Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commission Chairman Peter V’landys has expressed his support for the NRL’s ambitions of acquiring a private aircraft for its players.
V’landys, alongside NRL management led by CEO Andrew Abdo, approved a feasibility study for the private jet on Wednesday, September 18. The study will examine the potential benefits and logistics of adding a private aircraft to the league’s assets, facilitating smoother travel for players between games.
“It’s a very good suggestion, and it’s got enormous benefit,” V’landys told The Sydney Morning Herald. “We discussed it [on Wednesday] and we’re definitely going to do an analysis.
Photo: NRL Photos.
“You can do promotions where you can take fans to different venues, and especially if we expand to Perth, Papua New Guinea, the south island of New Zealand or wherever, it becomes a more realistic option.
“If it’s only slightly more money than what we’re paying now, it doesn’t matter because of the comfort and convenience which would be given to the players for their welfare far outweighs any additional costs.
“The cost-benefit analysis can stack up because of the revenue you make when you’re not using it.”
Greece’s [12] Stefanos Tsitsipas and [9] Maria Sakkari, China’s [7] Zheng Qinwen and Norway’s [9] Casper Ruud have all committed early to the 2025 edition of the United Cup.
From Friday 27 December to Sunday 5 January, eighteen countries, featuring up to three men and up to three women, will compete across Perth and Sydney for the coveted trophy.
Team Greece will make their third appearance at the innovative mixed team tennis tournament and crowd favourite Tsitsipas is keen to return.
“Representing Team Greece in a team competition like that at the beginning of the year is something that allows me to be really patriotic and start the year very strong,” Tsitsipas said.
“The team we have built with Maria (Sakkari) over the last few years is definitely one that gives us a lot of opportunities to go big and create a lot of damage on the field.
“Getting the opportunity to have a lot of good individuals within one team gives us lot of motivation and a lot of reasons to go out there and fight for our best.
“Knowing that we come from a country rich in history and good traditions and values when it comes to sports is an extra reason to go out there and represent tennis, try and do as good as we can to uplift tennis and bring its highest value in our country.”
The Greeks qualified for the United Cup semifinals in 2023 and in 2024 advanced to the quarterfinals, falling to eventual champions Germany.
Australian Open 2024 finalist Zheng Qinwen’s WTA ranking has ensured Team China’s qualification.
“I’m delighted to be able to qualify China again for the United Cup,” said Zheng, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist.
“The United Cup presents a unique opportunity to play for our country in a mixed team environment, similar to the Olympics, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this experience together.”
United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow is pleased four top 15 players have been able to commit to the tournament this early.
“We are absolutely thrilled to see Stefanos Tsitsipas, Maria Sakkari, Zheng Qinwen and Casper Ruud commit to the United Cup – their early commitment is a testament to the quality of the event,” Farrow said.
“Tsitsipas and Sakkari qualified Greece at the first two editions of the United Cup. They are both fan favourites and are looking forward to starting their year with us in 2025.
“The Greek fans in both Perth and Sydney have supported the United Cup with great passion. They bring an unrivaled energy in support of their country’s biggest sporting stars, which is the essence of the United Cup.
“Zheng has had an incredible 2024 – she reached the final of the Australian Open in January, won gold in Paris and has maintained her top 10 ranking throughout the year. She’s a great player and a big personality and it’s fantastic to welcome her back to the United Cup.
“Casper Ruud’s consistent results on the tour has again allowed Norway to secure their position at the United Cup for another year. Ruud’s early commitment recognises the value in participating in global team competitions.”
The official draw will be held on Monday 21 October and will determine which city Greece, China and Norway will contest the United Cup Group Stage.
Participation in the United Cup is subject to players committing by the tournament’s entry deadline of 16 October for the first 16 teams. The remaining two teams will be decided after the second qualification date of 19 November.
Ten countries will qualify for the United Cup via the five highest-ranked men and five highest-ranked women entered based on their PIF ATP and WTA rankings.
Eight teams will qualify according to the best combined ranking of the highest-ranked men’s and women’s players from the same country.
Under the leadership of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Synod has arranged for the funeral service to take place at the Church of St George in Adelaide on Monday, September 23, at 11 am, with burial to follow at Centennial Park Cemetery in Pasadena, Adelaide.
Bishop Paul, born Apostolos Laios in Arta on June 30, 1938, studied theology at the prestigious Theological School of Halki, graduating in 1962. He initially served as the General Hierarchical Vicar of the Holy Metropolis of Demetrias until 1970 when he emigrated to Australia. In Australia, he became the hierarchical head of the Holy Trinity Church in Richmond, Victoria.
Theological School of Halki.
Elected as Bishop of the once-prominent Diocese of Christianoupolis, he served as an assistant bishop to Archbishop Stylianos of Australia. He was ordained on March 11, 1984, during the Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Redfern, Sydney.
In 1994, Bishop Paul seceded from the Church, resulting in his defrocking by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. However, on June 12, 2019, the Holy and Sacred Synod reinstated him to the episcopal rank after accepting his repentance and apology, due to the advocacy of Archbishop Makarios.
Following his reinstatement, Bishop Paul resided in Adelaide, having reconciled with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. He passed away after several months of illness, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and service to the Church.
Cyprus’ highest court has mandated the removal of the country’s Comptroller General, Odysseas Michaelides, due to alleged misconduct and interference with the judiciary’s operations. This landmark ruling on Wednesday, September 18, marks the first of its kind in the Mediterranean island’s 64-year history.
In a comprehensive 209-page decision, an eight-judge panel of the Supreme Constitutional Court concluded that Michaelides had “violated boundaries” and displayed “behaviour unbecoming” of his position.
This decision further complicates an ongoing dispute between Michaelides, the chief accountant for the government, and Attorney General George Savvides along with his deputy, Savvas Angelides, who initiated the case against him.
Photo: Petros Karadjias / AP Photo.
The judges found that Michaelides exceeded his authority, showing “contempt” for the attorney general’s office. They accused him of “improperly” interfering in ongoing legal matters, making unfounded claims about cover-ups, and jeopardising the rule of law.
The ruling also highlighted Michaelides’ social media activity, noting that his posts were filled with misinformation and innuendos directed at the attorney general and his deputy.
According to government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis, the ruling is binding for Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
Seven years after television chef and hospitality mogul, George Calombaris found himself in the centre of a million-dollar wage scandal that cost him his house and reputation, he has expressed he is ready to get back to who he is at his “core.”
“I only knew high, I only knew how to be at the top and then, suddenly, overnight bang! And it was a big reality check,” Calombaris said in an A Current Affair video.
Photo: Nine.
Calombaris disclosed he’s still a work in progress after the “lesson [he] needed”, but he’s prepared to “get back up and have another crack.”
“You can take whatever you want away from me, house, cars, money whatever… But there’s one thing you can never take away – I’m a chef at heart, that’s who I am,” Calombaris added.
“At its core, I’m still George, I’m still the cook and I love it, I love it.”
“Every man and his dog have something to say about the zeibekiko dance, and I have heard it all,” says dance teacher Sophia Ventouris, highlighting the wide range of opinions, from traditionalists to artists who want to experiment.
The 2nd Zeibekiko Festival Australia, a unique cultural event dedicated to this iconic Greek dance, seeks to embrace all perspectives as it travels to Sydney and Melbourne from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, October 6.
Spearheaded by Sophia, this self-funded project aims to showcase the rich historical tapestry of zeibekiko, tracing its evolution from its roots to its modern interpretations.
Cypriot Zeibekiko master Christos Shakallis, a standout from last year’s festival, returns with performances featuring laika and modernist dances. At the other end of the spectrum is the well-respected Yiannis Pagkozidis, a traditionalist. An expert in Cappadocian song and dance, Pagkozidis has conducted extensive research in zeibekiko and will share his knowledge through performances of zeibekiko, aptilikous and karsilamades.
“Pagkozidis is the extreme opposite of Shakallis,” Sophia says, excited by the prospect of bringing these contrasting styles together.
“We’re committed to changing perceptions about zeibekiko. It’s going to take time, and we won’t change people’s minds overnight.”
Dark and divine origins
Why zeibekiko and not some other signature Greek dance? Sophia explains that it’s because zeibekiko embodies “everything.”
“It is a profound expression of the human soul, particularly darker emotions—a way of dealing with demons,” she says.
Sophia delves into the dance’s deep roots, exploring the social and cultural contexts that have shaped it. Some experts believe the dance has ancient origins, with its name derived from the Phrygian word “Zey” or “Zeus,” alluding to the almighty, philandering king of the gods of Olympus. She also references folklorist Thanos Veloudis, musicologist Simon Karras, and painter Yannis Tsarouchis, who all agree that zeibekiko took its name from the Zembeks, the Islamised Greeks of Bursa, Aydin, and Erythrae in Asia Minor. Zembeks were gendarmes of the Ottoman Empire, known as “knights of the mountains” and rebellious, traits reflected in the nature of the dance.
“The dance has evolved, reinventing itself in every historical period,” Sophia says, pointing to the rebetiko era when 1,500,000 Greek refugees from Asia Minor flooded Athens and Piraeus.
“These men were outcasts, poor and traumatised. They would go to koutoukia, underground taverns. When a man paid the musicians (kerasma), it was understood that he owned the next few minutes on the dance floor, usually for the duration of the song. If another person got up to dance at the same time, the first dancer would be offended, often leading to a knife fight.”
The staggering, drunken movements resemble a man in pain, dancing to death. But Ventouris explains, “There’s this mistaken idea that zeibekiko is just a drunken man’s dance, but it’s not.”
“It’s about self-improvisation, expression, and a deep connection to the music,” she emphasises.
Adaptability through time
Now a symbol of Greek culture worldwide, the zeibekiko’s ability to adapt to changing social and historical contexts has ensured its survival and continued relevance.
Sophia acknowledges the social gatherings that often led to spontaneous dancing. It was common for people to dance opposite each other, sometimes alone, leading to the emergence of different styles, such as the unique forms in Mytilene like “Molivos” or “zeibekiko tou anemou” (zeibekiko of winds). Women also had their own version of zeibekiko, which differed significantly from how the dance is performed by women today.
“Back then, women would dress in traditional costumes and dance in a manner that reflected the cultural and social norms of their time,” Sophia says.
“In recent years, the dance has become more inclusive and celebratory. It’s no longer just a man’s expression of pain as it was when danced in koutoukia,” she adds, noting that the dance is just as relevant to the Greek Australian diaspora as it was for Asia Minor refugees.
“For Greek Australians, zeibekiko offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect with our roots.”
Sophia says “the dance has evolved along with our way of life,” but what hasn’t changed is that it continues to be a “deposition of the soul”—a form of therapy through movement.
“People say that you can’t teach zeibekiko, but there is a structure to it,” she notes, pointing to the rhythm of nine-eighths, which also appears in the odes of Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess.
Though it is a “deposition of the soul,” Sophia believes there are movements you can teach to offer students the opportunity to unlock what is innate.
Sell-out events
This year’s festival will feature a variety of events, including workshops, performances, and live music, taking place throughout September and October. For specific dates and locations, please refer to the festival program.
Sophia has also teamed up with renowned rebetiko artist Costa Calamaras, a prominent figure in Melbourne’s rebetiko scene.
“We’re going to do that at the Brunswick Ballroom on October 6,” she announced, noting the event will offer a mix of standing and seated experiences.
Despite the festival’s success, Sophia faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of funding. The entire event is self-funded, with the money raised just enough to cover expenses.
Sophia also expressed her desire to continue expanding the festival, introducing more types of zeibekiko dances in the future.
As the festival continues to grow, Ventouris remains committed to her vision of fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique and powerful dance tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just curious about Greek culture, the Zeibekiko Festival offers something for everyone, ensuring that the spirit of this dance will thrive for generations to come.
The second Zeibekiko Festival Australia will return with a bang from September 27 this year thanks to Ventouris Productions. Events are being held in Sydney and Melbourne. To book tickets to the Sydney events, click here. To book tickets to the Melbourne event, click here.
If you wish to be a sponsor of this event, or contribute as a performer, business partner or volunteer please call Sophia Ventouris on 0413 114 930. The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.
The program of events for the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW’s Dimitria Festival has been released.
The Dimitria Festival celebrates the ancient and modern culture, history and geography of the Macedonian region in Greece.
The program runs from September 29 until December 1, and includes the following events:
Sunday 29 September at 9:00am – Dimitria Doxology, Artoklasia and Memorial Resurrection of Christ Greek Orthodox Church – 16-20 Belgrave Street, Kogarah. No bookings required. Call Anastasia Karakominakis on 0400 112 020 for more information. Event by the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW.
Sunday 29 September at 5:00pm – Official Opening of the Dimitria Festival Cocktail Party Ramsgate RSL at cnr. Ramsgate Road and Chuter Avenue, Sans Souci. It will be a cocktail party event with traditional Greek Macedonian dances. RSVPs are essential a week prior to the event by contacting Anastasia Karakominakis on 0400 112 020 or Costa Dantos on 0451 416 191. Event by the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW.
Saturday 5 October at night – 60 Year Celebrating Panagia Soumela Concert Orion Centre – 155 Beamish Street, Campsie. Doors open at 6.30pm and tickets are from $160 (including entry, food and soft drinks). Contact Chris Klazidis on 0409 014 120 for more information. Event by the Pontian Society of Sydney “Panagia Soumela”.
Sunday 20 October at 1:00pm – Nomos Pellas Edessa Association Taverna Afternoon Panagia Soumela Hall – 604 New Canterbury Road, Hurlstone Park. Price $45 adults and $20 children aged 2-12 years old. Call Nikos Stanisis on 0414 014 920 or Louis Tsaousidis on 0411 679 161 to book or for more information. Event by the Philantropic Association of Nomos Pellas “Edessa”.
Saturday 26 October at 7:00pm – Pontoxeniteas Annual Dinner Dance Greek Community Club – 206 Lakemba Street, Lakemba. Finishes at 1am! $65 adults (13+ years) and children under 12 is $30. Drinks sold separately. Book online at www.trybooking.com/CUGXW or by calling Maria Anthony on 0411 318 851. Event by the Pontian Association of NSW “Pontoxeniteas”.
Sunday 27 October at 9:00am – St Demetrios Litany Resurrection of Christ Greek Orthodox Church – 16-20 Belgrave Street, Kogarah. No bookings required. Call Anastasia Karakominakis on 0400 112 020 for more information. Event by the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW.
Saturday 23 November – Pan-Macedonian Federation of Australia Dance in Brisbane Evening dance being organised. Time is to be confirmed. Call Anastasia Karakominakis on 0400 112 020 for more information. Event is by the Pan-Macedonian Federation of Australia.
Sunday 1 December at 12:30pm – Annual Chalkidiki Christmas BBQ Picnic Carss Park Life Saving Hall Courtyard – 103 Carwar Avenue, Carss Park. Bring your Christmas decorations, clothes and vibes. Prices to be confirmed. Call Costa Dantos on 0451 416 191 to book or for more information. Event by the Brotherhood of Chalkidiki “Aristoteles” of NSW.
For more details on all events, please contact Anastasia Karakominakis on 0400 112 020.
The GOC Welfare Service, with the generous support of the Ramsgate Life Saving Club, has announced the opening of a new seniors group program for women at the Ramsgate Life Saving Club hall (274 Grand Parade, Ramsgate Beach).
The Ramsgate Life Saving Club has kindly offered the hall space in its location free of charge for the benefit of the local community.
Photo: SARM Architects.
With a large concentration of Greek people residing in and around the Ramsgate, Dolls Point and Brighton-Le-Sands areas, a weekly Community Program such as this will offer people an opportunity to come together, build strong social connections within their culture, improve physical and mental well-being and help break down isolation.
The weekly program will consist of a Gentle Exercise Session, morning coffee break, Group Bingo, Guest Speakers and Social Outings.
Morning refreshments will also be provided for all attendees.
Group commencement:
Date: Friday 27th September, 2024
Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm
Place: Ramsgate Life Saving Club (274 Grand Parade, Ramsgate Beach)
Cost: $5
For more information or to register your interest, please contact the GOC Welfare Service at (02) 9740 6022
Grape growers in some of Australia’s most iconic wine regions said they have suffered crop losses due to unseasonable frosts, which are expected to persist.
In Australia’s largest wine grape growing region, the Riverland, South Australian vineyard owner Michael Stivahtaris has grappled with significant losses at his Monash property.
Stivahtaris reported that at least 20 percent of his crop has been devastated by a series of frosts that occurred in September – a situation exacerbated by low winter rainfall.
The Riverland typically has an annual average rainfall of 250-300 millimetres but only received 50mm in the past three months.
Photo: SA Farmer.
“Unfortunately, it hasn’t rained, it is very dry and we’re going to be susceptible to frosts right up until the end of October unless we get some very good rain within the next week or so,” Stivahtaris told ABC News.
“Wherever the frost has hit our crops, it has taken those vines out for the rest of the season. It isn’t a good scenario.
“If you’re in an area where the frost came through, any sorts of crops can be damaged: almonds, stone fruit, apricots or peaches.”
As a Melbourne general practitioner with nearly three decades of experience, Dr Magdalena Simonis has consistently prioritised additional training in family violence throughout her career.
As a representative of the Australian Medical Association for general practice, she recognises the importance of being equipped to address this critical issue.
However, Dr Simonis notes that not all professionals in the medical field share her commitment to ongoing education in family violence, emphasising the need for change.
“I don’t think general practitioners on the whole feel confident identifying the subtle signs of family violence because very few people will come in presenting with physical evidence of harm,” Dr Simonis told ABC News.
“Yet, it is really doctors who have been identified as the trusted other person outside of a close family member or close friend that victim-survivors will tell and talk to.
“So, general practitioners are considered a really important part of the solution.”
Recent research has found as many as one in two Australian children grow up in violent homes, rendering it a rampant issue for medical professionals.
