Listeners of ABC Radio National’s flagship program, RN Breakfast, hosted by Patricia Karvelas, have continued to dwindle across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
In six out of eight surveys released this year, host Karvelas reported an audience of 70,000 listeners in Sydney, 62,000 in Melbourne, 37,000 in Brisbane, 26,000 in Adelaide, and 24,000 in Perth.
Comparatively, in the same survey last year, she had 85,000 Sydney listeners, 88,000 in Melbourne, 32,000 in Brisbane, 17,000 in Adelaide, and 21,000 in Perth.
This reflects an overall decline of 10.6 percent in her audience over the past year.
In June, ABC Chair Kim Williams expressed his desire for improved audience numbers during an interview with Karvelas, stating, “I would like to see larger audiences for Radio National. I would like to see Radio National lift its ambitions in terms of its role in Australia.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Australia in October 2024.
This year marks 100 years since the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
His All-Holiness will spend two weeks in Australia, meeting with Greek Australian and diaspora communities, Orthodox parishioners, political and interfaith leaders, and community groups.
Prime Minister Albanese will host His All-Holiness as a Guest of Government on 5 and 13 October. They will attend events together in Sydney and Melbourne that celebrate the milestone.
Australia is home to a significant Greek Orthodox community, with a population of over 400,000 people across the nation.
This will be His All-Holiness’ second visit to Australia as Ecumenical Patriarch—it has been 28 years since his last visit in 1996.
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was looking forward to welcoming His All-Holiness to Australia.
“Australian society is enriched by our diversity—it is one of our greatest attributes,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Greek Australian community is a vibrant part of Australia’s identity, involved in business, public service, politics, the arts and sport.”
“It is a joy to celebrate the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and the contributions of the Greek community to our nation.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch will visit the cities of Sydney and Melbourne from Friday 4th October to Saturday 19th October 2024, and will participate in a series of commemorative events marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
In a message, Archbishop Makarios of Australia encouraged faithful to participate in the centenary celebrations.
File photo of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew meeting with Archbishop Makarios of Australia in 2020. Photo: Nikos Magginas.
“The current generations of our community have a rare opportunity to welcome, in the land where they have built their second homeland, the Patriarch of our Nation, the guardian of the Orthodox faith, and the history and traditions of our ancestors. In the venerable person of His All-Holiness, as well as in the exalted institution he represents, we see our past, present, and future,” the Archbishop said.
“I urge our devout and Christ-loving people to take full advantage of the forthcoming blessed presence of the Ecumenical Patriarch among us as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, strengthening, and inspiration in light of the many challenges we face in the second century of life and journey of our local Church.”
For more information on the events and seat reservations, where necessary, those interested can visit the website: https://patriarchvisit.org.au/
According to his family, Easey Street murder suspect Perry Kouroumblis, was enticed to Rome under the guise of a possible property deal before being taken into custody upon his arrival.
His brother, Andreas Kouroumblis, said Perry did not travel to Italy as a tourist but to meet with a Greek Australian investor.
Andreas refused to give further details about the alleged deal.
Perry’s other brother Tony added, “He met him [the investor] about three months ago and then arranged [for him] to go to Italy… Totally set up.”
Fernando Speziali, chief commissioner of border police at Fiumicino Airport, said police began monitoring flights on September 18 after receiving an Interpol alert.
“We received a report from Interpol, which had received information from our Australian colleagues, indicating the possible arrival of a wanted man coming to Italy from Greece,” Speziali said.
In a historic achievement, Panagiotis Gerochristos has claimed the title of world champion in junior skeet shooting in Lima, Peru.
The Greek athlete triumphed in the final of the world championship, scoring 56 points, surpassing the American competitor Benjamin Joseph Keller who finished with 54 points.
Photo: Snafpliotis.
Efraim Nikolatonakis (113 – 25th) and Andreas Despotopoulos (107, 42nd) also participated in the event.
These performances culminated in the National Team qualifying for the team final with the third performance (337) behind the USA (349) and Italy (341).
A recent Israeli attack on Lebanon’s south has resulted in a mass of Christian casualties with some fatalities and many injured.
Among the injured was Fr Gregorius Saloum, parish priest at Saint George Orthodox Church in Ibl al-Saqi, along with his family. His home, located on al-Sagi hill, appeared to have been hit by several airstrikes.
Despite reports Fr Gregorius had died, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Tyre, Sidon and Dependencies clarified this morning that he is in fact “fine” in hospital, with little detail regarding his condition or that of his family.
“The Archdiocese confirms that Father Salloum is fine and asks for the prayers of the faithful for his speedy recovery,” the Facebook post read.
The incident marks a string of fatal attacks on Lebanon soil with Kfour, a Christian village near Nabatieh, recently hit by Israeli fire and the village of Aïn el-Delb, near Sidon, hit by Israeli planes.
The devastating wildfire in Corinthia, located in the Peloponnese region, has continued to rage on with firefighting teams ramping up their efforts on multiple fronts across Evrostina, Xanthochori, Sofiana, Koumaria-Rozena, Chelidoreo and Ano Pitsa.
The flames have engulfed forested areas in challenging terrain, however a decrease in winds to 2-3 on the Beaufort scale provided some much-needed respite.
A total of 490 firefighters, along with 16 ground teams and 159 vehicles, have been deployed to combat the flames. Their efforts are supported by volunteers, local authorities and heavy machinery. Aerial assistance includes 31 aircraft—17 helicopters and 14 planes.
Photo: AP Photos / Petros Giannakouris.
Two water-bombing aircrafts from Italy joined the firefighting efforts late Tuesday, October 1 following Greece’s request for assistance via the EU’s emergency civil protection mechanism, with a third plane from Croatia expected to arrive soon.
Tragically, the wildfire has claimed the lives of two local residents who were caught in the rapidly advancing flames on Sunday, September 29, exacerbated by strong winds.
Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s minister for climate change and civil protection, noted that up to 5,000 hectares (12,300 acres) have been affected by the fire thus far.
Iran launched approximately 200 missiles targeting Israel, marking a significant escalation following the deaths of key leaders from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
In Israel, warning sirens blared throughout the country with residents reportedly hearing substantial explosions in major cities, including Jerusalem.
The attack was described by the Greek Foreign Ministry as “a serious escalation and increases the threat to regional security.”
The Greek government strongly condemns Iran’s attacks against Israel. This is a serious escalation and increases the threat to regional security. Greece stands by the people of Israel and their right to live with security. Greece reaffirms its call for immediate de-escalation. pic.twitter.com/YlNmr7l4Gz
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gathered his security cabinet for a late-night meeting following the attack, declaring “Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres slammed what he described as “escalation after escalation.”
“This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” the official announced.
Concerns for Cyprus’ Safety
International flights with destinations in the Middle East were diverted to Cyprus on Tuesday evening, October 1 as Iran launched a series of missile strikes on the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
Public anxiety has been raised by residents of Cyprus, with a number of missiles having been visible from the island’s coastal towns and cities.
Voters gearing up to have their say at the 2024 local council elections in Victoria will have to navigate a raft of changes before any boxes are ticked.
More than half the state’s 79 councils have moved to single councillor wards – many of them with new names – and up to a million ratepayers who were previously given an automatic right to vote, now have to enrol.
Voters looking forward to a democracy sausage will also be disappointed, as the 2024 council elections will be conducted via postal vote rather than in person.
The official election day is October 26 but all votes must be posted by 6pm on October 25.
With this in mind, The Greek Herald has compiled a list of all the candidates of Greek heritage who will be in the running in your local council electorate.
Melbourne City Council
Mayor: KOUTOUFIDES, Anthony
Mayor: ANATOLITIS, Esther
Councillor: ZERVOS, Nicolas Paul
Carlton FC legend Anthony Koutoufides to run for Melbourne Lord Mayor. Photo: Anthony Koutoufides / Facebook.
Banyule City Council
Bakewell Ward: ROUMELIOTIS, William
Sherbourne Ward: GIOVAS, Michelle
Bayside City Council
Ivison Ward: BATZIALAS, Nicholas
Bleazby Ward: SOLDATOS, Jerry
Dendy Ward: GEORGOULOS, Paras
Boroondara City Council
Maranoa Ward: PATTAS, Chris
Studley Ward: STAVROU, Nick
Brimbank City Council
Albanvale Ward: RASPA, Kristian
Copernicus Ward: PAPAFOTIOU, Georgina
Copernicus Ward: KORONEOS, Stefan Christopher
Copernicus Ward: HAVELAS, Aristea
Mount Derrimut Ward: VORGIATZIDIS, Tayla
Horseshoe Bend Ward: TACHOS, Virginia
Georgina Papafotiou.
Casey City Council
Casuarina Ward: LAZAROS, Rex
Darebin City Council
North Central Ward: TSALKOS, Vasilios
South East Ward: DIMITRIADIS, Emily
South East Ward: TSIGARAS, Elias
West Ward: ZEMBEKIS, Leon
Emily Dimitriades.
East Gippsland Shire Council
TREVASKIS, Ian
NICHOLAS, James
Frankston City Council
Ballam Ward: SOLIS, Cristy
Glen Eira City Council
Mallanbool Ward: PALAMARAS, Nick
Greater Geelong City Council
Cheetham Ward: METRIKAS, Jon
Deakin Ward: KATOS, Andrew
Hobsons Bay City Council
Altona North Ward: DAMASOLIOTIS, Alexandra
Hume City Council
Jacksons Hill Ward: KARAGIANNIDIS, John
Kingston City Council
Bunjil Ward: ATHANASOPOULOS, Tony
Wattle Ward: EREVNIDIS, Georgia
Manningham City Council
Bolin Ward: TAFIDIS, Dimitrios
Ruffey Ward: GRIVAS, Jim
Ruffey Ward: PALIOURAS, Amanda
Maribyrnong City Council
Saltwater Ward: SOUMILAS, Terri
Merri-bek City Council
Brunswick West Ward: TAPINOS, Lambros
Harmony Park Ward: PANOPOULOS, Angelica
Harmony Park Ward: POLITIS, Helen
Pentridge Ward: HELOU, Anthony
Randazzo Ward: ROLOGAS, Kosta
Randazzo Ward: ALLIMONOS, Voula Paraskevi
Westbreen Ward: THEODOSIS, Katerine
Westbreen Ward: PAVLIDIS-MIHALAKOS, Helen
Lambros Tapinos.
Monash City Council
Banksia Ward: ATHANASOPOULOS, Arthur
Scotchmans Creek Ward: DAYANDAS, Bill
Wellington Ward: KLISARIS, Paul
Moonee Valley City Council
Queens Park Ward: VASILOGIANNACOPOULOS, Peter
Moyne Shire Council
DOUKAS, Jim
Nillumbik Shire Council
Swipers Gully Ward: MITROPOULOS, Terry
Edendale Ward: BAKOS, Andrew
Stonnington City Council
Malvern Valley Ward: KLISARIS, Jami
Wattletree Ward: STEFANOPOULOS, Steve
Swan Hill Rural City Council
SARANTIS, Jana
Warrnambool City Council
Central Ward: SYCOPOULIS, Peter
Wellington Shire Council
Northern Ward: ILIOPOULOS, Christos
Whitehorse City Council
Terrara Ward: MANOS, George
Lalor Ward: HAJICHRISTOU, Nicholas
South Morang Ward: FILIPPOPOULOS, Andrew
Thomastown Ward: STAVRAKIS, George
North Ward: KRASSOS, Mary
Yarra City Council
Hoddle Ward: GLYNATSIS, Michael
Lennox Ward: RAZOS, Peter
*NOTE: If you have Greek heritage and believe you should be on this list, please email us at editor@foreignlanguage.com.au.
New funding will support an Australian-first project that brings together engineering students and diverse communities in search of solutions.
RMIT first-year engineering students are meeting with community groups in Victoria and New South Wales to co-design and prototype innovative engineering solutions to solve community problems. A recent surge in support has seen the funding pool increase from $10,000 to $40,000, bringing the total to $210,000 until 2030.
The project sits within RMIT’s Humanitarian Engineering Lab, co-led by Dr Spyros Schismenos and Dr Nick Brown, and its recently established HERCULES – which stands for Humanitarian Engineering Research Consortium: Understanding and Leveraging Engineering with Society.
It is a collaboration between RMIT and SydWest Multicultural Services, Settlement Services International (SSI) and PRONIA – all not-for-profits (NFPs) which work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
Dr Schismenos, lecturer in humanitarian engineering, oversees the project.
“Humanitarian engineering issues are complex. The point of this program is that students understand the power and responsibility they have, even as engineers in training, to help address these issues,” Schismenos said.
“Students focus on a range of topics, including energy, housing, health, and domestic and family violence.
“About 1,500 students in Australia’s biggest engineering degree work with communities and our partner NFPs to prepare a proposal for community needs. The most potentially impactful of those go onto meet with community groups and services and, together, develop their idea into a product or a service.
“I hope many of the students will go onto develop their prototype, whether it be through study – such as a capstone subject or even as a Masters or PhD – or as a startup.”
Group photo with SydWest seniors and staff, Jeremy Chu and Mike Engelsman from the University of Technology Sydney, RMIT students and Dr Spyros Schismenos.
The initial round of funding saw humanitarian engineering students awarded $10,000 from SydWest to develop prototypes to help improve outcomes for the Blacktown community in NSW. Their prototypes focused on issues such as housing crisis, energy insufficiency and sanitation.
Community talks for the first round of the expanded project have already kicked off, with students travelling to Sydney to speak with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) seniors at SydWest in early September. They also met with staff from Settlement Services International.
Humanitarian engineering student Tahlia Torcasio has led prototype presentations back to community leaders.
“My team is focused on hoarding in social housing. An elderly lady in the workshops said she is having this problem on her front porch, with clutter spilling over from neighbours,” Torcasio said.
“She is the sweetest lady, which has given team members even more motivation to help her.
“We’re looking at solutions around sanitizing the area, making it safer, and making the spaces more accessible to seniors like her.”
Peter Kan, an RMIT civil engineering student, also visited Blacktown in the pilot program.
“I think it’s clear to all 20 of us who received the funding that it’s no longer an engineering and social sciences assignment for our studies,” Pan said.
“It’s become emotional. You’re sharing Tai Chi and morning tea with the seniors, visiting local areas and connecting in a WhatsApp group. And at the same time, you’re learning a lot more about the engineering design process in practice, especially when working with culturally diverse seniors who have so much to share.”
RMIT students and SydWest staff engaging with culturally diverse seniors in Blacktown.
SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to empowering engineering students and supporting communities to co-design solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.
“Diverse communities face numerous challenges, often punctuated by inequality and lack of opportunity afforded to other sectors of society. SSI supports refugees, people seeking asylum, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people living with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander communities, women, youth, families and LGBTIQA+ communities,” Ms Roumeliotis said.
“By working with RMIT University and HERCULES consortium partners, we’ll provide a unique engagement experience that supports students in their educational pursuits and helps communities co-create place-based solutions.”
SydWest Multicultural Services CEO, Elfa Moraitakis said the impetus to join the HERCULES consortium grew from the students’ response to the RMIT SydWest Engagement Challenge where she saw first-hand the impact of collaboration that comes from genuine engagement.
“Working from a strength-based perspective enables individuals and communities to provide insights and solutions to the challenges impacting them. This approach enables students to develop these skills early in their career and to design engineering solutions with the end-user in mind,” Moraitakis said.
“The Western Sydney region is a diverse and vibrant area with a mix of unique challenges and creative insights and perspectives providing students with a rich learning ground.”
After almost 40 years, the Kiriakidis family have sold Nina’s IGA at Hamilton in Newcastle as owners George and Nina want to enjoy their retirement.
The family made the announcement on Facebook and confirmed that Monday, September 30 was their last day operating the store after selling it to another family.
“The past months have been a time of reflection for all of us. Reflecting on the past 37.5 years in our little store,” George and Nina wrote on Facebook.
“And with today being the day that we, as a family, move on from here and hand over the store to the care of another family, we have nothing but profound gratitude to have been of service to so many.”
George and Nina thanked customers for their “patronage and friendship.”
“It is difficult to fully express just how seriously we have taken this service; together with some of the challenges, hopes, dreams and aspirations that come with being part of such a diverse community,” they wrote.
“All we truly want to say on this day is thank you God, for this magical life so far. And thank YOU to all of our wonderful customers for your humbling love, support and appreciation of our little grocery store.”
The sad news travelled fast with many customers commenting on Facebook and thanking the Kiriakidis family for their hard work and service to the Newcastle community.
