassures me that I’m not the only one that struggle at times.
“In life, we all go through our ups and downs, and everyone at any age is going through something, whether it’s big or small, but it’s important to just support each other and remind them that it’s okay to speak up.”
