There are few things I am sure of in life: chocolate belongs in the cupboard, pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza, and the Greeks know how to party (myself being one of them).
If the Melbourne air felt a little saltier last weekend, with hints of aniseed about, it’s because the essence of Greece landed smack bang in the heart of Melbourne for the annual Zeibekiko Festival Australia – the second of its kind.
After a successful inaugural year in Sydney, and with the walls of Brunswick Ballroom draped in red velvet curtains and a disco ball as the ceiling’s centrepiece, it was all dance, eats, and knocking back ouzo as Melbourne Greeks congregated to celebrate Greek culture and heritage the best way they know how.
The crowd was treated to dinner and a show as the seven-piece special guest band Estudiantina of Melbourne occupied the stage, playing songs of Smyrna and Rembetika all night long. Four tables of dapperly dressed dancers sat casually in front, mimicking a summer’s night out in bygone era Greece.
Among the troupe of dancers was internationally renowned zeibekiko master from Cyprus, Christos Shakallis. His background in dance spans decades, specialising in Latin, freestyle Greek, club dance, flamenco, and traditional Cypriot dance. His talent has led to performances at the World Congress and the Eurovision stage in 2008, as well as serving as a panel judge for TV talent shows and national dance competitions. So, it was no surprise that with this repertoire under his belt, every step he took was intentional, allowing his passion to take the reins.
As the dancers partnered up, taking turns at the traditional zeibekiko, it wasn’t long before they peeled off into the crowd, returning to the dance floor with a string of willing participants trailing behind. And if you know Greeks, it’s come one, come all. Everyone danced in circles until their feet called for a break and clapped their hands along to songs from the the ages.
It’s nights like this that remind us that our connection to culture is what keeps tradition alive and binds us together like a secret society – a secret society that knows that when it’s time to pay the bill, the gloves come on, and when your theia waves you over during the zeibekiko, you join her, no questions asked. So, as I looked around the room and overheard the familiar twang of Greeklish, and saw plates filled with calamari and chips, I felt right at home, even in a room full of strangers.
While in Athens, Greece I met up with Christiana Aloneftis – vibrant and radiating good spirits – over a coffee. A Greek-Cypriot Australian, born and bred in Melbourne’s Manningham municipality, Christiana is in the early stage of her international artistic career.
“I commenced and am continuing my artistic trajectory as an opera singer as I build, alongside it, my career in film,” she tells me.
Having recently made her big acting break in the motion picture ‘Maria’ about Maria Callas’ life, coming to our screens shortly and also starring Angelina Jolie, Christiana says: “I grew up with posters of her [Callas] and articles on my mirror – some are still there! The images inspire my practice.”
Christiana alludes to Callas as her professional role model. Talk about life imitating art! Both Christiana and Callas are children of the diaspora with Hellenic roots.
“Maria Callas was an extraordinary woman. I feel her guiding me – as a light. She is, undoubtedly, one of the biggest names in 20th century opera and, even though I have just one or two scenes in the film, it’s such an honour to play the young Maria at her debut in 1947,” Christiana says.
A Greek actress, Aggelina Papadopoulou, plays the younger Maria, while Jolie plays the diva in her final week of life.
According to the popular film website IMDB, “Maria is a 2024 biographical psychological drama about opera singer Maria Callas… the third and final film in [director] Pablo Larraín’s trilogy of ‘iconic’ women, succeeding Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). The film “follows the life story of the world’s greatest opera singer, Maria Callas, during her final days in 1970s Paris.”
Christiana Aloneftis at recital.
Christiana’s own brilliant operatic voice first resonated, so to speak, when she joined the local Greek community’s choir.
“The Greek school I went to had extra-curricular activities like dancing, theatre and singing with a new initiative being a Greek choir of young voices. The chorusmaster Peter Mousaferiadis made it so enjoyable, telling us stories of the origins of songs, etc. so, aged seven I was in a choir. I loved singing in Greek. I remember my favourite song being ‘The Paper Moon’ by Hatzidakis,” she says.
“I was also exposed to other languages at an early age. My Australian-born Cypriot mother spoke Italian and worked as an editor of Italian language educational books. She always underlined the importance of a solid, well-rounded education that went beyond the confines of the classroom.
“Foreign languages opened up possibilities and connections and I remember my mother fostering my interest in other cultures from a young age; also, through my social contacts and friendships. I learnt Italian alongside Greek and even pursued postgraduate studies and training as an interpreter with the aspiration to join the EU Commission. Had I not become a performing artist, I would have pursued a career in international diplomacy.”
Christiana Aloneftis is Greek-Cypriot Australian. Photo: Jaycee Z Cal.
The pursuit of Christiana’s dream to become an opera singer were established through private training and postgraduate studies in linguistics and music. She holds four tertiary qualifications. During her tertiary studies, she participated in three cultural exchange programmes and has won multiple awards and scholarships to continue her development.
“Many people don’t know this but an operatic career requires continual study and professional development and artistic sponsorship is crucial in the flourishing of an international career,” she says.
Christiana’s global experiences broadened her horizons and forecast a future beyond Australian borders.
Melbourne Recital Centre, Australian debut.
“These opportunities watered the seed for me to move abroad long-term. I left Australia permanently 10 years ago. I had always been curious about different cultures, of how people live, of how societies function. Unfortunately, Australia is very limited in terms of its artistic landscape and career development opportunities for opera and film-aspiring artists,” she says.
“Every year the arts budget continues to be slashed. Though this year, I was fortunate to win the 2024 Brian Boak Outstanding Performer Bursary, administered by the Empire Theatre. It is an important Australian career award, given to an emerging artistic talent of great promise.
“I believe, however, that it is 90% work and 10% talent. Talent must be paired with diligence. Being an opera singer also takes perseverance and discipline, including even watching what I eat so as not to get reflux for example, and keeping healthy through restricting alcohol, and through exercising. Opera singers are vocal athletes.”
Believing in the importance of cross-disciplinary mastery, Christiana is also the founder of two entrepreneurial initiatives. She is the founder of The Vocal Element – Elevating human connection which has a corporate consulting and coaching focus, and she is an Industry Coach and Mentor for Creatives, after having completed internships at Opera Australia and the Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper) in Munich.
Christiana Aloneftis. Photo: Fromholtz.
Aspiring talent and established professionals, from anywhere in the world, can be coached in a range of disciplines ranging from artistic identity branding, trauma-informed vocal and somatic fundamentals or lyric diction and declamatory techniques across the major operatic languages, to name a few.
“I even have a few hobby artists who find this sort of training very enriching,” she adds.
“The common denominator in all that I do is powerful communication and authentic expression through mastery of one’s greatest assets, the human voice and mind.”
Her wisdom beyond her years, of which I am in awe, may have something to do with her life philosophies which she says help to keep her focused.
Christiana says she tries “to abide by the principles of stoicism, to be humble,” while also attempting to adhere to the Aristotelian view of “techne” (art of craft), which she describes as “a deliberate, rational process of craftsmanship aimed at achieving excellence… balancing aesthetic form with a deeper meaning or purpose and involves ethical and intellectual dimensions.”
Hmm, I think, this girl knows her stuff! And it’s not all talk, pardon the pun, as Christiana is fluent in five languages.
Christiana Aloneftis on stage at recital.
And speaking wisdom, I ask Christiana to offer some encouraging pointers based on her multi-disciplinary career and life experience.
Very generously and keenly she says: “Make the most of opportunities afforded to you – your education, your training. Everyone you come across in your life can teach you something. Go out there and get that training from someone with experience. Mentorship and guidance are of paramount importance, as are networking and connecting – never underestimate it. And don’t limit skill acquisition and learning to traditional institutions of schooling. They’re certainly avenues, but not the only ones. Pavarotti didn’t go to university! And learn languages – they open up a myriad of worlds.”
She continues, “success lies in cross-disciplinary mastery. Have other jobs and other interests. I think it is important to have a varied life experience.”
“There will come a time when a strong artistic focus is necessary. Many artists, especially in Australia, the US and the UK have day jobs too! This is also due to a bigger issue which is the general systematic lack of funding and employment structure these states have in place in relation to the arts and culture sector, but that’s a conversation for another time,” she adds.
“For example, in Germany you can work as a full-time soloist in a theatre and receive your normal monthly wage! I remember working, casually, at the age of 15 in a cafe at my local swimming pool to save money to put towards my cultural exchange programme.
“Don’t be afraid. Do things differently, don’t limit your path by the judgments or criticisms of others. People will only ever advise you through the paradigms of their own experience. Go to those who have made their dreams happen and emulate their behaviour. Embrace the process.”
Last but not least, this wise and amazing woman asserts: “Give others grace.”
I ask her to clarify and she answers, “give people a chance. Give yourself a chance. Keep going, make failure your friend. And… be open and respectful. Always respect the other,” before emphatically reminding us that “Opera is for everyone. It’s about human visceral emotion.”
Greek Cypriot writer Koraly Dimitriadis is raw, loud, bolshy, opinionated, and will not dilute beliefs nor mince words – and she has often paid the price for this: personally and professionally.
She is also very talented, according to award-winning authors like Amra Pajalic and Peter Papathanasiou who reviewed her latest work. Christos Tsiolkas, another highly successful giant in Australian literature, agrees.
“Reading this collection, what I am struck by, is the maturity of the work,” he said at the launch of “The Mother Must Die”, at the Greek Centre in Melbourne on Sunday, October 6.
Christos Tsiolkas and Koraly Dimitriadis at the book launch. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Christos Tsiolkas has been a mentor to Koraly Dimitriadis over the years.
Despite being valued by esteemed colleagues and popular as a bestselling poet, Koraly’s path has not been easy. An ethnic-sounding surname does not help, nor does an outspoken nature.
“It has been a real challenge to get my work published because I don’t follow the grain, I don’t have a PhD in creative writing and write in the way they want me to,” she tells The Greek Herald.
She adds that people in the literary community have advised her not to speak out as she does until she achieves Tsiolkas’ level of success.
“They say I’m difficult. Am I a troublemaker because I talk about things we need to discuss?” she asks. “Imagine if I didn’t do all this work. What kind of feminism would we have in the Greek space?”
Koraly Dimitriadis reads an excerpt.
Asked whether there is feminism in the Greek space, Koraly says it is improving but points to “good Greek girl feminism” without a “radical” backbone.
We pause the interview to tally up the number of female presidents the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and Cypriot Community of Melbourne have had. Zero.
She is grateful, however, for the GCM’s support, offering a space for her voice to be heard.
“I’m all about building bridges, even with people I don’t see eye-to-eye with,” she says, an interest that shines through her portrayal of older generations in her book and the male voice, handled with empathy. She told the audience she needed to put herself in the shoes of those she disagrees with, to explore their perspective.
Koraly Dimitriadis talks about her book of short stories.
“Yes, but why must the mother die?” I ask.
“It is one of the stories from the collection where a mother is really disconnected from her child and wants to die,” Koraly answers.
“But I thought that the collection should be called that because I feel like patriarchy acts in a way to destroy the mother, kill the woman. So I thought that was the best story to choose from the collection.”
Koraly is also the proud single mum of Rosie G, a year 12 student who designed the cover of the book. When it comes to her daughter, Koraly dotes but says the warm fuzzy feeling women are conditioned to believe they must feel upon encountering their newborn is another imposition by the patriarchy.
Christos Tsiolkas and Koraly Dimitriadis holding her new book.
“You are conditioned to believe that when you become a mother you will feel a certain way and that you will be able to have everything: the career, the motherhood, the marriage, the love, everything. And then you have a child, and you don’t feel so great. Your body feels different. Your whole life is turned upside. We are sold this myth that motherhood will be a certain thing, and it doesn’t measure up to that. You have a crash as a mother when you first have a child. I really wanted to capture this through this book,” she said.
“I want to give people comfort, hope, inspiration, empowerment. I want people to be able to read my work and see themselves reflected.”
Christos Tsiolkas and Koraly Dimitriadis, a conversation unfolds.Question time.
The need for more voices
Tsiolkas says Koraly’s voice needs to be heard.
“It’s like one or two voices are permitted, and then we think that is okay. We’ve done the Greeks, we’ve done the Italians, and it becomes about ticking boxes,” he tells The Greek Herald.
“I remember years ago in the ABC someone was challenging me, saying ‘Greeks can be published,’ but that is one voice, one publisher. That shouldn’t just be the issue. It is assumed that hundreds of us are writers because there are many of us here. What does that say about the industry?”
Christos Tsiolkas.
On a personal level, he is grateful for the opportunities.
“I am also conscious of the responsibility of that because there are lots of voices that aren’t heard,” he said.
He empathises with Koraly’s frustration at having her voice cancelled.
“It would be dishonest to say that I am an outsider, but I have been one and I know how it is,” he said. “Let’s shine a torch because attention goes to the mainstream.”
The Q&A led by Tsiolkas was less a formal conversation, more a chit-chat between friends 10 years since an entertaining Guardianwitness video titled, “Greek girl explodes into poetry while talking to Christos Tsiolkas.”
That was around the time she wrote “The Mother Must Die” as well as her unpublished novel, “We Never Said Goodbye.” It has been a real Odyssey, but the works have found their Ithaca in publisher Puncher and Wattman and even Koraly is surprised that they are making their way to bookstores uncensored.
She recalls a journey that has brought maturity.
Women active in the feminist space came to support Koraly Dimitriadis.Book signing.
“I have in the past said things I have been burnt at the sake for,” Koraly confesses.
“Now that I am older, it’s not that I censor myself, but I think about what is going to happen if I say XYZ, and I think to myself, ‘Is it the right time to say XYZ?’, and ‘do I have the energy right now to deal with the repercussion of saying XYZ.’ So I put myself first.”
The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, the regulatory body for clubs, approved the appointment of EY as administrator to the Cyprus Community Club in NSW (The Cyprus Club). The first meeting under this new administration was held on Friday, 4 October 2024, attended by creditors and members.
This development comes at a time when the Cyprus Community is unable to proceed with its plans to redevelop a significant parcel of land in Stanmore due to a court injunction. Ongoing litigation has prevented members from meeting to discuss the future of the Community and the redevelopment of the property.
The administrator, Mr Morgan Kelly, addressed the gathering, explaining that his role was approved by the regulator to protect the Community’s assets, ensure the Club remains operational, and to secure its long-term viability. He emphasised that his appointment was not solely to benefit creditors, noting that the administration process could take 4-6 months. During this time, his main goal is to clarify the Community’s financial situation, revealing that its total debt amounts to approximately $13 million and exploring options for creditors.
Mr Kelly explained that the board’s powers are suspended during the administration, and any significant actions he takes must receive creditor approval. He reassured members that the administration aims to continue running the Club as normally as possible.
Dorothy Bassil, a member of the Community and director of one of the Community’s largest creditors, sought a court injunction to prevent a meeting of members scheduled for Sunday, 25 August 2024. This meeting would have allowed members to discuss the future of the Stanmore property. Ms Bassil had previously blocked a members’ meeting scheduled for 11 February 2024 in a similar manner. Together with her brother, Dr Con Costa, they also influenced the Community board to cancel a further meeting on 3 December 2023.
The administrator mentioned the nomination of Ms Bassil’s cousin to replace him, but clarified that since her cousin was not approved by the regulator, he could not be a candidate. In response to a question about whether the Club was trading while insolvent, Mr Kelly confirmed that it holds a substantial portfolio of real estate assets, and that all members’ rights are preserved. He assured attendees that the Club continues to operate without disruption, with all staff still employed, and that the language and dancing schools remain operational. However, the court action prevents members from making decisions about the property.
The meeting highlighted that the administrator’s primary role is to safeguard the Community’s assets, guide members in making decisions about the property, and ensure the Club is set on a stable foundation for the future. He also pointed out that the Community’s current constitution is “not fit for purpose” and announced plans to propose a new constitution to the members, with a meeting to be held in due course. A special resolution will be needed to amend the constitution.
Mr Kyriakos Panayi, the Club’s Secretary, expressed his frustration, stating, “The court orders deprive Club members of a say.” He added, “No matter who calls any meeting or what documents are provided, a precedent has been set to stop members from meeting and deciding on the Club’s property.”
The President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriacou, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The members clearly want a say.”
Assistant Secretary Mr Andrew Paschali added, “A few cannot stop the many from asking questions and forming their own opinions. If members don’t like a proposal, they can reject it. If they don’t like the information or documents provided, they can say so. If they have other ideas, they can present them. Now, outside individuals appointed by the regulator are here to ensure all members have the opportunity to vote.”
The meeting ended in turmoil, with shouting and physical altercations between members, leading to chairs being thrown. The incident, which took place in front of officials appointed by the regulator, is now under police investigation. This is reminiscent of the brawl that broke out during the 2023 annual general meeting, which also ended in violence.
The Cyprus Club’s creditors meeting ended in turmoil.
President Kyriacou emphasised that the future of the Club is not just about real estate or money, nor about elections or factions. “It is about respect and the next generation,” he said. “I’ve said it many times – we all have an obligation to welcome and nurture our youth. To do this, we must not fuel toxic, personal, and destructive talk disguised as debate, nor engage in harmful gossip, character assassination, misinformation, provocation, or intimidation.”
Mr Kyriacou added that the regulator had appointed the administrator “to guide the institution, protect the Club’s assets, ensure members’ rights to make informed decisions based on facts from an independent source, and expedite the renewal of the institution to secure a dynamic and meaningful future.”
He also appealed to the community, stating, “I understand many are upset, angry, and confused. I ask all compatriots who truly care about our community, heritage, youth, schools, and legacy to protect the Community so that all Australians can see the best of us. This is an opportunity to move forward, renew the Community, and engage with our neighbours, stakeholders, young families, and youth – staying true to our sacred mission.”
Assistant Treasurer Mr Con Costi commented that the regulator had appointed the administrator to prevent the Community from falling into a spiral of endless litigation and disruption, characterised by anti-social behaviour, which outsiders witnessed firsthand during the meeting.
A key creditor in this situation is Cyprus Capital Ltd, a member-owned entity established to fund the Club. According to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), Ms Bassil and her brother Dr Con Costa are two of the three directors and control approximately two-thirds of the company’s shares.
Just a day before the Friday meeting, on Thursday, 3 October, the Supreme Court allowed Cyprus Capital Ltd to register a nearly three-year-old charge over the entire Club. This decision was made despite the court hearing that the three houses mortgaged by Cyprus Capital are worth significantly more than the loan, and that the Club is not insolvent. The Club remains entangled in legal proceedings involving Ms Bassil and Cyprus Capital, instructed by Ms Bassil.
The administrator further clarified that the formal verification of creditor claims will be handled through a thorough adjudication process, ensuring creditors’ claims align with the Community’s books and records. As part of the administration process, creditor voting rights may be limited to nominal amounts if there are doubts or litigation pending.
The Odyssey Greek Festival, one of South Australia’s biggest annual events hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) and supported by Bank of Sydney, kicked off on Friday, October 4 at the Olympic Hall in Adelaide, with over 150 people in attendance, among them a number of special guests and leaders of multicultural organisations.
“The Odyssey Greek Festival, incorporating the Film Festival and the inaugural Grattan Street Paniyiri, showcases our rich history, traditions and talent. It honours those who paved the way for us and encourages young people to share their cultural heritage, build ties and cultivate friendships,” GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos said.
“Our Odyssey Festival uses the power of food, music, song and the arts to unite people and to promote understanding, respect and acceptance within the wider community.”
The Opening Night featured an Art Exhibition displaying pieces of art created by local visual artists who participated in this year’s Odyssey Art Prize sponsored by Guardian Insurance Brokers, artwork created by students of the Community’s Greek Language Schools, migration stories from a recent collaboration project between Adelaide High and Neoléa and an impressive traditional dance performance by GOCSA Dance Academy’s senior group.
During the evening, the 2024 Odyssey Art Prize winners were presented by Owner and Managing Director of Guardian Insurance Brokers, Mr Evan Jackson. The winning artists were Maria Tsounis, first prize for her artwork ‘The Departure’; Helen Kari, second prize for her artwork ‘In a World full of Fish, be a Mermaid or a Dolphin: Adventurous and Free’; and Victoria Arvanitakis, third prize for her work ‘I’ll meet You at Mum’s’. Winners were awarded $1000, $600 and $400, respectively.
Addressing the attendees, the Hon Mira El Dannawi MLC, representing the Premier of South Australia the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon Zoe Bettison MP, said that “the Odyssey Greek Festival is one of the highlights of our state’s multicultural calendar” and reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthen the state’s community language schools by investing $4 million over four years.
Speaking at the event, the Hon Jing Lee MLC, representing the Leader of the Opposition Hon Vincent Tarzia MP, said that the festival inspires people to think about culture, arts, language and food, and reflect on everything that bring us together as a community.
Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas congratulated GOCSA for another great festival and said “it is a great showcase of Hellenism and of all the things that make us Greek.”
In attendance were also: Hon Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia; Hon Connie Bonaros MLC, State Member of the Legislative Council; Cr Mary Couros, representing the Lord Mayor of Adelaide; Dr Mehmet Aslan, Member of the South Australian Multicultural Commission; Mr Lenard Sciancalepore, President of MOSAIC; Dr Philip Donato OAM, President of the South Australian Italian Association; and Ms Anna Amirkhanyan from the Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC).
The event concluded with the attendees enjoying local wine and delicious Greek delicacies.
With a family-orientated and engaging programme, the 2024 Odyssey Greek Festival has something for all ages and backgrounds. For more information, visit https://gocsa.org.au/odyssey-program/ or follow Odyssey Greek Festival Adelaide on Instagram and Facebook.
The Federal Government will provide up to $25 million towards major restoration works at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan site at Cleveland Street, Redfern.
This investment will help restore the historical Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady; upgrade the St Andrew’s Theological College; and help build a new Great Hall, Library and Museum.
The reconstruction and upgrades to these facilities will ensure there is a space for the Greek Orthodox community to practice and celebrate their faith for generations to come.
The Welcome Doxology was held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, and also marked the official blessing and reopening of the church after it was closed to undergo extensive renovations and upgrades in the form of a golden altar and throne, as well as detailed and beautiful iconography.
Some of the restorations at the Archdiocese. Photos: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
In a speech at the Doxology, Mr Albanese highlighted the benefits of the restoration works.
“This is an investment that will benefit the whole community. Not just the Greek Australian community or the Greek Orthodox community, but the whole community of our multicultural nation,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is a vision that His Eminence [Archbishop Makarios of Australia] has had and has gone through government processes to provide support for because it is about honouring and preserving centuries of tradition, sharing knowledge with the whole nation and passing it down to future generations and nourishing aspiration for the next 100 years of community and faith.
“I am pleased the Australian Government can contribute funding to such an important community project.”
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has held a number of high-level meetings with political and faith leaders during his historic visit to Sydney, Australia this week.
During his packed schedule, and before he leaves for Melbourne on Saturday, October 12, His All-Holiness met with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Kirribilli House in Sydney. He was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos.
The Ecumenical Patriarch had an extensive and fruitful discussion with Albanese, thanking him for his honorary presence at the official Doxology service held on Saturday, October 5 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern.
Meeting with Australia’s Leader of the Opposition
The Ecumenical Patriarch met with the leader of Australia’s Liberal Party, Peter Dutton.
On Monday, October 7, the Ecumenical Patriarch welcomed the leader of Australia’s Liberal Party, Peter Dutton, to his residence in Sydney. The meeting, held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, was also attended by Archbishop Makarios.
During the discussion, matters of mutual interest were addressed, with a focus on the Greek Orthodox presence in the country, its needs, and its contributions.
The Ecumenical Patriarch warmly thanked Dutton for his visit and interest and offered him well wishes for the fulfillment of his duties for the benefit of Australian society.
Meeting with the NSW Governor
His All-Holiness met with the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.
His All-Holiness was warmly received by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, at Government House in Sydney on Saturday, October 5.
His All-Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios.
The meeting focused on matters concerning the Greek Orthodox presence in Australia, as well as current issues of broader interest.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude to the Governor for her supportive attitude and the spirit of cooperation she has shown towards the Orthodox Church and the Greek community of NSW.
The executives of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) held a fruitful meeting on Friday, October 4 with Greece’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Iason Fotilas.
The GOCNSW was represented by President Harry Danalis, Secretary Michael Tsilimos, and Vice President Nia Karteris as they met the Deputy Minister at the offices of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney.
The meeting also featured the presence of the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Various topics were discussed in the meeting, including the history of the organisation and all the departments and initiatives it operates (Greek afternoon schools, Home for the Aged, Churches, Greek Festival, Welfare Service, Child Care Services etc), as well as future funding projects in the area of Culture.
They also spoke on the Greek Film Festival and its growth over the years, a cultural initiative which is of particular relevance as it prepares for its 29th edition in the coming weeks.
Tributes are being paid after the death of Greek Australian artist Alkis Astras whose works were collected by the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and former PM Sir Robert Menzies.
Alkis passed away on Tuesday, October 1 in a Merrimac nursing home on the Gold Coast with his family by his side.
Although relatively unknown in Australia, he was renowned in his native Greece where he became the only artist to hold an exhibition at Mt Athos.
Alkis and his wife settled on the Gold Coast about 20 years ago after raising a family – children Oresti, Mariette and Critton – on the Sunshine Coast.
The family still has letters from Kennedy’s secretary, Menzies himself and the abbot of Mt Athos thanking Alkis for his paintings.
A painting by artist Alkis Astras.
Alkis’ son Critton said his dad was “the last of the method artists.”
“He was an enigma in the art world, always looking where his next challenge would take him,” Critton added. “He told great stories about his lifetime adventures and loved his family dearly.”
Alkis’ nephew, Cratis Hippocrates, said his uncle was “an inspiration” for him and his brother John.
“We got educated and moved into journalism, academia and music and worked in locations around the world following his example of travel and work,” Cratis said.
“He and Athina owned several art galleries and he was a serious artist, with many sold-out exhibitions and a significant legacy collected by galleries in Australia, Greece and the US.”
The blaze, which is believed to have originated in the kitchen, was contained to the shop, though neighbouring businesses experienced smoke and water damage.
Mr Ploubidis sustained severe injuries while attempting to extinguish the flames. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remains undergoing treatment.
In response to the tragedy, Mr Ploubidis’ eldest daughter, Daniella Carling, launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $20,000 to support his wife, Katya, and their three young children during his recovery.
Ms Carling explained that her father “sustained third-degree burns affecting 70 per cent of his body” while trying to save his restaurant.
“When the roof started to collapse in the back kitchen, Dad was still inside trying to put the fire out to save Plato’s,” she said. “He is expected to remain in hospital for several months.”
Fire destroyed Plato’s. Photo: Nine News.
The fire has left the family struggling financially. Katya, unable to work due to the loss of the restaurant, is facing difficulty covering their mortgage and daily expenses for the children.
“Dad will also have ongoing medical expenses for at least the next 18 months following multiple surgeries,” Ms Carling said. “Katya is applying for support where possible, as insurance unfortunately won’t cover the loss. Our family are also trying to help out as much as possible.”
The GoFundMe has so far raised over $14,000 of its $20,000 goal.
“We are so thankful to all our family and friends who have continued to support us. To everyone who helped dad on the day of the fire and pulled him out, and the burns unit at the RAH, we are forever grateful to you for saving his life,” Ms Carling said.
“Plato’s meant so much to dad for so many reasons, and he is very thankful for all the messages we’ve read to him from his customers and the community.”
She added that her father hopes “to be able to see everyone again” and eventually return to “serving amazing Greek food.”
