Greece will finally establish a land registry by 2025, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced during the discussion of the Ministry of Digital Governance’s bill, according to amna.gr
“Greece was the only European state without a land registry in the 21st century. A pending issue that this government had to solve, because in 2025 our country will finally have a cadastre, an accurate map of public and private real estate, with forests and beaches now demarcated, where what belongs to the state and what belongs to the citizen is clearly marked and with clear rules that will facilitate collective development as well as individual transactions – and all this without loopholes of arbitrariness and lawlessness,” the prime minister explained.
According to Mitsotakis, the land registry will offer many advantages. “More specifically, in the economy by facilitating new investments, in the real estate market, in the environment – it will stop encroachments – but also in general by transparently regulating a critical sector that affects many aspects of daily life.”
He further added that the cadastre’s data will be displayed on digital maps, alongside those of urban planning, the Greek statistical authority, fiber optic networks, forests, protected areas, monuments, and archaeological sites. “Everyone will be able to know where and what they can build or find the right place to build a factory or a research center,” Mitsotakis emphasized.
The Sydney Morning Herald has released its list of the 20 best Melbourne bars and Olympia rooftop bar in Oakleigh is among them.
Oakleigh celebrates all things Greek, but Olympia elevates the experience. Once an old car park above Oakleigh Market, it’s now a two-story tribute to the Greek islands, complete with a rooftop bar featuring whitewashed walls, ocean-blue shutters, and a stone-look floor.
The menu matches the vibe, offering Greek-inspired delights like espresso martinis mixed with Greek coffee liqueur, crispy saganaki croquettes, and flavorful soutzoukakia (Greek meatballs) to enjoy.
Two railway boxcars used to deport Jews from Thessaloniki to Auschwitz during WWII are being restored, under the initiative of 93-year-old Savvas Koen, a former director of Hellenic Railways (OSE).
According to kathimerini and amna, Koen, whose relatives were among those deported, took on the project after learning about the boxcars during a visit to the Thessaloniki Railway Museum.
“Last June we went on a trip to Thessaloniki with the Athens Friends of the Railway Association, of which I am a member. And, among other things, we visited the Railway Museum. There, I learned the story of the two wagons, with which the Germans transported the Jews from Thessaloniki’s old railway station to Auschwitz, and I was moved,” Koen said according to ekathimerini.gr
The restoration, overseen by retired OSE foremen and members of the Thessaloniki Friends of the Railway Association, is taking place at the museum in Kordelio. Apart from the wooden parts, which have been fully replaced, all original materials are being retained.
“The wagons were abandoned on the OSE network. They are very old German builds from 1890, which were used after the war as workshops, that is, they were used to carry tools for line repairs,” explained Konstantinos Pataras, chairman of the Thessaloniki Friends of the Railway Association. The team is using old photos and data to restore the boxcars, preserving their historical significance.
Beginning in March 1943, over 48,000 Jews from Thessaloniki were deported to Auschwitz, where most were killed in gas chambers. A smaller number were sent to Treblinka and Bergen Belsen. Only 1,950 survivors returned. Koen, born in Thessaloniki in 1931, narrowly escaped capture but lost many family members to the Holocaust. He later moved to Athens, studied civil engineering, and joined OSE.
Conservationists are celebrating a resurgence of Caretta caretta sea turtles in Greece, where record numbers of nests have been documented. Charikleia Minotou, who coordinates the WWF program in Zakynthos, described this success as a clear sign that conservation efforts over the past 25 years are working.
According to Guardian, the loggerhead turtles, which have existed for over 100 million years, return to their birthplace to nest after migrating thousands of miles. In Zakynthos, 1,200 nests were recorded this year alone.
The Mediterranean has seen a rise in sea turtle nesting from Spain to Cyprus, thanks to the dedication of environmentalists. In Greece, which hosts 60% of Caretta caretta nests, numbers have dramatically increased, from 5,000 to 7,000 annually to over 10,000 since 2023, according to Archelon, Greece’s Sea Turtle Protection Society.
Conservationist Lily Venizelos, who founded Medasset in the 1980s, recalls years of lobbying for protection measures. She emphasized the need for ongoing enforcement of these protective measures, warning that one misstep could undo the progress made.
Despite the positive trends, concerns remain. The rise in tourism and “last-chance tours” threaten marine habitats, and new dangers such as climate change, overfishing, and plastic pollution persist. Nadia Andreanidou of Medasset highlighted the need for government support to maintain and expand current protections.
Conservationists agree that while significant progress has been made, sustained efforts are essential to keep the species safe from extinction.
Sydney Olympic Football Club (SOFC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Canterbury Leagues Club. Although the meeting was conducted in a civil and supportive atmosphere, concerns about the club’s financial future cast a shadow over the proceedings.
President Damon Hanlin (Hatzimanolis) presented the annual report and discussed the club’s performance over the past 12 months. He emphasised that the focus during this period has been on cultivating talent from grassroots programmes to the Skills Acquisition Program (SAP). Hanlin explained that the club had implemented coaching initiatives and developed additional programmes outside of the club to foster and nurture emerging talent.
Hanlin also highlighted the success of the women’s programme, which has been a bright spot for the club. He praised the dedication of the coaching staff and players, noting their impressive recent performances.
While these efforts have started to yield positive results, Hanlin acknowledged some growing financial challenges. Expressing frustration over the club’s financial position, he indicated that despite his investment of $1.8 million over the past financial year, the club remains financially unsustainable due to insufficient income streams.
“From a financial perspective, it’s been a tough year… business conditions for the general economy are as tough as they’ve ever been. Football, as a result of that, suffers,” he explained.
Hanlin emphasised the urgent need for increased financial contributions from the community and sponsors to secure the club’s future. He hinted that if the club’s financial situation didn’t improve in the coming months, he would not be able to sustain it for much longer and would “walk away.”
Addressing rumours about player payments, Hanlin confirmed that the club had experienced delays, with some payments falling behind. However, he reassured members that all outstanding payments had now been brought up to date.
During his address, he informed members of an inherited tax debt of around $400,000, which had now been cleared, and emphasised the difficult position the club was left in following the sudden departure of former President Bill Pappas.
The president also discussed the challenge of uniting the community, lamenting the lack of support from Steve Kamper, the New South Wales Minister for Sport and Multiculturalism. Despite his position, the club has struggled to gain Mr Kamper’s backing, and this lack of support is compounded by the club’s challenges in attracting new memberships.
It was announced that Labinot Haliti will remain as the men’s first-grade coach for the upcoming season, and a new coach for the women’s team has been appointed from the Gladesville Ravens.
The board noted that it was exploring alternative training facilities to replace Peter Moore Field in Belmore, following the Bulldogs’ announcement to begin construction on their Centre of Excellence. One option being considered is Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Hanlin and CEO Lawrie McKinna later informed members about the future of the National Second Tier (NST), offering some hope with updates on discussions with Football Australia (FFA). They explained that despite some clubs undermining the competition, the FFA remains committed, describing the NST as having a “strong heartbeat.” However, challenges are preventing its launch in the originally planned format for 2025. While the competition name has been confirmed, doubts persist about the kick-off timeline, with concerns that the initial target of 2025 may be pushed to 2026 due to other clubs withdrawing and not feeling prepared.
McKinna also noted that the FFA is considering expanding the league by opening the application process to additional clubs, particularly from Queensland and other regions, aiming to add four more teams for a total of twelve. However, financial difficulties, especially securing a bank guarantee of $500,000, remain a significant hurdle for many clubs hoping to join the NST.
During the meeting, members were asked to vote on approving the club’s financial statements, changing the financial year at the request of Football New South Wales, and proceeding with the NST.
Despite unanimous agreement from members, the financial realities loom large.
By the conclusion of the meeting, the underlying message was clear: Sydney Olympic FC faces an uphill battle to secure its financial future. Members left the AGM with a mix of optimism for future development and deep concerns over financial sustainability and community engagement.
The esteemed actress discusses her role in the dramatic film, a 2023 Greek production directed by Eva Nathena, based on the masterful novel The Murderess by Alexandros Papadiamantis.
As she delves into the psyche of the novella’s protagonist, Karabeti shares the elements that make the film one of the most remarkable works worldwide.
To start, could you share your experience in New York?
It was an extraordinary experience. The director of The Murderess, Eva Nathena, actress Maria Protopappa, who also stars in the film, and I were invited to the Greek Film Festival in New York, where our film won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. The Greek community adored the film, engaging deeply in the discussion that followed the screening and sharing their concerns about the status of women today and the rise of gender-based violence.
What do you consider the highest honour for an actor at the beginning of their career, and later when they achieve widespread recognition, as you have?
Serving the art with immense dedication and consistency, making careful artistic choices, and through those choices speaking to the audience with spirituality and inner truth about the significant issues facing humanity. This artistic integrity will bring both public appreciation and recognition from colleagues over time, which ultimately constitutes the highest honour.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career? Do you consider The Murderess to be one of them?
Every role is a significant challenge; things are never simple. I enjoy delving into the character I portray as deeply as possible, approaching it holistically, understanding its psyche, and serving it as best as I can. The Murderess features an emblematic character, multi-layered with conflicting emotions, and trying to understand and portray her has been one of the most challenging tasks I have undertaken.
Fragkoyiannou, the heroine of Papadiamantis’ novella, is consumed by conflicting emotions. How difficult was it for you and Eva Nathena to convey a different message from the final acts of The Murderess, and what is that message?
Everyone who worked on this film wanted to address one of the most significant issues of all time: the status of women then and now, the reality that our gender is unwanted and even killed from infancy, the abuse of women, and the femicides that have become a global scourge.
Fragkoyiannou’s actions are not a result of depravity but of profound despair. Having lived a harsh and tortured life as a woman, she believes that by killing little girls, she frees them from the miserable life that awaits them, offering them a gift of love. Our aim was not to justify her crimes but to show the moral perpetrator behind them, which is none other than social violence, of which Fragkoyiannou herself is a victim. This deep exploration into the darkness of her soul and her world was a painstaking process for all of us, but our faith in our goal and the film’s message empowered us daily with strength and hope.
You mentioned in a recent interview that roles of the beautiful or fatal woman made you feel uncomfortable compared to roles reflecting the more “damaged” periods of a heroine’s life. Did you feel this with TheMurderess?
Yes, absolutely. It was liberating to transform through aging makeup into a heroine who was not at all concerned with her external appearance but solely with her psyche. This allows you to focus more on your performance and engage with much more substantial matters.
What can the Greek community in Australia expect from the film’s premiere, and what would you advise them to absorb from the work?
They should know that they will see a very artistic film, based on one of the most emblematic works of Greek literature, sending a powerful global message. In the film’s end credits, we see that according to UNESCO and UN data, from 1990 to 2013, 200 million women have disappeared from the global population due to femicide.
Through the work done in the screenplay, direction, performances, representation of the era, cinematography, and music of the film, they will connect deeply with Greece and their national and personal narratives. They should focus on the despair of Fragkoyiannou and understand that when a mother, grandmother, and midwife chooses to become an angel of death for little girls to save them, it illustrates the magnitude of her desperation.
How important do you think festivals like the Greek Film Festival in Sydney are for the diaspora?
Wherever there is a Greek diaspora, Greek Film Festivals serve as a bridge connecting to Greece. The community engages with Greek art, sees the concerns of new creators regarding significant contemporary political and social issues, and strengthens ties between the homeland and the diaspora.
We experienced this in all the festivals we attended, in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Boston, and many European countries. Personally, I had this experience years ago, not through cinema that time but through theatre when I played “Medea” by Euripides with the National Theatre of Greece in Sydney and Melbourne. Older audiences certainly remember that performance, as I recall their emotion and pride in the high level of art in Greece, which had become an ambassador of culture worldwide through a significant international tour.
How do you perceive the love of the audience after so many years of a brilliant career?
It is a tremendous honour, joy, and emotion to receive the love and appreciation of the audience. There is no greater reward. It means that the effort you have made all these years, all your sacrifices and anxieties were worth it because you contributed something significant to people. You hear it in their words, you see it in their eyes. And you gain strength to continue.
Finally, what is your answer to the question posed to all actors: “theatre or television”?
For me, there is only one answer: quality. Each medium has its advantages and disadvantages. In theatre, you have the opportunity to perform in great works and experience live interaction with the audience. Unfortunately, the level of television in Greece is not yet as high as it has evolved in other countries in recent years. However, there is always the possibility of doing bad theatre or good television.
I have primarily focused on theatre because even in times of crisis, I knew I could guarantee high-level work only there. However, I have also had the honour to participate in very good TV series’, mainly adaptations of literary works. From now on, I would like to have the opportunity to work more in cinema because it is something I have missed due to particular circumstances in Greece.
I would like to conclude with a message or words from you.
Let us all resist evil, let us not allow violence, war, and greed to dominate our lives. Let us combat every negative element, every notion of racism, sexism, and aggression, and give space to solidarity and respect for human rights. Only then can we find harmony, peace, and a purpose in our existence.
Thank you very much for your wonderful questions. I wish good luck to the festival. I send my warmest greetings to the Greek community in Australia, and I thank you and your newspaper. Please convey my thanks to everyone.
For more details about the upcoming Greek Film Festival in Sydney and how to purchase tickets, you can visit https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/
Event details:
What: Premiere of Murderess by Eva Nathena
When: Saturday, 19th October 2024 | 8.30pm
Where: Palace Cinema Moore Park (122 Lang Rd, Moore Park, NSW, 2021)
Author and academic Kári Gíslason reflected on his decision to flee from the Greek island of Corfu as an 18-year-old in 1990, leaving $80 owing to a generous villager who’d shown great hospitality to him and his friend.
In sharing his adventure as a young boy, the generosity and hospitality of the villagers of Karousades takes the forefront of his recount. In particular, that of one old sailor everyone referred to as “Pirate.”
“He had a crooked nose, a thick moustache and long black hair pushed back over his ears. A roguish manner,” Gíslason added.
“He also owned a taverna, and cooked for tourists who came to the village at night to sample his famous meals of grilled meat, salad, thick-cut chips and wine made from his own grapes.”
Alongside his Scottish friend Paul who was also escaping his “troubles at home,” Iceland native Gíslason established himself among the “vibrant world” of “step-like cliffs and pebble beaches lined with cypress trees.”
The Pirate aided the boys in establishing a job and provided them with food and housing over their time on the island. However, when the struggles of winter arrived, the pair made a run for it.
The guilt for fleeing grew over the years, despite not being “a large amount, [their] escape was a poor way to pay back the kindness that had been shown to [them].”
Kári Gíslason in Corfu, 1990. Photo: The Australian.The Pirate in Corfu, 1990. Photo: The Australian.
Thirty years on, in September of 2022, Gíslason recruited his wife, Olanda, and their two sons, Finnur and Magnus, to return to what he described as, “a sacred place in my imagination and in my memories.”
The return to Corfu was intended to repay the debt, as well as share his love of the island with his family. He visited the Pirate’s taverna.
“It had the look of a place that had only just been boarded up, with most things still left where they’d been on the last day of business. Lines of empty green bottles. Narrow tables with wooden seats. Plastic table cloths tucked around the corners like bed sheets,” he wrote.
With a mere few stray cats and the odd scooter flying by, the family group traced down the quaint main street of Karousades towards where the Pirate’s taverna “once thrived.”
Upon arrival, they discovered the beloved local figure had passed away that winter. A poignant tribute comprised of a picture of the Pirate placed next to a vase of plastic flowers greeted the Gíslasons.
Residents shared that he faced the end with calm acceptance.
“He’d lived a full life and understood that this fullness came with a cost,” they remarked, capturing the essence of a man who embraced his mortality. Yet, the legacy he left behind continues to draw people from around the globe, with many flocking to Karousades to pay their respects.
“That was his afterlife, I supposed. Visitors still paying their bill,” he wrote.
The trip not only honoured a life well-lived but also inspired the author in observing his sons’ connections forged with the enchanting island as they begin to face “risks and adventures of their own.”
By Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne
Comedies are more than just about making us laugh. This was the central theme of my interviews with director Thodoris Niarchos and lead actor Meletis Ilias at the Antenna Pacific studio in Athens. These interviews were part of the promotion for the Opening Night film Hear Who’s Talking at the Greek Film Festival in Melbourne, commencing on October 15.
Niarchos openly discussed his inspiration for the film: “While I was in psychotherapy, I realised that life can be humorous in many aspects of our daily routines. Psychotherapy teaches you to listen to your inner self. It was this personal journey that motivated me to write the script and direct the film.”
Hear Who’s Talking follows the journey of a life coach, and through his interactions with different people, he comes to better understand himself.
Lead actor Meletis shared his perspective: “The film teaches us that in this chaotic world, we need to spend more time with our loved ones, friends, and ourselves. These are the moments we need to cherish now, not later when it might be too late.”
Meletis Ilias stars in ‘Hear Who’s Talking.’
This is the debut film for director Niarchos, who reflected on the challenges: “I had no budget for this film. I called Meletis, and we cobbled it together. It was a tough journey but one worth taking.”
When asked which scene stood out to him the most, Niarchos replied, “All the different scenes are like my children; you can’t pick one over another.”
Join us at the Greek Film Festival, running from October 15-27 and presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne, where Hear Who’s Talking will be showcased alongside a great selection of other outstanding Greek films.
What began as a reunion of friends celebrating the Golden Era of the ‘70s and ‘80s has evolved into a community-wide fundraising event supporting two incredible charities dedicated to funding research and support programs for patients with brain and other rare cancers.
White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation, ACNC registered charities, together with a small team of passionate volunteers, are announcing the Golden Era Gala function to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on 30 November 2024.
Mars Group has welcomed the opportunity to be the Event Partner.
“We are delighted to be involved with the Golden Era Reunion Gala event and assist in creating awareness and raising funds to support brain cancer research and research driven, cancer survivorship programs,” Greg Gav, Mars Group, said.
White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation believe the Golden Era Reunion Gala function will help create an even greater awareness and support for cancer patients through the Research, Education and patient and carer Support programs of The Brain Cancer Group, Royal North Shore Hospital campus, St Leonards and the research program of the Prince of Wales Hospital, Cancer Survivorship Centre in Randwick.
The anticipated 500 – 600 attendees will include a diverse mix of some of Australia’s leading medical specialists, CEOs, leaders of business, community leaders, philanthropists, politicians and individuals who share a passion for supporting cancer research and patient care.
This event will also provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make a meaningful impact.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 30 November 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Dress Code: Formal or ‘70s / ‘80s Attire
Venue: Maritime Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Sydney 161 Sussex Street
Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Tony Popovic has named an extended 26-man squad ahead of Australia’s AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 fixtures against China PR and Japan.
The October FIFA Men’s International Window will be Popovic’s first in charge of the senior men’s national team, as Australia take on China PR at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday, 10 October (kick-off 7:30pm local/8pm AEDT) and Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002, Tokyo on Tuesday, 15 October (7.35pm local/9.35pm AEDT).
It’s been a busy period for Popovic after assuming the role of Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach just 12 days ago, assembling an experienced group of coaches and support staff and selecting a squad to continue Australia’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification journey.
Massimo Luongo (Ipswich Town FC) has made himself available for selection, following his retirement from international football in late-2023. The midfielder was instrumental in Ipswich’s promotion into the English Premier League and will now re-join the national team for the remainder of this qualification cycle.
📋 Tony Popovic’s first #Socceroos squad is locked in for our @FIFAWorldCup Qualifiers against China PR and Japan! 🔒
Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory FC) has been awarded his first call up to the senior national team and will be joined by club teammates, Daniel Arzani and Jason Geria who returns to the Subway Socceroos’ set up eight years on from earning his first international cap.
The South Australian contingent of Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata), Joe Gauci (Aston Villa FC), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda FC), Nestory Irankunda (FC Bayern Munich), Paul Izzo (Randers FC), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough FC) and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Motherwell FC) have all earnt selection and will be eager at the prospect of a return to Adelaide.
Ajdin Hrustic (U.S. Salernitana 1919) has been named following a recent move to the Serie B, along with Gianni Stensness (Viking FK) who has successfully returned from an ACL injury, while Jordy Bos (K.V.C Westerlo) has recovered from a minor hamstring injury that ruled him out of the September FIFA Men’s International Window.
Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Tony Popovic said he was looking forward to working with the squad on their arrival in Adelaide.
“We’re at the beginning of an exciting journey, and it’s an honour to lead this group of players,” Popovic said.
“I’m eager to welcome both the players and new staff into camp as we come together for the first time. This October window offers a great opportunity to showcase a vast improvement, both in our desire and in the quality of our play.
“This time in camp will be crucial as we lay the foundations that will not only help us succeed in this window but set the tone for our future ambitions,” Popovic concluded.
The squad announcement comes following a final release of tickets for the Subway Socceroos’ clash with China PR at Adelaide Oval, the last chance for fans to secure their seats for this highly anticipated fixture.
Scheduled to be played from September 2024 to June 2025, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 will feature three groups of six teams playing in a home-and-away, round-robin format, offering direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ for the top two finishers of each group.
To find out all the latest information on fixtures, results and Third Round Qualification updates please click here.
The Subway Socceroos FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers will be broadcast live thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.
