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Kavala holds the 21st Pan Hellenic Lyceum Conference

The 21st Pan Hellenic Lyceum Conference took place in Kavala from September 26 to 29, bringing together approximately 60 Lyceum organisations from Greece and abroad. Among the attendees, a delegation of nine women represented Sydney, highlighting the global reach of the event.

This year’s theme, “Women and the Hellenic Lyceum: Reflection, Redefinition, and New Challenges,” explored the pivotal role of women as the cornerstone of tradition, social change, and solidarity in the 21st century. The discussions were led by captivating speakers who kept delegates engaged well into the night, presenting thought-provoking topics and compelling arguments that resonated with many.

The program included a musical performance that depicted women in dual roles: as sources of happiness, love, and optimism, while also addressing the darker themes of violence and sacrifice. This artistic expression added depth to the conference, fostering an emotional connection among the participants.

The conference concluded with a spectacular musical theatrical performance set against the backdrop of the historic fortress of Kavala, which towers over the city, creating a fittingly grand finale to the event.

Looking ahead, the next Pan Hellenic Lyceum Conference is scheduled to take place in 2026 in Ioannina, promising to continue the vital discussions surrounding women’s roles in Hellenic culture.

Theo Markos reflects on the Melbourne University Greek Association in the 1980s

By Theo Markos (Melbourne University Greek Club, 1981-88)

I would publicly like to thank the committee of the Melbourne University Greek Association for providing me with the opportunity to say a few words about my personal involvement with the association during the 1980s at the MUnGA History and Networking night that was held at the Greek Centre on September 11 this year.

It was a privilege to partake in an event that included the original founders of the association; people like John Petrakis and Theo Hatzis as well as Helen Hatzis, key players and activists during the late 60s and early 70s. I was amazed by the energy and commitment displayed by these individuals during the early days of the association, as well as the wide variety and diverse activities they were involved in during those foundation years. Certainly, they were a hard act to follow.

It was also a pleasure to meet up once again with the younger brigade of the association, former students such as Jonathan Angelopoulos, Kristian Raspa, Yianni Kallianis, just to name a few, all of whom played a significant role in reinvigorating the association during its more recent years.

I must also thank and acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by the current Board and especially Secretary John Tzalepis and President Christina Savopoulos who made this event possible. It was their enthusiasm and passion that contributed to the event’s success.

At the September 11 function with recent committee member Artemis Sfendourakis.

Personally, for me it was a trip down memory lane, a reminder of the significant input the association had in the lives of many students during the 1980s. The number and variety of functions offered by the club during that decade was incredible; a period of non-stop activity and participation during which the formation of long-lasting friendships were established.

Funnily enough, my first contact with Melbourne University Greek students was related to a “cause” which still remains close to my heart, the maintenance and promotion of the teaching of the Greek language within our education system.

It was in 1980, as a year 12 student studying HSC Greek (today’s VCE), at the Academy of Modern Greek on Collins Street, that I first connected with university activism. It was the year that the subject of Modern Greek was under threat at a number of university campuses.

Students from various tertiary campuses then decided to take matters in their own hands and organised a “hunger strike” to object to the cuts being proposed. The strike took place at what was then called the City Square located at the corner of Collins and Swanson Street.

George Tziritis, from Melbourne University and a former student of the Academy, who sadly passed away only a few years ago, came to the Academy and urged students to participate in the protest. A large number of us did, lending our support against the proposed cuts to Modern Greek, demanding that the teaching of Greek is “a right not a privilege.”

In 1981, the year that I joined the club, George Tziritis was elected President, and my involvement was to continue until 1988. I was privileged to serve the association both as Treasurer and NUGAS (National Union of Greek Australian Students) representative. In my last year at Melbourne University, together with my good friend and fellow traveller Spiro Papadopoulos, we served on the electoral committee, which saw Nick Petroulias being elected as President for that year.

For the record, Mr Tziritis continued as president in 1982, followed by Pota Antonopoulos in 1983, Spiro Papadopoulos in 1984, Jenny Giatrakos in 1985, and Stan Lilimbakis together with Con Salpigtidis who served as co-chairpersons in 1986.

The 1980’s were generally an era of student activism and at-least during my years at the club, that activism was constantly reflected. Recognising the different needs of Greek students, we tried to offer a diversity of functions and activities. Admittedly, I belonged to a group of people who felt the need for the association to have not only a social role, but also a cultural and political one.

Looking back at those years I wish to recall just some of the type of activities we were involved in:

1. Numerous social functions including disco nights, film nights, tavern nights, the Annual Ball, and heaps of wine and cheese nights that were “the in thing” during the 80s.

2. Forums discussing such issues as the Greek Australian youth conflict, the role of NUGAS, and matters pertaining to university life.

3. Commemorating events such as the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the Athens Polytechnic uprising in 1973.

4. Holding discussions with both State and Federal Ministers on issues concerning the greater Greek community. Talks involving Peter Spyker, then-State Minister for Ethnic Affairs, and discussions with Brian Howe, then-Federal minister of Social Security, come to mind.

5. Meetings with Greek Parliamentarians discussing issues such as army conscription and recognition of university degrees.

Theo with Spiro Papadopoulos, 1984 Melbourne Greek club president, and Andrew Jakomos, Treaty Authority member at the Greek Community Centre, where they both served as Board members.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the close cooperation between our club and the Modern Greek Student Association – an association active in the 70s and 80s at the Melbourne University campus – with a proud history of promoting both Greek language and culture via a variety of functions and publications. But I’ll leave it to others who have a far better knowledge than me to write about the history of that association.

To conclude, may I once again thank the current committee of MUnGA for providing the opportunity for some of us “elders” to present our stories and to meet and greet the future leaders of our community. It is significant that these types of discussions that look at the history of our community continue to take place, as understanding the past helps us tremendously in explaining the present and planning for the future.

Alex Papps overjoyed as Play School Live Concert Tour returns with new show

Exciting news! Kids Promotions, in collaboration with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), has announced the return of everyone’s beloved children’s TV program, Play School, as it embarks on a brand-new adventure in 2024 with the all-new show – “Let’s Play Together.”

Step into the enchanting world of Play School’s games room, where two of your favourite presenters and the beloved toys – Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, and Humpty, will take you on a journey filled with surprises hidden within colourful boxes.  

“Let’s Play Together” is not just a show, but a celebration of the joy of fun and games with friends.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of delightful games, catchy songs, and enchanting stories; this adventure is bound to create lasting memories for children and parents alike. 

Just like the cherished television program, the concert is thoughtfully paced for children, offering a perfect blend of lively tunes to dance to and quiet moments for pure observation.

The familiar faces of presenters and beloved toys, combined with engaging content, promise an interactive experience that will have the young audience actively participating throughout. 

Greek Australian Alex Papps has been a presenter on Play School for almost 19 years and has been doing the live shows for 17 years. He told The Greek Herald the new show should not to be missed.

“Play School in concert is a 40-minute live performance that faithfully mirrors the experience of the television program. Our audience will recognise many familiar songs and of course, see their favourite toys,” Alex said.

“Anyone who loves Play School will have a wonderful time at our live shows. One of the most gratifying things is to see the whole family enjoying the concerts. Grandparents, mums and dads and older siblings, too! 

“Bring everybody along. It really is a joyous and happy experience.”

Tickets for “Let’s Play Together” are now available for purchase. For ticketing information visit www.kidspromotions.com.au

Efforts for Parthenon Marbles reunification take centre stage in Athens

In a significant development aimed at advancing the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles, an event was held at the King George Hotel in Athens, Greece, hosted by the Parthenon Project Group.

The event featured high-level discussions between notable figures from Greece, the United Kingdom, and international experts in the fields of culture, law, and diplomacy. 

The key focus was the ongoing efforts to negotiate an agreement that would see the Parthenon Marbles returned to Athens from the British Museum.

The forum was attended by prominent Greek officials, including the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgios Gerapetritis, and the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni.

The organiser, the Parthenon Project Group, is founded by John Lefas and chaired by Lord Ed Vaizey, with the counsel of renowned human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson KC.

Geoffrey Robertson KC (L) and Elly Symons (R).

The panel of speakers included Lord Vaizey, former UK Minister of State for Culture and Chair of the Parthenon Project, alongside Mr Robertson KC, the author of Who Owns History? 

Professor Nikos Alivizatos, a constitutional scholar, also lent his expertise, and former UK Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Thangham Debbonaire, joined the discussion. 

Together, they presented the work of the Parthenon Project and outlined the pathways being explored to find common ground between the UK and Greece on the matter.

Elly Symons (L) and Lord Ed Vaizey (R).

A unique case of reunification

Foreign Minister Gerapetritis, speaking at the event, emphasised the multifaceted nature of the issue.

“The Parthenon Sculptures issue has two dimensions, legal and political – we focus on political,” he said.

The Minister went on to highlight the broader significance of cultural artefacts being returned to their places of origin.

“Reunification is a unique case, ecumenical in nature and focusing on reuniting an artistic whole. A series of returns from other museums reflects a broader issue of cultural heritage belonging in its birthplace,” he said.

Minister Gerapetritis also acknowledged the constructive dialogue between the British Museum and Greece.

“We have been in sincere and constructive talks with the British Museum, recognising each other’s red lines and examining partnerships,” he said.

A historic opportunity for agreement

Elly Symons, Vice-President of the Australian Parthenon Committee and Co-Founder of the Acropolis Research Group, also spoke at the event, underscoring the significance of this moment in history.

“The Australian Parthenon Committee has collaborated closely with the Parthenon Project to pave the road which brings both parties to the negotiating table positively disposed and ready to create a win-win partnership that will see the Parthenon Sculptures reunified in Athens,” Ms Symons said.

She further elaborated on the key factors that have brought both nations to this critical juncture.

“There are several strands to the agreement which will involve ongoing and creative partnerships between the Museums,” she said.

“There has never been a more auspicious time for agreement between the two countries, which currently sees an alignment of leadership, a favourable political zeitgeist, and a world which is desperately in need of a positive story of restoration of a historical wrong and collaborative partnerships reflecting goodwill and shared benefits.”

Ms Symons also highlighted the deep ties between the UK and Greece, noting that, “The United Kingdom and the Hellenic Republic have had a long history of friendship, alliance and mutual respect, and this vexed issue has been a sorry point of contention, which will now become a vision of cooperation and a global symbol of respect for cultural heritage.”

A symbol of cultural collaboration

The event marked an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to reach a resolution on the Parthenon Marbles, bringing hope that this historical and cultural dispute could soon be resolved. 

As dialogue between the British Museum and Greece continues, the collaborative partnerships forming between the two countries and their cultural institutions may soon result in the long-awaited return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens, a development that would signal a powerful message of restoration, cooperation, and shared cultural heritage.

Australia prepares to host Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has officially set out on an official visit to Australia at the invitation of Archbishop Makarios and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

The official reception is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, at 10.30 am in Sydney. The Patriarch will be welcomed by notable figures, including Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Holy Eparchial Synod, clergy, and members of the faithful from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Following the reception, the Patriarch will inaugurate the renovated Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation in Redfern, culminating in a Doxology to honour both his visit and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s centenary.

The Patriarch will also meet with Prime Minister Albanese at his official residence in Sydney and attend a ceremony at the University of Sydney’s Central Auditorium, where he will receive an honorary doctorate from the Theological School of St Andrew and participate in an event organised by the Christian Youth Association of the Archdiocese.

On Sunday, October 6, Patriarch Bartholomew will preside over a Divine Liturgy at the International Convention Centre (ICC). After the service, he will present the new Constitution of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to Archbishop Makarios and the Holy Eparchial Synod before attending the inaugural festive session of the Holy Eparchial Synod.

Archbishop Makarios.

Throughout his stay in Sydney, the Patriarch plans to visit various parishes and institutions, meet with the brotherhoods of Holy Monasteries, and conduct a Trisagion service at the graves of the late Archbishops Theophylactos and Stylianos of Australia.

Additionally, he will receive another honorary doctorate from the University of Notre Dame during a special event organised by the Archdiocese of Sydney. He will also hold discussions with leaders of the Christian Churches in Australia, visit Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and meet with the Turkish Ambassador and Greek Consul General in Sydney, as well as members of the Imvrian Association of Sydney.

On Saturday, October 12, the Patriarch will fly to Melbourne aboard the Prime Minister’s aircraft where he will lead the Divine Liturgy, followed by a parade in his honour attended by the Prime Minister. Here he will visit the offices of the Holy Dioceses of Melbourne and Chora, local parishes, institutions and schools. He will also meet with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and visit the Greek Consulate and the Greek Museum of Melbourne, as well as reconnect with family, including his brother Nikolaos Archontonis.

Accompanying the Patriarch on this visit are Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imvros and Tenedos, Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Grand Protosyncellus Gregory, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, and other distinguished clergy and lay leaders.

Source: Orthodox Times.

Greek military aircraft brings Cypriots home from Lebanon

The Greek Defence Ministry’s Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft arrived at Larnaca airport on Thursday, October 3 as part of the evacuation efforts for Cypriot citizens from Lebanon.

The aircraft landed in Larnaca around 1 pm local time before proceeding on its scheduled flight to Athens.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias was “informed in real time… of the successful rescue operation from Beirut of 38 Cypriot nationals and 22 Greek nationals,” by Greece’s Chief of Defence Staff General Dimitrios Choupis.

The deployment of the military aircraft for the evacuation of Cypriots from Lebanon coincided with the swift sellout of commercial flight tickets.

According to The Cyprus News Agency, there is an estimated 1,200 Cypriot citizens living in Lebanon at present, while the number of Greeks living in Lebanon could be around 7,000.

The island’s evacuation procedure, the ‘Estia’ plan, remains unactivated while preparation efforts from the Cypriot government continue ahead of any such request or further deterioration in Lebanon.

Source: Cyprus Mail.

Meet the Australians of Greek heritage elected to your NSW local council

Votes have been counted after the New South Wales local government elections on Saturday, September 14 and The Greek Herald has compiled this list of all the councillors of Greek heritage who have been elected in your area.

Bayside

  • DOUSKOU Fiona, Ward 4, Liberal, Councillor
  • POULOS Vicki, Ward 5, Liberal, Councillor

Brewarrina

  • PIPPOS Angelo, Councillor

Canterbury-Bankstown

  • STAVRINOS Harry, Roselands Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor

City of Coffs Harbour

  • AMOS Paul, Independent, Councillor

City of Lithgow

  • EVANGELIDIS Tommy, Independent, Councillor

City of Shoalhaven

  • KRIKSTOLAITIS Ben, Ward 2, Labor Councillor

City of Willoughby

  • ROZOS Angelo, Middle Harbour Ward, Independent, Councillor

Cumberland

  • CHRISTOU Steve, Granville Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor

Georges River

  • STRATIKOPOULOS Sam, Kogarah Bay Ward, Liberal, Councillor

Inner West

  • ANTONIOU Izabella, Ashfield Djarrawunang (Magpie) Ward, The Greens, Councillor

Mid-Western Regional

  • KARAVAS Alex, Independent, Councillor

Oberon

  • ALEVRAS Anthony, Independent, Councillor

Parramatta

  • VALJAK Georgina, North Rocks Ward, Liberal, Councillor

Randwick

  • LUXFORD Alexandra, West Ward, Labor, Councillor
International womens day the greek herald 7286
Councillor Alexandra Luxford.

Sutherland Shire

  • STRANGAS Haris, C Ward, Liberal, Councillor
  • TSAMBALAS Peter, D Ward, Labor, Councillor

Upper Lachlan Shire

  • YALLOURIS Terry, Independent, Councillor

Waverley

  • MASSELOS Paula, Lawson Ward, Labor, Councillor

*NOTE: If you have Greek heritage and believe you should be on this list, please email us at editor@foreignlanguage.com.au.

GOCSA members to decide on historic move to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Inc. (GOCSA) has announced an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 27, at the Olympic Hall, located at 288 Franklin Street, Adelaide.

The EGM will focus on several key motions that could significantly shape the future of the organisation. No other business will be conducted at this meeting.

Key agenda items

1. Proposed Amendment to the Constitution:

A significant point on the agenda is the proposal to amend the Constitution of GOCSA by adding new articles related to the real estate of the association. The proposed amendment aims to introduce ‘Articles 29 to 33: Real Estate of the Association.’ Members will be asked to review and, if deemed appropriate, approve this change.

The proposed Articles 29 to 33 focus on managing the sale, transfer, and use of real estate assets owned by the GOCSA, particularly its churches.

  • Article 29 defines key terms such as “the Association’s Churches” (including specific named churches and any future properties) and “the Association’s Quarantined Assets” (which refers to significant real estate and other high-value assets).
  • Article 30 outlines the conditions for selling or transferring these quarantined assets. This can only occur if: GOCSA’s Council confirms the sale or transfer is at fair market value and in the best interests of the Association; At least 75% of financial members at a General Meeting support the sale or transfer; The resolution to support a sale or transfer may be valid for 12 months and extendable.
  • Article 31 specifies how proceeds from asset sales are to be used. Funds must go toward: Purchasing new real estate or business assets; Maintenance, improvements, or development of current properties; Repaying loans related to the purchase or improvement of assets.
  • Article 32 allows the Association to mortgage its real estate assets, despite restrictions on sales and transfers.
  • Article 33 prohibits major alterations that prevent churches from being used for public worship without approval. Any proposed changes require 75% support from financial members at a General Meeting, with a 21-day notice period provided.

These articles aim to safeguard GOCSA’s real estate and ensure that decisions regarding its assets are made with community-wide support.

gocsa meeting with archbishop makarios
Past meeting of GOCSA members.

2. Proposed Motion to Resign from the Autocephalic Greek Orthodox Church of America and Australia (Autocephalic Church) and Enter into Agreement with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA):

A pivotal moment in the community’s history may come with the proposal to withdraw GOCSA’s membership from the Autocephalic Church and enter into a formal agreement with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. This motion will be presented as a single resolution, which, if passed, will initiate GOCSA’s transition. Additionally, any future decision to exit this agreement would require approval from at least 75% of the votes cast by the financial members of GOCSA. Furthermore, the resolution contains a clause prohibiting the sale or alteration of the association’s churches for five years from the date of passing.

3. Proposed Motion on the Interpretation of ‘Orthodox Faith’ and ‘Greek Orthodox Faith’

Another item of importance is the proposal concerning the interpretation of the terms ‘Orthodox Faith’ and ‘Greek Orthodox Faith’ under Article 2B of the GOCSA Constitution. This motion seeks to establish a process by which the community, by a vote requiring 75% approval, may determine the interpretation of these terms. The resolution, if passed, will affirm GOCSA’s alignment with the doctrine, discipline, and practices of the Greek Orthodox Church as set by the Seven Ecumenical Synods and the rulings of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

This EGM represents a significant moment in the history of the GOCSA. It will provide an opportunity for members to vote on the future of their faith community and its alignment within the broader structure of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Meet you at the terminal? Here’s why you should consider a destination wedding

By Stamatina Notaras

It’s a day some dream about with a clear vision, while for others, napkin madness and first dance fears only come front of mind post knee drop. Whether it’s a ceremony held under the arches in a hometown church with loved ones watching from the pews, or liquored-up vows in Las Vegas with a very sweaty and questionable Elvis as celebrant, traditional weddings are being challenged more than ever.

In the Greek community of Brisbane, where there’s talk of destination weddings, you’ll hear Pauly Kotis’ name woven throughout. Her portfolio spans across Australia and it wasn’t until planning her own wedding in Greece that she set her sights on a new offering – destination weddings. 

“I was a wedding planner here in Australia, and planning my wedding in Greece sparked my interest in destination weddings,” she tells The Greek Herald.

Other than the crystal-clear beaches adorned in silky smooth pebbles, endless spritz sips under the sun – accompanied with a strong scent of SPF50, I hope – and yacht-bound hens and bucks night yielding memories that last a lifetime, there’s a good reason to consider biting the bullet and booking the ticket. 

Let’s start with the obvious: your family and friends have a reason to book Euro-summer. 

“Getting married overseas is now definitely more common than it used to be. Families are increasingly viewing it as an opportunity to travel together,” Pauly says. 

Getting married in Greece

Brisbane-born bride Bella Katahanas is living in newlywed bliss off the back of her nuptials in the mainland of Greece, near Cape Sounion. Picture this – a bride and her beau wearing their best whites and standing clifftop, with sun-kissed loved ones listening in on their ‘I do’s. 

“I was never really a girl who dreamt about my wedding day… except that I knew I wanted to be close to the ocean,” she says. 

If you ask me, a good party means high heels tucked under tables while their owners cause havoc on the dance floor, smashing plates until the sun rises to signal a new day. No; this is not just a thing of movies; yes, you can make Mamma Mia a reality – minus a very dapper Pierce Brosnan confessing his love to your mum on the way to the chapel (sorry mum). 

When compared to weddings in Australia, there’s one element that could be the last straw in the decision-making hay. 

“What’s really attractive is the week-long celebrations leading up to and following the wedding. We started with a welcome party at a venue on a rooftop looking at the Acropolis in Athens… we had over 100 guests all staying at one hotel, hanging around at the beach together for the days leading up to the wedding. Plus, you can party for longer… on an island, there’s no restrictions!” Bella says.

This is a vast contrast to the 12 am cut-off in Australia, where the music abruptly halts and guests flock to the door, brainstorming where to take the party to next. 

A hometown wedding

As a girl in her mid-20s, I’ve had the privilege of watching friends and family take the next step into marital bliss in a church a whole community was born and bred in. There’s no denying that there’s something beautiful in this, too. 

Currently on a two-month long honeymoon with her new husband Terry, Eleni Stavrianos didn’t have a doubt when booking The Greek Club in Brisbane for her special day. 

“It was important to us that our loved ones could attend. My grandparents are so special to me, so I wanted to ensure they could be present,” she says.

While not physically in Greece, Eleni and Terry brought Greece to them through tradition, honouring their heritage throughout. 

“Tradition is so important to me, and we incorporated it into everything. We did the traditional Zosimo at my house on the morning of my wedding… and to honour Terry and my Kytherian heritage, all the ladies in my family gathered the week of my wedding to help prepare Xerotogana (fried Greek pastry with honey and nuts). I love the unity and connection it provides amongst the women in my life as I enter this new chapter of my life,” Eleni explains.

Destination versus hometown dilemma

Sitting atop the ‘cons’ list when in this ‘destination versus hometown’ predicament are the inevitable moans from family and friends and the ‘can’t attend’ tick on half of the RSVPs. Pauly is here to tell you that all is not lost, and there are ways around this block in the road. 

“The best way to address this is to have a small gathering in Australia once the couple returns. They can also choose to have a vow exchange overseas and hold the official Orthodox ceremony back in Australia,” she says. 

Cast your mind back to a recent wedding you attended and count on one hand how many times you spoke to the bride or groom, if at all. What I’m trying to get at is that, as much as we would love for everyone in our lives to be there for our big day, a welcomed casualty of a destination wedding is a more curated guest list, where you can fill your cup and memory bank with authentic interactions. 

“We definitely ended up with a very curated guest list of our friends and family who really wanted to be there for us,” Bella says.

You’re probably thinking, “Well a wedding in Greece would be nice. So will you donate to my GoFund me?” After doing some digging, it turns out that your dream day is probably more feasible than you think. 

“I think you can stick to a budget anywhere, but it’s more about what you get for that amount. In Greece, we found our budget went a lot further and we were able to give our guests the experience we really wanted them to have,” Bella says. 

But, I’m not here to pull the wool over your eyes. 

“I think people may have a misconception about the costs involved in getting married in Greece, especially if they are trying to replicate a wedding here in Australia. It doesn’t tend to be cheaper; however, it’s on a smaller scale and is far more customised,” Pauly says.

My last words of wisdom (however unsolicited they may seem) are that no matter where you and your partner say ‘I do,’ you make it wholeheartedly and unashamedly ’you’. Because when all is said and done and regularly scheduled programming ensues, it’s the one that makes your Sundays less scary, and your maintenance days less frequent (that oily hair and unkempt brows sort of love) that matters the most.

Koraly Dimitriadis to launch new short story collection ‘The Mother Must Die’

Poet, writer and performer Koraly Dimitriadis is set to launch her short story collection The Mother Must Die, to be published by Puncher and Wattmann. 

It hit bookstores worldwide on October 1, with launches to follow in Melbourne and Sydney. The Melbourne launch on October 6 will be hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria and feature an in-conversation with author Christos Tsiolkas

The Sydney launch on October 20 will include an in-conversation with poet and academic Michele Seminara and will be hosted by The University of Sydney at Chau Chak Museum beside the Cypriot antiquities collection. 

Dimitriadis, who is a bestselling poet in Australia, is self-published, but backed by distributor, Woodslane. 

“This book, as well as my unpublished novel, We Never Said Goodbye, has been finished for about 10 years. It’s been a real challenge to get my work published because of the conservative, elitist nature of the industry where you get punished or excluded if you don’t follow the grain,” she said.

“I really enjoyed working with Puncher and Wattmann. They stayed true to my voice and didn’t censor me at all. They are really carving a name for themselves for publishing unconventional writing. I’m very excited.”

The Mother Must Die blurb

The fashion industry is killing the planet but I really need that new designer handbag… Her daughter is divorcing and she’s going to die because of it… The mother must be medicated… I just want to be in Cyprus, why would I want to be in Australia… She’s never had an orgasm and still lives with her parents… Anything my boys want they get… He’s got a whole bank of chicks on his phone… Ever since I came to this country, I been in bed… If her children can get her the drug for the MND, until then she will dream of her village in Greece… Conquests are about scoring the chicks, but he’s never going to turn out like his nonno… He’s just an old smelly Italian gambler… They never talked about what her uncle did again… The money made him go mad… My mummy is sad, she keeps talking about ‘court and custody,’ but I’m going to take the potion and make everything better…

Broken people trying to make their way back to hope. Stories of identity, divorce, sexuality, parenting, domestic violence, and the working-class migrant experience. Bestselling poet Koraly Dimitriadis’s debut collection will transport you into the minds of disenfranchised characters, troubled men, children who live in two homes, and women trying to break free.

Bookings are highly recommended for the launches or you can also pre-order your signed copy before it hits bookshelves.