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Niki Louca shares recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread

The Greek Herald
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Niki Louca shares recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg strong bread flour
  • 2 tsp dry yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp EVVO
  • 3 ¼ – 3 ½ cups warm water

Method:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl except for the salt and only 3 cups of the water to start off with.  Stir with the back of a wooden spoon and slowly add the remainder of the water – now add your salt and stir again till incorporated.  You should have a wet and loose dough and will not be able to handle/shape into a ball.  Do not knead.
  2. Cover with glad wrap or a loose lid and allow to rest and rise (anything between 2-4 hours).  If the dough is not rising, move it to a warm spot in your kitchen and cover with a tea towel.  Once it has risen, place in your fridge overnight.
  3. The next morning, remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature – about an hour or so.
  4. Pre-heat your oven to 220C/450F for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  5. When you are ready to bake, place your dutch oven and/or baking trays in the oven for a minimum of 15 minutes to warm up as well.
  6. Sprinkle your work surface with a little bit of flour and scrape dough out of your bowl.  Sprinkle some more flour on the top of the dough and with your scraper divide dough into 2.
  7. Shape each piece into a ball and transfer to some baking paper.  Place dough and baking paper on your tray or Dutch oven and place in the oven.  Repeat for the second piece. 
  8. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until dark golden colour.  Tap the bottom of the loaf and listen for a hollow sound.  When done, remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.  Allow to cool down before you cut it.

Niki Louca runs cooking classes in Melbourne. For more or to book classes visit My Greek Kitchen at www.mygreekkitchen.com.au or Instagram @mygreekkitchen. You can email Niki at: niki@mygreekkitchen.com.au.

Dr Michael Festas to give seminar on the Peloponnese and the Greek Revolution

The Greek Herald
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Dr Michael Festas to give seminar on the Peloponnese and the Greek Revolution

Between 1828 and 1830, the Greek administration undertook the collection of statistical data concerning the population and settlements of the Peloponnese. Through systematic research, which involved the identification and mapping of approximately 1,800 place names, it became possible to reconstruct the demographic landscape of the Peloponnese at the conclusion of the Greek Revolution.

This presentation will first outline the key characteristics of settlement distribution and population patterns in the Peloponnese during this period.

Moreover, it will briefly examine specific issues such as the impact of military conflicts on settlements and population mobility – both Christian and Muslim – the fundamental features of the rural economy (including agriculture and livestock farming) during the turbulent years of the war, and the significance of studying the etymological origins of place names prior to the renaming process carried out by the Greek state following its establishment.

BIO:

Dr Michael Festas was born in Athens in 1986 and is a graduate of the Department of History and Archaeology at the Faculty of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holding both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. He completed his doctoral dissertation in the same department, titled “The Settlements of the Peloponnese during the Greek Revolution: Space, Population, and Habitation”.

His research interests focus on the study of population history, settlements, and the geography of the Greek territory during the period of Ottoman rule and in modern times. He is well-versed in the cartographic capabilities offered by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for historical research and has published articles on the history of settlements and the population of the Peloponnese during the Revolution in both Greek and international academic journals.

He has worked as an external research associate on numerous projects at the Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Research Foundation and the Department of History and Archaeology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Event Details:

  • When: Thursday 5 April 2025, 7pm (8am UK time, 10am Athens time)
  • Speaker: Dr Michael Festas
  • Seminar: The population and the settlements of the Peloponnese during the Greek Revolution
  • Where: Online – Facebook/YouTube
  • Language: English

Ancient bronze griffin head returned to Greece from New York

The Greek Herald
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Ancient bronze griffin head returned to Greece from New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has returned an ancient bronze griffin head to Greece, nearly a century after it was stolen. According to AP and an article by Thanassis Stavrakis and Derek Gatopoulos in ekathimerini.com the artifact, dating back to the 7th century BC, has been sent back to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, marking another significant step in the global movement to repatriate important cultural treasures.

Originally displayed in Olympia—the ancient birthplace of the Olympic Games—the griffin head was formally returned in a ceremony attended by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. Speaking at the event, Mendoni emphasized the artifact’s rightful homecoming.

“After decades away, the griffin has now returned from the Metropolitan Museum in New York to its rightful place,” she stated, commending the collaborative efforts between the Greek Culture Ministry and the Met in tracing its provenance. The ceremony coincided with the visit of International Olympic Committee members to Greece for the election of their new president, Kirsty Coventry—the first African and first woman to lead the global organization.

Griffins, mythical creatures with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolized strength and divine protection in ancient Greek culture. The newly repatriated bronze head will now be exhibited alongside a similar griffin head already housed at the Olympia museum.

The Met has recently intensified its efforts to investigate the origins of its collection, hiring additional specialists to review the provenance of artifacts.

“We deeply value our long-standing partnership with the Greek government and look forward to continued collaboration and cultural exchange,” said Max Hollein, the Met’s museum director, in a statement.

In recent years, museums and cultural institutions worldwide have increasingly recognized the importance of returning significant artifacts to their countries of origin while maintaining global access to cultural heritage. As part of this new approach, Greece has agreed to loan the griffin head back to the Met for future exhibitions, according to Mendoni.

This shift in policy aligns with Greece’s ongoing campaign for the repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures, which were removed from the Acropolis in Athens during the 19th century and are currently housed in the British Museum. The Greek government argues that their removal was unlawful and continues to push for their return, though progress in negotiations remains slow.

Source: AP, ekathimerini.com

Paul and Theo Kristoris just miss the cut for Australia’s richest 250 list

The Greek Herald
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Paul and Theo Kristoris just miss the cut for Australia’s richest 250 list

The bar to make it onto The List – Australia’s Richest 250 has reached an all-time high, with a record cut-off of $635 million required to secure a spot among the nation’s wealthiest individuals, according to theaustralian.com.au

Former Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan, now leading the fast-growing e-commerce software company Rokt from New York, just made the cut at number 250 with a $635 million fortune.

With the threshold rising from $590 million in 2024, many successful Australian entrepreneurs narrowly missed inclusion this year—including Paul & Theo Kristoris ($460 million).

The Adelaide-based father and son, who own Leader Computers, saw their business generate $648 million in revenue last year. Founded in 1997 by Theo, Leader Computers has grown into a major manufacturer and distributor of computers and IT equipment.

Source: theaustralian.com.au

Sydney hosts insightful lecture marking 50 years of democracy in Greece

The Greek Herald
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Sydney hosts insightful lecture marking 50 years of democracy in Greece

On Thursday, 27 March 2025, an insightful lecture marking 50 years of democracy in Greece took place at the Barnet Long Room, Customs House, as part of the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney.

The lecture was presented by Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, and Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Head of the Department of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Sydney.

The lecture focused on the restoration of democracy in Greece following the tumultuous events of the 1970s and the challenges and triumphs over the last five decades.

In his speech, Mr Mallikourtis reflected on the dramatic political shift in Greece following the 1974 Cyprus crisis, which led to the fall of the military dictatorship and the restoration of democracy under the leadership of Konstantinos Karamanlis.

50 years of democracy
Professor Vrasidas Karalis.
50 years of democracy
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
50 years of democracy
Harry Danalis gave a vote of thanks.

Mr Mallikourtis discussed how, despite significant challenges, Greece’s transition to democracy, known as Metapolitefsi, successfully consolidated democratic values and institutions, marking a turning point in the nation’s history.

Professor Karalis expanded on the historical and cultural context of Greece’s transition to democracy. His discussion explored the societal and intellectual shifts that influenced the restoration of democratic values.

Professor Karalis offered a more academic perspective on the significance of Metapolitefsi and its impact on contemporary Greek identity.

The lecture concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW), who recognised the significance of the event in commemorating Greece’s transition to democracy.

Hellenic Parliament delegation visits the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW

The Greek Herald
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Hellenic Parliament delegation visits the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW

The Board of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW), led by President Harry Danalis, welcomed on Tuesday, 25 March to its offices a delegation from the Hellenic Parliament consisting of MP Stavros Keletsis (New Democracy), MP Athanasios Papathanasis (New Democracy), MP Stefanos Parastatidis (PASOK – KINAL) and MP Miltiadis Zamparas (SYRIZA).

The four-member delegation was accompanied by the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.

The President of the GOCNSW, Mr Danalis welcomed those present and referred to the benefits and services offered by the Community to the Greek diaspora, such as the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Greek Film Festival, Greek afternoon schools, a Home of the Aged Care, Social Welfare, three Childcare Centers and three churches.

The four-member delegation of the Hellenic Parliament had a constructive discussion with the members of the Board of Directors on issues concerning the diaspora and especially Culture and the Greek language.

Various issues of concern to the community and Hellenism in general were raised with the representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, such as the issue of education and preservation of the Greek language, the sending of teachers from Greece, the sending of a theatrical group from Greece for a Greek Festival and various others.

The meeting ended with the promise that all the issues discussed would be raised in the Hellenic Parliament.

Historic Melbourne visit by Hellenic Police delegation strengthens community ties

The Greek Herald
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Historic Melbourne visit by Hellenic Police delegation strengthens community ties

In a historic first, a delegation from the Hellenic Police Force visited Melbourne as guests of the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA), with the support of Victoria Police.

The visit was made possible with backing from major sponsor Agapi Care Inc. and supporters including Concise Financial Services.

hellenic police

Inspector Andrew Markakis APM and Acting Superintendent Efti Anastasiadis led the delegation, organising a series of visits to operational units such as the Dog Squad, Mounted Branch, and Police Academy. The group also engaged with Greek community organisations across Melbourne.

At a formal dinner, the Hellenic officers exchanged gifts with Their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Chora, in a symbolic gesture of unity. They were accompanied throughout by Police Chaplain Fr Emmanuel Lykopandis, who also guided them through key operational sites.

hellenic police

One of the highlights of the trip was their participation in the Greek Independence Day parade on Sunday, 23 March, marching proudly alongside the Greek Australian community.

The delegation took part in the 2025 Greek National Day Ceremony, marching in full uniform alongside Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police, commemorating Greece’s War of Independence on 25 March 1821.

Peter V’landys weighs up future as racing and rugby demands clash

The Greek Herald
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Peter V’landys weighs up future as racing and rugby demands clash

Peter V’landys is considering stepping down from one of his two major sporting roles — most likely as Racing NSW chief executive — to focus on rugby league.

The revelation was made by Daily Telegraph Sports Editor at Large Phil Rothfield on his new podcast Off the Record, co-hosted with The Australian’s Andrew Webster.

V’landys, who also chairs the Australian Rugby League Commission, is said to be struggling with the demands of both roles.

“At his age with a young family, I think the jobs have become too stressful for him to manage,” Rothfield said on the podcast.

Peter V'landys sets sights on major broadcast deal as NRL eyes expansion
Peter V’landys weighs up future as racing and rugby demands clash. Photo: AAP.

Amid political tensions and strained industry relationships, V’landys may walk away from racing, despite it offering a far higher salary.

A switch to a full-time rugby league role would require a constitutional change to allow him a similar pay package.

His exit would mark a major shift for the racing industry, where he led innovations like The Everest and The Golden Eagle. A move to focus on NRL would coincide with key TV rights negotiations and plans for expansion.

Source: Daily Telegraph

Liberal leader Peter Dutton pledges cheaper fuel and fewer bureaucrats in Budget reply

The Greek Herald
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Liberal leader Peter Dutton pledges cheaper fuel and fewer bureaucrats in Budget reply

Federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton has promised to cut 41,000 public service jobs and introduce a national gas reservation scheme if the Coalition wins the upcoming election, calling it a “sliding doors moment” for Australia.

In his budget reply speech on Thursday, 27 March, Dutton pledged to halve the fuel excise for 12 months, which he claimed would save motorists $14 a week. Dutton also confirmed the Coalition would not offer new income tax cuts during the campaign.

“We have a great desire [for tax cuts] when we clean up Labor’s mess,” he said.

He announced a “national gas plan” to boost domestic supply and lower wholesale prices, backed by $1bn in infrastructure and “use-it-or-lose” drilling rules. Labor dismissed the plan as a distraction.

Dutton confirmed plans to sack all federal public servants hired under Labor, claiming it would save $7bn annually, while vowing to protect frontline roles and maintain funding for essential services.

He also recommitted to cutting permanent migration by 25%, promised a bigger defence spend than Labor’s, and announced incentives for 400,000 apprenticeships and $400m for youth mental health.

Source: The Guardian

Greece rules out sending troops to Ukraine, urges focus on ceasefire

The Greek Herald
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Greece rules out sending troops to Ukraine, urges focus on ceasefire

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reiterated that Greece will not take part in efforts to arm or send troops to Ukraine.

Following recent international and EU summits on Ukraine, Mitsotakis stated clearly: “Greece is not among the countries ready to send troops to Ukraine as part of a ‘coalition of the willing’.”

According to Ekathimerini, Mitsotakis called the discussion “somewhat divisive” and a distraction from what should be the international community’s main objective — ending the war as soon as possible through an initial ceasefire.

He noted that all participating countries acknowledged the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities: “Ukraine has, in principle, accepted a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which, unfortunately, Russia has not yet accepted.”

Mitsotakis insisted that “all pressure at this moment must be exerted on Russia to prevent further military attacks against Ukraine, particularly against critical infrastructure, so that we can achieve this initial ceasefire.”

While discussions in Paris included possible international security guarantees for Ukraine, the Greek Prime Minister argued that “the strongest security guarantee that could be provided would be the strengthening of the Armed Forces of Ukraine itself.”

He reiterated that Greece supports Ukraine’s right to self-defence but stopped short of committing any military aid or personnel.

Source: Ekathimerini

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