After months of intense preparation, it was time to hit the hardwood as St George Basketball’s Senior Reps began their quest for championship glory on Saturday, March 22.
With pre-season in the rear-view mirror, it was finally time for live Basketball at Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre (home of the Saints), and fans were treated with four straight games from their Senior Representatives.
The Waratah League Men’s White team brought some high expectations into the new season on the back of a very strong off-season, despite entering a rebuilding phase, focusing on the future with a lot of younger talent while still maintaining some senior leadership within the squad.
Tragedy struck early for St George with star player Jayden Tanevski struck down with an illness prior to tip off against Wagga Wagga Heat.
Tanevski was the team’s top scorer last season averaging over 30 points per game and is one of their key players.
Despite this setback, the Saints remained competitive, going toe to toe with the Heat as the game went down to the wire.
During the closing stages, the youthful Saints squad was unfortunately outmatched by the Heat; in particular their two star import players with their class and ability on full display for the fans.
In the end, the Heat were too much for the inexperienced Saints, running away with the 89-74 victory on the road. Yianni Trikilis top scored for the Saints with 24 points.
Although the result was unfavourable, St George head coach George Aliferis was incredibly proud of his team’s efforts and is excited for the rest of the season.
“I was very proud of the effort shown by our boys throughout the game,” Coach Aliferis said.
“We are playing in a league where a lot of the players are semi-professional, and our young team showed a lot of courage out on the court.”
The Saints are back at home this weekend, firstly with an interclub rivalry against St George Saints Red on Saturday, March 29 and then on Sunday, March 30 against Inner West Bulls, with both games live at Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
St George Saints Senior Reps results – 22 March 2025
Youth League Mens
St George Saints Red 128 – 61 Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders Black
Canberra embraced its Greek heritage this March, with the local Greek community marking Greek Independence Day through a series of events and symbolic displays across the capital.
Greek flags were prominently displayed from March 24 along key streets, including Commonwealth Avenue, Kings Avenue, and Canberra Walk.
On the evening of March 25, several iconic landmarks, including the Carillon Bell Tower, the National Museum of Australia, the Hellenic Club of Canberra, and Questacon, were illuminated in blue to honour Greek history and culture.
Although Old Parliament House was meant to light up, a light malfunction meant the Royal Australian Mint came to the rescue.
The Royal Australian Mint.Questacon.The Greek Embassy in Australia.Flags at Commonwealth Avenue.
The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and his wife Lara, had just landed from a busy schedule of Greek Independence Day events in Melbourne and Sydney and were able to enjoy the ‘light show’ until late into the night.
John Loukadellis, President of the Greek Community & Church of Canberra, reflected on the celebrations, saying, “Canberra certainly turned it on with the blue last night. An extremely emotional moment seeing the first building light up blue and white, being the Royal Australian Mint, which was not on the original lighting program.”
Mr Loukadellis added, “On behalf of the Greek Community, I want to personally thank all the building and Canberra landmark facility departments for putting up with my requests and for their excellent cooperation. Last night was truly a proud moment for our community and in the Capital of Australia recognising Greek Independence Day in our own special way.”
Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos (back), his wife Lara, John Loukadellis and his son.The Hellenic Club of Canberra.
Celebrations will continue on Sunday, March 30 with a church service at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hellenic Australian War Memorial at midday. A festive luncheon will follow from 1pm, featuring live music from the Kefi Band and performances by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers.
The Greek community invites Canberrans and visitors alike to join in the celebrations, honouring the spirit of independence and the enduring contributions of Greek Australians to the nation’s cultural fabric.
On Tuesday, March 25, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed visiting Members of the Hellenic Parliament to the offices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia (GOAA) in Redfern, Sydney.
The members were Stavros Keletsis MP (New Democracy), Athanasios Papathanasis MP (New Democracy), Stefanos Parastatidis MP (PASOK-KINAL), and Miltiadis Zamparas MP (SYRIZA). They are currently in Australia for Greek Independence Day celebrations.
During the meeting, His Eminence had the opportunity to present the work of the GOAA, highlight the needs and problems of the Greek diaspora in Australia, and express the diaspora’s love for Greece.
His Eminence also thanked the Members of Hellenic Parliament for making the trip to Australia, and asked them to convey his best wishes and those of the Holy Eparchial Synod and local clergy to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and other Greek politicians and Members of Parliament.
At the end of the meeting, Archbishop Makarios awarded the four Members of the Hellenic Parliament the Order of the Christ-Loving Medal, which is the highest honorary distinction of the GOAA.
The meeting was also attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevastia, Their Graces Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar, Bishop Elpidios of Perth, and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Most Venerable Hieromonk Father Antipas, Elder of the Iberian Cell of Saint Anne in Karyes, Mount Athos, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
On Tuesday, March 25, Melbourne’s Federation Square became a poignant site of commemoration as the Greek flag was proudly raised to mark Greece’s Independence Day.
The morning ceremony commenced at 9am and was attended by a small but significant delegation, reflecting the moment’s patriotic and symbolic value.
Sophia Siachos.Consul General (left) with Sophia Siachos.
Official dignitaries present included the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and Victoria’s Greek National Day Council Chair Sophia Siachos, among many others.
During the event, the national anthems of both Greece and Australia echoed through the square, reinforcing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
The flag raising ceremony.
Though brief in duration, the event held great meaning for the Greek Australian community, serving as a heartfelt reminder of their enduring presence and invaluable contributions to Melbourne’s cultural landscape.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled his fourth federal budget, setting the groundwork for a possible election announcement in the days ahead.
After a period of uncertainty, the budget outlines key measures designed to fulfil Labor’s election commitments, including a surprise income tax cut for all taxpayers.
Different organisations within the community have responded to the key wins and losses of the new budget.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers holds the 2025 federal budget. Photo: ABC News / Matt Roberts.
Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has expressed support for the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Federal Budget, highlighting investments aimed at improving social cohesion, women’s safety, healthcare, and cost-of-living relief.
FECCA praised the $178.4 million investment in social cohesion and community support, including funding for multicultural media and grants for community projects, particularly those aiding African Australians and refugees.
FECCA emphasised the importance of continuing bipartisan support for diversity and inclusion, particularly through initiatives such as an anti-racism framework and a human rights act.
While acknowledging the Budget’s positive steps, FECCA Chair Peter Doukas stressed the need for stronger leadership on humanitarian issues, particularly in relation to Australia’s refugee intake.
“When people and communities feel connected and recognised as valuable members of our society, social cohesion is strengthened,” Mr Doukas said.
The budget also includes significant investments in health, including an $8.5 billion boost to Medicare, which aims to enhance bulk billing and diagnostic services.
FECCA welcomed the pay rise for aged care workers and further support for women’s health, with a focus on improving access to services for culturally diverse communities.
Addressing the cost-of-living pressures faced by multicultural households, FECCA welcomed measures like increased rent assistance, subsidised childcare, and energy bill relief.
These initiatives, alongside tax cuts and housing support, are expected to benefit multicultural families, many of whom face financial hardship.
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
The Albanese Government’s final budget before the federal election has been criticised for failing to deliver fairness, compassion, or lasting solutions for refugees and asylum seekers, according to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC).
The budget, which was presented in Canberra, does not address the increasing demand for emergency food, housing, and medical care that charities like the ASRC are struggling to meet.
Kon Karapanagiotidis, ASRC CEO and Founder, stated, “This was the Labor Government’s last chance to show real leadership – and instead they’ve chosen politics over principles.”
He criticised the lack of funding for vital programs, including no new money for the Status Resolution Support Service (SRSS), which equates to just 70 cents a day for each asylum seeker.
The budget also fails to allocate funds for evacuating refugees from Nauru and PNG or for policy reforms to address the Fast Track legacy caseload.
Other significant omissions include no increase in the humanitarian intake, no funding to reduce visa backlogs or expedite family reunifications, and no expansion of work and study rights for refugees.
While there are some positive measures, such as funding for refugee employment programs and the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement program, these initiatives are seen as insufficient and do not address the broader systemic issues.
Karapanagiotidis added, “This budget isn’t just numbers on a page—it reflects the choices and priorities of a government.”
He also condemned the government’s continued funding for offshore detention, calling it a secretive and cruel policy.
The ASRC has vowed to continue advocating for refugees and holding the government accountable for its commitments to fairness and compassion.
Ageing Australia
Ageing Australia has welcomed the Government’s commitment to invest $2.6 billion for future pay rises for registered and enrolled aged care nurses, as outlined in the federal budget.
However, the organisation emphasises the need for more work to be done in preparing for sweeping reforms in the sector.
The funding follows a 15% wage increase for aged care nurses in 2023 and another expected increase in March 2025.
Ageing Australia CEO, Tom Symondson, expressed support for the government’s acknowledgment that the sector needs matching funding to afford these wage hikes, noting, “We’re hearing reports from across the sector that it’s becoming easier to attract and keep aged care workers, so this is another important step in that journey.”
Symondson also reiterated the sector’s ongoing need for further support, particularly as aged care providers were left out of previous government investments to transition to the new Aged Care Act.
He called for $600 million in the budget for capital and operational expenses to upgrade ICT systems, along with $188 million to assist the sector in the transition, which affects around 450,000 aged care workers.
With the 1 July deadline fast approaching for the new Aged Care Act, providers are also seeking more time to implement the reforms.
“Without more time to implement such sweeping reforms, we run the very real risk that we’re going to get to 1 July without everything in place,” Symondson warned, adding that a staged approach to implementation is necessary to avoid disruptions and ensure clarity for older Australians and providers.
While Ageing Australia supports the reform’s overarching goals, Symondson emphasised that the technical and administrative challenges of implementing the changes cannot be underestimated.
James “Jamie” Pakis was allegedly murdered at a home in Belmore in Sydney’s southwest at age 34, on March 15.
Police responded to a welfare check at the Lakemba Street residence, where they found Pakis with multiple stab wounds.
Jonathan Isaac Woods, 21, has been charged with murder and remains in custody, with a court appearance set for May 14.
In the wake of his tragic death, tributes have flooded online. A close friend described Pakis as “a big part of the community,” noting that despite his sharp and unapologetic nature, he was “a good soul who cared about the people around him.”
Alicia, a close associate, shared that Pakis’ death occurred on the anniversary of her relationship, and noted his daily conversations with her partner.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover Pakis’ funeral costs, with the family exploring other options for financial support, including the NSW Government Victim Support Scheme.
The campaign description encourages contributions, stating, “If Jamie ever made you laugh, pissed you off, or even just made this community more interesting, consider chipping in.”
On Tuesday, March 25, Greece marked its Independence Day, commemorating the start of the Greek Revolution of 1821 with grand celebrations, including military parades, church services, and ceremonial events.
The day began with a 21-gun salute fired from Lycabettus Hill at 6:20am, followed by a Reveille from Armed Forces and Security Forces music sections. At 8am, the Greek flag was raised at the Acropolis.
A special Doxology service took place at the Athens Cathedral, led by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.
Following the service, President Constantine Tassoulas laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Αυτό το οποίο την 25η Μαρτίου του 1821 σε πολλούς φάνταζε ανέφικτο, έγινε πραγματικότητα 9 χρόνια μετά. Οι Έλληνες μπόρεσαν και πέτυχαν όταν ήταν ενωμένοι, όταν έθεταν υψηλούς στόχους και όταν αγωνίζονταν όλοι μαζί για να τους πετύχουν.
At 11:15am, the military parade commenced at Syntagma Square, attended by state, political, judicial, and military leaders.
The parade featured advanced military hardware, including Leopard 2 tanks, missile launchers, and fighter jets, as well as historic aircraft like the T-6 Harvard and Spitfire.
The celebrations concluded with a 21-gun salute and the lowering of the Greek flag.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in a message reflecting on the 204th anniversary of the revolution, emphasised the importance of unity and progress.
“Greeks achieved success when they were united and set ambitious goals,” he stated, stressing that economic prosperity, social cohesion, and strong alliances are key to Greece’s role as a stabilising force in a turbulent region.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has presented his fourth federal budget, setting the stage for a potential election announcement in the coming days.
The budget, which was uncertain until recently, includes several measures aimed at fulfilling Labor’s election promises, with income tax cuts for all taxpayers being one of the major surprises revealed on budget night.
Key winners:
Taxpayers will benefit from broad income tax cuts.
Electricity bills are set to see reductions.
Job switchers will have new opportunities, as will aged care workers, child care, and women’s health sectors.
Australian products and remote Indigenous communities also stand to gain.
Adelaide Zoo’s Giant Pandas and conservation receive support, while beer brewers and first home buyers see advantages.
Health initiatives, including the PBS and justice support, also receive attention, along with disaster recovery and major roads projects.
Key losers:
Foreign home buyers will face new restrictions, while temporary migrants and tradies will see little relief.
Tax and tobacco revenue are expected to decline.
Consultants could face setbacks as the government focuses on more direct investments in key sectors.
Despite no changes to the budget balance or economic outlook, the budget presents a mix of positive outcomes for workers, industries, and communities, with notable support for Ukraine as well.
On Saturday, March 22, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia marked its 10th anniversary with a spectacular Gala Dinner at the Grand Ballroom of the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.
The evening was a heartfelt tribute to a decade of philanthropy towards the plight of the Greek people, uniting dignitaries, friends, and supporters in a shared mission for social and economic renewal for Greece.
A moving and uplifting moment of the night was the presentation of the Inaugural THI Australia Honouree Award to Nick Politis AM, recognising his outstanding contributions to THI Australia and beyond.
Andrew Liveris AO (left) present Nick Politis AM (right) with his award.
Guests were privileged to hear from an esteemed lineup of speakers, including The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic (via video address), His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, Andrew N Liveris AO, THI’s Global Chair, Dr Chara Tziouvara, President, Doctors of the World Greece, and THI Australia President Nick Pappas AM and Directors Professor Helen Zorbas AO and George Giovas. Past director Betty Ivanoff served as MC for the evening.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks.
During his welcome address, THI Australia President Mr Pappas expressed immense pride in the organisation’s journey.
“I look around the room and I see all that is good about modern Australia. Sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters of many who left a well-trodden land with very little, but who gave their all to a new land they came to love as much as their own,” Mr Pappas said.
Nick Pappas AM speaks.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the Greek diaspora’s unbreakable bond with its homeland, forged through a shared history of resilience and generosity.
“Born of a crisis, The Hellenic Initiative has united the Greek diaspora in support of its homeland and Australia remains one of the most important and dynamic parts of this global effort,” said THI Australia Director, Professor Zorbas.
On receiving the Inaugural THI Australia Honouree Award from THI’s Global Chair, Mr Liveris, an emotional Mr Politis thanked THI Australia’s board and management, expressing his fervent hope that others would continue to support Greece and its people in the years to come.
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A particularly moving moment came from Dr Tziouvara, President of Doctors of the World Greece, one of THI Australia’s trusted charity partners, who said in closing, “It is truly moving to see the love and commitment of the Greek diaspora – all of you – who, even though you are far from home, ease the pain through your incredible actions. You are making such a profound impact on the lives of those facing daily hardships.”
The evening concluded with a captivating live performance from Kostas Karafotis, supported by violinist Georgia Rappou, which left guests in extremely high spirits.
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As THI Australia embarks on its second decade, the Gala Dinner reaffirmed that its mission to support those in need in Greece remains stronger than ever.
Aided by the support of the Greek Australian community, THI Australia will continue to stand by the people of Greece as it delivers innovative and impactful programs across the health, social services, education, employment and art & culture sectors.
On Sunday, March 23, Adelaide’s Greek community and wider multicultural groups gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, marking the events of 25 March 1821.
The day’s commemorations, organised by the Holy Diocese of Adelaide and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, reflected both solemn remembrance and triumphant celebration.
The morning began with an Archieratical Divine Liturgy and Doxology at Saint Sophia, the Archiepiscopal Church of the Holy Wisdom of God, presided over by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide. While this liturgy was the central gathering, churches across South Australia simultaneously held their own services to honour the heroes of 1821.
Following the liturgy, a Memorial Service took place at the National War Memorial on North Terrace. There, wreaths were laid by dignitaries and community leaders, representatives from Hellenic organisations, government, and multicultural community groups came together to pay tribute to those who fought and sacrificed for Greek independence.
The Hon. Josh Teague MP – representing the leader of the opposition.The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP – Representing the Premier of SA.
Wreath laying ceremony.
His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide opened the memorial by stating that: “We are called to honour the heroes who came before us in every nation — and specifically today, we commemorate the heroes of a great movement: the liberation of the nation of Greece from the Ottoman Empire.”
“That occupation lasted four hundred years,” His Grace added. “Through this commemorative event, we offer a loud prayer and a bold cry for all wars to stop. Any war, any persecution — whether it be against one nation or even one person — is a violation on every person.”
Memorial service officiated by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide.
The Hon. Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, addressing the crowd, remarked: “Today is a very special day for us Greeks — and also a special day for Adelaide. March 25th holds deep significance: for our people, for our culture, and for our shared values.”
She spoke powerfully of the flag’s symbolism, explaining, “Today…we see our colours — blue and white — everywhere. These are the colours our ancestors chose to represent our nation. The white of the skies, the blue of the sea — because we are a maritime people, a people of nature and freedom.”
Consul General Theodoropoulou addressing attendees.The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP.
Linking the past to the present, she recounted how March 25th, which also marks the Greek Orthodox Feast of the Annunciation, was selected to announce both spiritual and national rebirth.
“For us Greeks, it was also the Annunciation of the coming of freedom to our motherland. That’s how our ancestors imagined it. That’s where they drew the strength to fight,” she said.
The Consul General also invoked the unity of Greeks around the world, reflecting on the revolution’s broader impact: “Greeks from all over — because Greeks were never limited to the borders of what is today the Greek state — rose up for a common cause… all Greeks united their hopes, their arms, and their dreams for one purpose: revolution.”
Dr Theodoropoulou spoke on the values that inspired the Greek Revolution, quoting the poet Andreas Kalvos: “Without virtue and courage, freedom does not exist.” She emphasised how these words encapsulated the spirit of 1821, not only guiding the revolutionaries but also resonating with Philhellenes around the world. She paid homage not only to Greek fighters, but to Philhellenes across the world, drawing comparisons to later generations of allies such as the ANZACs.
“These words inspired not only the Greeks, but also the Philhellenes — the lovers of Greece — like the ANZACs in later times,” she said. “Friends of Greece came to fight beside us. Why? Because they believed in the universal ideals our revolution represented.”
From the war memorial, a student parade made its way to the Torrens Parade Ground.
The commemorations served as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of freedom, dignity, and unity; principles that continue to bind communities across time and continents.
From the war memorial, a student parade made its way to the Torrens Parade Ground. Students from various Greek schools, including St George College, St Spyridon College, and Port Adelaide Greek Schools, performed national poems, sang traditional songs, and danced in celebration of the enduring spirit of independence.
The festival, held at the grounds, included food and drink stalls, cultural performances, and a strong spirit of unity. Families, dignitaries, and friends of the Greek community gathered to celebrate both their heritage and national identity.
