Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group has lost control of five Sydney pubs after private credit investor Muzinich & Co pulled out of a deal to refinance the company’s debt.
Muzinich has called in Vaughan Strawbridge and Joseph Hansell of FTI Consulting to take over four of PHG’s trading venues (The Strand Hotel, Camelia Grove Hotel, Norfolk Hotel, Oxford House), and one development site, the Exchange Hotel.
According to a press release by FTI Consulting, they will work “with existing management and staff teams to continue to trade the venues in the ordinary course of business while they commence a sale of business campaign.”
This latest development is a fresh blow for Adgemis who struck a $400 million refinancing deal in May 2024 with Deutsche Bank, Gemi Investments, Archibald Capital and Muzinich & Co, to save his PHG from collapse.
Lenders push Jon Adgemis’ hospitality group out of five Sydney pubs.
Other properties of Adgemis’ have also been seized by lenders. In Sydney’s Potts Point, Bank of Queensland has taken charge of one of his properties in Ward Avenue.
A Greek-flagged oil tanker, which had been burning for weeks in the Red Sea following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, was safely towed to a secure location.
The EU’s Operation Aspides announced the success of the salvage operation on the social platform X, stating that the Sounion “has been successfully towed to a safe area without any oil spill.” The mission will continue monitoring the situation as private stakeholders finalise the salvage.
Update on MV SOUNION salvage status
Under protection of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES 🇪🇺, MV SOUNION has been successfully towed to a safe area without any oil spill. While private stakeholders complete the salvage operation, ASPIDES will continue to monitor the situation.
Salvagers managed to move the tanker, named the Sounion, to waters away from Yemen, while the Houthis claimed responsibility for shooting down an American-made MQ-9 Reaper drone. Video footage online appeared to confirm the drone’s downing, showing a surface-to-air missile strike and debris scattered on the ground.
These incidents highlight ongoing global challenges amid the Houthi rebel campaign, which has intensified during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite allowing the Sounion to be moved, the rebels continue to pose a threat to ships navigating the Red Sea, a vital trade route once handling $1 trillion in goods annually.
The Brotherhood of Chalkidiki Aristotelis of New South Wales held a fundraiser luncheon at Panagia Soumela Hall in Canterbury on Sunday, September 15 that far exceeded expectations.
President Costa Dantos addressed the large crowd, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the impressive turnout. The event saw double the number of participants compared to previous years, marking a significant increase and highlighting the event’s growing popularity.
In his speech, Mr Dantos expressed his delight at seeing so many new faces, some attending for the first time or after a long hiatus of up to 20 years.
Mr Dantos emphasised that such events not only benefit the association but also contribute to the attendees’ well-being, promoting social interaction, dancing and physical activity for a happier and healthier life.
Photo: Costa Dantos.
A key highlight of the evening was the acknowledgment of the hard work of the Chalkidiki Association’s committee. Mr Dantos also extended a special thanks to Panagia Soumela Sydney, recognising the support of Chris Klazidis and Peter Papoulidis.
During the event, attendees had the pleasure of watching a video message from Athanasia Emmanouilidou, the Deputy Mayor of Nea Propontida in Chalkidiki. The video conveyed her admiration for the diaspora’s commitment to preserving Greek culture. She highlighted the importance of maintaining Greek traditions and language, even as these face challenges in Greece.
Photo: Costa Dantos.
Looking forward, several upcoming events were announced. The Pan-Macedonian 2024 Dimitria Program was introduced, featuring notable activities such as a doxology at Kogarah Greek Orthodox Church on September 29 and a Pan-Macedonian Federation of Australia dance in Brisbane on November 23. The Panagia Soumela committee will also host a dance on October 5 with a famous Pontian Greek band.
Other events on the horizon include a litany service scheduled for October at Kogarah Greek Orthodox Church to decorate the St Demetrios icon, and the annual Chalkidiki Christmas BBQ picnic at Carss Park on December 1.
As the evening drew to a close around 5 pm, attendees were treated to coffee and galaktoboureko. The event was a resounding success, marked by a strong sense of community and shared celebration of Greek heritage.
Official guests in attendance included Anastasia Karakominakis, Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW President; Chris Klazidis, Pontian Society of Sydney “Panagia Soumela” Acting President; Nikos Stanisis, President of the Nomos Pella Association “Edessa”; Christos Pazaridis, Pan-Thracian Association of NSW “Democritus” President; Peter Tsigounis, Greek RSL NSW Sub-Branch President; and Katerina Pratsas, the only living former Chalkidiki Brotherhood President who attended.
The Joint Justice Initiative (JJI) has welcomed the final History Syllabus for Years 7 to 10 released by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), which includes the mandatory study of ‘Australia’s civic action and humanitarian response during World War I’.
The historic achievement will be implemented in 2027, ensuring all NSW students will learn about the actions of everyday Australians and New Zealanders who participated in humanitarian efforts during WW1, including initiatives that saved survivors of the Ottoman Empire’s Genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians and Hellenes.
In accordance with the Syllabus released by NESA, within the Depth study (core) – Australia: making a nation – from Federation to WWI (1889 – c. 1919), teachers must guide their students through ‘Significant groups, individuals, ideas, beliefs, practices and events in Australia: making a nation – from Federation to WWI’. This includes ‘Australia’s civic action and humanitarian response during WWI’.
The Armenian National Committee of Australia was informed of this historic inclusion in a formal letter sent from the Minister for Education, the Hon. Prue Car MP, a week prior to the official release of the History Curriculum.
Smyrna ablaze, 1922. Photo: Greek Genocide Resource Centre.
The inclusion comes following a motion unanimously adopted in the NSW Legislative Council calling for mandated Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocide education and the establishment of a museum, as well as a letter co-signed by over 25 academics calling for the inclusion in the Curriculum.
Since 2020, the JJI made up of the peak public affairs bodies of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek communities in Australia has been at the forefront of efforts to achieve federal recognition of the Genocides of the Indigenous Armenians, Assyrians and Hellenes of Anatolia and Mesopotamia.
Armenian National Committee of Australia Executive Director Michael Kolokossian said, “This is the beginning of a new era in the pursuit for genocide recognition, where awareness and education will play a pivotal role. By ensuring that future generations learn about humanitarianism during the 1915 Genocides, we are also equipping students with the knowledge to stand against future atrocities.”
Scholarship on the Genocides, especially the Anzac and broader Australian connection to efforts to rescue survivors around the eastern Mediterranean by members of the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (AIHGS), including Professor Peter Stanley and Mr Vicken Babkenian, who co-authored ‘Australia-Armenia & the Great War’, has been a cornerstone of recognition efforts.
The JJI and the AIHGS are committed to developing resources ready for Australian classrooms over the next two years, with the new Syllabus to be implemented from the 2027 school year.
The future streetscapes of Sydney are a step closer to becoming a reality with 21 architecture teams shortlisted for the New South Wales Pattern Book Design Competition.
Architects from across the world flocked to submit an expression of interest to the NSW Government’s International Design Competition with 212 entries from Australia, Europe, the UK, Asia, Africa, the US and South America.
The competition has been narrowed down to 12 architecture firms from NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, and three international firms – one from London, one from New Zealand and one which spans Germany, Italy, India and Sydney.
In an exciting development for the competition six architectural teams have also been shortlisted in the student category, including four University of Sydney architectural teams as well as students from Western Sydney University and the University of Melbourne.
Hope Street multi-residential project.
An important part of this competition has been attracting innovative student architect and design teams to make sure young people are contributing to the future face of their city.
Two Greek finalists include Angelo Candalepas and Associates, as well as Christos Diplas as part of a collaborative team at Site Office.
Other finalists include the Spacecraft team behind Block Party project, a co-housing design in Wellington New Zealand. The Spacecraft team designed a four-unit attached development with interesting shared spaces, such as a private street, garden, and easily replicable layouts for efficient construction.
Another finalist out of Western Australia, Officer Woods, was shortlisted for the 2024 National Architecture Awards for their Hope Street Housing project. They created a medium density project consisting of 28 terrace houses and walk-up apartments in White Gum Valley, designed to allow smaller households to share common amenities.
This city-shaping project will not only influence the State’s future skyline but will also help tackle the housing crisis with winning designs gaining access to a planning fast-track. This means a greater diversity of homes in our housing market which can cater to people at different stages of life.
Housing remains the single biggest cost of living pressure facing people across NSW and without action Sydney is at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren.
As the competition heats up, finalists will have until mid-October 2024 to submit their designs for Stage 2. Those designs will then be judged by the five-person competition jury, chaired by the NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin.
The designs will be evaluated based on criteria such as liveability, buildability, replicability, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and their ability to meet the needs of both industry and local communities. Competition winners will then be announced in November.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “the Pattern Book Design Competition has attracted some of the world’s best architects and it was extremely tough to narrow down this talented field from 212 entries to 21.”
“To address this housing crisis, we want to come up with interesting solutions that will build better and brighter communities,” Mr Scully added. “After seeing the finalists, I can confidently say the jury have their work cut out for them.”
Acting Government Architect NSW Paulo Macchia said “the quality of entries submitted during the Expression of Interest stage made the jury’s task of selecting the final shortlist very challenging.”
“It’s encouraging to see the innovative and thoughtful submissions and the jury looks forward to reviewing the shortlisted candidates’ detailed designs,” Mr Macchia said.
“The competition will support more diverse and contemporary designs for the Pattern Book to suits people’s changing needs – from raising children, to working from home, to retirement.”
Five sites have been allocated to showcase these designs of low and mid-rise housing so that people can see the final product.
Victoria’s football community converged on Crown Palladium on Friday, September 13 to celebrate a milestone at the 2024 Victorian Football Gala, proudly presented by Senol.
Over 800 attendees, including players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers, united to acknowledge winners across all levels of the game, from Community clubs and Victorian Premier Leagues, through to the showpiece NPL Victoria Gold Medal Men’s and Women’s awards.
Hosted by A-Leagues broadcaster Michael Zappone and Channel Nine presenter Catriona Rowntree, the inaugural celebration was a unique opportunity to reflect on the significant growth in football, with a record-breaking number of coaches and referees, alongside 95,000 participants, taking to the pitch across the state this year.
Mario Barcia. Photo: Mark Avellino Photography.
Hume City’s Aamir Abdallah was crowned the 2024 NPLM Gold Medallist with an outstanding season, earning top honours with 32 votes. The dynamic winger delivered nine goals and six assists across 20 matches. Abdallah’s stellar year also saw him claim the prestigious Bill Fleming Medal for the best NPLM player as voted by the commentary team, as well as the Players’ Player award.
In the NPLW, the Gold Medal was shared between Bulleen’s Maja Markovski and Alamein’s Rebecca Saber, with both forwards earning 24 votes. Markovski had a standout evening, adding the NPLW Golden Boot and NPLW Media Player of the Year awards to her accolades.
The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Environment and Outdoor Recreation, was in attendance and applauded the unity of the football community.
“These record participation figures show Victorians love their football and are passionate about taking part on and off the field,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“It’s why we’re so committed to supporting football at all levels from the grassroots to the elite level, highlighted by our $42.29 million into The Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University Sports Park.”
Football Victoria President, Antonella Care, reflected on what will be her final awards ceremony leading the FV Board.
“This is a night where we recognise the very best of our game and honour all those who contribute so much at every level from the grassroots to the elite,” Ms Care said.
“It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our journey, to recognise excellence, and to express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our beloved sport.”
The full list of winners is below.
NPLM
Gold Medal: Aamir Abdallah (Hume City)
Players’ Player: Aamir Abdallah (Hume City)
Golden Boot: Alex Salmon (Oakleigh Cannons), Harrison Sawyer (South Melbourne)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Javier Lopez (South Melbourne)
Coach of the Year: Esteban Quintas (South Melbourne)
Goal of the Year: Mario Barcia (South Melbourne)
NPLW
Gold Medal: Maja Markovski (Bulleen Lions), Rebecca Saber (Alamein)
Players’ Player: Isabel Dehakiz (Bulleen Lions)
Golden Boot: Maja Markovski (Bulleen Lions)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Bethany Mason-Jones (Essendon Royals)
Coach of the Year: Caitlin Friend (Bulleen Lions)
VPLM1
Best and Fairest: Connor Bell (Preston Lions)
Players’ Player: Dylan Allshorn (Brunswick City)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Bon Scott (Preston Lions)
Coach of the Year: Joe Palatsides (Melbourne Victory)
Golden Boot: Michael Domfeh (Northcote City), Archie MacPhee (Langwarrin)
VPLM2
Best and Fairest: Callum Schorah (Goulburn Valley Suns)
Players’ Player: Graham Kelly (Essendon Royals)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Patrick Cristea (Altona City)
Coach of the Year: Zeljko Popovic (Melbourne Srbija)
Golden Boot: Callum Schorah (Goulburn Valley Suns), Prince Jordan Adeyemi (Essendon Royals)
VPLW
Goalkeeper of the Year: Brooke Bennett (Ringwood City FC)
Coach of the Year: Liam Drury (Keilor Park SC)
Best & Fairest: Addison Steiner (Casey Comets)
Top Goal Scorer: Addison Steiner (Casey Comets)
Community Awards
Inclusion Award: Footscray Rangers
Female Coach of the Year: Rebecca Berry (Strathfieldsaye Colts United)
Male Coach of the Year: John Topic (Surf Coast)
Volunteer of the Year: Laurel Irvine (Sale United) and Enrico Marrone (Whitehouse United)
Futsal Club of the Year: Fitzroy Tigers Futsal Club
Regional Club of the Year: Wangaratta City
Metropolitan Club of the Year: Collingwood City FC
Female Football Champion of the Year: Michelle Williamson (Melton Phoenix)
Referee Awards
NPLM Referee of the Year: Michael Mammis
NPLW Referee of the Year: Courtney Van Diesen
Female Referee of the Year: Liana Georgiev
Male Referee of the Year: Hengsheng Li
Media Awards
Club Media Award: Hume City
Bill Fleming Media Award: Aamir Abdallah (Hume City)
NPLW Media Player of the Year: Maja Markovski (Bulleen Lions)
Les Shorrock Best Football Image Award: Matthew Johnson
South Melbourne FC has announced that captain Harrison Sawyer has signed a professional contract with Macarthur FC in the A-League, effective immediately.
Upon his return to South Melbourne, Sawyer not only led the team as captain but also paved the way for a remarkable season.
Under his guidance, the club won two major trophies, including the Dockerty Cup. He also played a crucial role in securing the Premiers Plate with a top-of-the-table finish.
Sawyer’s standout performances extended to the Australia Cup, where he scored against Wellington and delivered an exceptional display against Hume City despite knowing his departure was imminent.
The dedicated leader has ended his time with South Melbourne on a high as he departs with the 2024 NPL Victoria and SMFC Golden Boot awards, capping off an impressive stint with South Melbourne FC.
South Melbourne announced the decision on Facebook, writing: “He [Sawyer] will always be welcome at his home, Lakeside Stadium.”
“We are deeply grateful for his leadership and contributions to our proud football club not only during this season but those prior as well,” they added.
In response to the growing threat of fentanyl, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has begun distributing life-saving naloxone spray to staff at airports. This measure is intended to protect officers in the event of accidental exposure to fentanyl, a narcotic that is up to 50 times more potent than heroin.
The introduction of naloxone comes amid heightened concerns about a potential surge in fentanyl entering Australia. This week, border security officials from the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia convened in Melbourne to exchange intelligence on the latest tactics used by drug smugglers.
Inspector Costas Karatzas of the ABF highlighted the need to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics during a recent inspection of an aircraft at Melbourne Airport.
Inspector Karatzas emphasised the importance of understanding “emerging trends and tradecraft” used by criminal groups to infiltrate communities with illicit drugs.
“We’re looking at the current methodologies that the crime groups are using to flood our communities with illicit drugs,” Inspector Karatzas stated.
Inspector Karatzas, who played a key role in Operation Tin Can—a major operation in 2022 that led to the seizure of nearly 100 tonnes of cocaine—cited the success of that joint exercise as a critical foundation for the current training. Operation Tin Can, which involved border security forces from 58 countries, demonstrated the effectiveness of international collaboration in tackling drug trafficking.
“It’s a real threat that we’re aware of and it’s in our mind any time we open any compartment whether it be on board an aircraft, inside a travellers bag or in the cargo environment as well, it’s definitely something we’re on top of and are always keeping our officers aware of,” he added.
On Friday morning, September 13, police and emergency services were called to Rentoul Ave at Netherby in Adelaide’s inner-south after a young child was struck by a ute driven by her father at the end of a driveway.
The 18-month-old girl was treated by paramedics on the scene but died later in hospital.
Infamous South Australian seafood king Michael Angelakis who resides in Netherby voiced his profound sorrow over the devastating loss.
“It’s the worst thing for any parent – and to happen in your backyard – you live with it for the rest of your life. The images. How can you ever move away from it? It’s just there for life,” he said.
Photo: Brett Hartwig.Distressed Netherby resident Michael Angelakis.
“I mean no matter what we do (as a neighbourhood) we’ll never mend, we can’t heal, we can’t give you bandages and all that.”
Angelakis said the family was “very private” and tended to keep to themselves.
“It is such a peaceful, friendly neighbourhood and to have something like this in your backyard just absolutely shocks you to the core,” he said.
“There were three or four police cars, three or four ambulances, the neighbourhood was just in meltdown as to what happened… and when we finally learnt, how tragic.”
Weeks after experiencing delays due to safety and security issues, a salvage tug has taken the burning tanker MVSounionin tow, headed north through the Red Sea. The tug is being guarded by a task force of European warships.
The Greek-owned salvage tug Aigaion Pelagos has the still-burning tanker in tow while a second, smaller salvage tug is in the flotilla to assist the operation.
Update on the MV SOUNION salvage status
The salvage of the MV SOUNION is a complex operation and consists of various phases.
The tug boats have successfully connected to the vessel and the towing of the MV SOUNION to a safe location is in progress.
On August 21, the Greek-owned tanker MVSounion was subjected to a series of attacks by Houthi forces, which resulted in severe damage and left the vessel adrift. The attackers struck the ship three times, crippling its engine and forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. The Houthi rebels returned to plant explosive charges on the deck, causing significant structural damage.
Salvors are now preparing to tow the MV Sounion to a secure location where they will focus on extinguishing the persistent fires. Despite the damage, initial assessments suggest that the ship’s structural integrity remains largely intact and it is maintaining an even keel.
There have been serious concerns over the potential environmental impact should the tanker explode or sink. The vessel is currently carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil which has the potential to cause dire circumstances for marine life and local fisheries in the Red Sea.
