Join the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra for a special Greek Independence Day luncheon at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden on Sunday, March 30, at 1pm.
This festive event will feature a delicious 2-course meal, with only vegetarian options available in observance of Lent.
Guests will be treated to live entertainment by the talented Canberra Hellenic Dancers and the lively Kefi Band, making for an unforgettable afternoon of music, dance and culture.
In addition to the entertainment, a raffle will take place with exciting prizes up for grabs, adding an extra element of fun to the event.
This is a fantastic opportunity to come together with the community and enjoy the rich traditions of Greek culture in a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
Theo Andrianakos, CEO of Andrianakos Property Group, Nikos Property Group, and Milemaker Petroleum, has issued a statement addressing the passing of his father, Nick Andrianakos.
Theo, who took on the leadership role in 2018 after 30 years of experience in the family business, shared his heartfelt tribute in a statement.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our father Nick Andrianakos. He was an incredible man – exceptionally generous, always kind, and deeply committed to doing the right thing by others,” Theo said.
He continued, “Cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, he was a remarkable father, a wise mentor, and a guiding light in our lives. He never forgot his roots and was always there to support those around him. He embraced life with passion and lived it to the fullest.”
This tribute follows many others from the Greek community including President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis OAM.
Social media was abuzz after Aussie influencer Hannah Dal Sasso wore a striking gown to the Glamour on the Grid F1 party in Melbourne, sparking comparisons to a Schiaparelli dress worn by Tatiana Korsakova at the BAFTA Awards in February.
Dal Sasso’s custom gown, designed by Sydney’s Velani and styled by Paul Versace of Styled by Bloom, closely resembled Korsakova’s, leading to widespread discussion.
Velani’s Nicky Apostolopoulos addressed the resemblance, explaining that while inspiration from overseas designers is common, her creation was altered to make it unique.
“Taking inspiration from a look doesn’t make it copying or stealing,” she said.
“We didn’t do a bow, instead we did a knot, we made the bodice more black and she didn’t wear gloves.”
Apostolopoulos added that Dal Sasso loved the gown, and the changes made it perfect for her aesthetic. “It was a beautiful gown and I think we did the original credit,” she said.
Dal Sasso’s gown was paired with diamonds from Temelli Jewellery. Versace also praised the custom creation, emphasising how the final look was a perfect fit for Dal Sasso.
“We try our best to create a new moment for everyone,” he said.
The debate over design inspirations continues, with Confidential uncovering more instances of look-alike designs, including copies of House of CB dresses by Australian labels like Showpo and BabyBoo Fashion, as well as Target replicating high-end pieces at a lower price point.
Registration deadline for the examinations for the ‘2025 Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language’ has been extended. Applications will now be accepted until March 28th, 2025.
Candidates who have reached the age of eight on 31 May of the current year are eligible. For level A1:
Applicants who are not over 12 years of age on 31 May may sit the A1 level examinations for children aged 8-12 years.
Applicants over 12 years of age on 31 May may sit the A1 level examinations for adolescents/adults.
There is no other age restriction for all other levels. It is recommended that candidates under the age of 16 should not seek to sit the B2, C1 and C2 level examinations, as the content of the examination questions requires knowledge and experience that younger candidates do not possess.
To complete their online registration, applicants are required to deposit the examination fees. (Rates January 30th, 2025, Reserve Bank of Australia).
For Levels A1, A2 and B1, fees are 155 AUD each.
For Levels B2, C1 and C2, fees are 170 AUD each.
Bank account details:
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
Account Name: Greek Orthodox Community of Melb & Vic
BSB: 063 023
Account Number: 1004 3624
During the payment process, you must enter as “reference” the initials GLC followed by the full name of the applicant (e.g. if the applicant’s name is John Pappas, the reference must be GLC-John Pappas). Once your payment has been confirmed, the registration will be completed. Please, keep proof of the deposit, until you receive confirmation of your enrolment.
The examinations for the ‘2025 Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language’ will take place at the Greek Community of Melbourne, Examination Centre of Melbourne, Code No: 61007:
on the 20th of May for Levels A1 and A2,
on the 21st of May for Levels B2 and C1 and
on the 22nd of May for Levels B1 and C2.
Applicants will be notified of the exact time and location of their examinations after the registration process is complete.
Roula Pispirigou, who was already sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of her 9-year-old daughter, Georgina, was found guilty on Tuesday, March 18, of killing her two other children, Malena, 3, and Iris, 6 months.
The 35-year-old from Patra was sentenced to two additional life terms after a year-long trial.
Prosecutors argued that Pispirigou was “methodical and calculating,” driven by an obsessive fixation on her husband, Manos Daskalakis.
Photo: AFP.
Prosecutor Vassiliki Dimopoulou stated, “She suffocated her children so that she could keep her husband close.”
Malena died in 2019 while being treated for leukaemia, Iris was suffocated in 2021, and Georgina died in 2022 from what was initially believed to be cardiac arrest.
Dimopoulou also criticised the forensic examiners for their negligence, claiming their “sloppy and indifferent” investigation allowed Pispirigou to evade justice for years.
Pispirigou’s appeal for Georgina’s murder conviction is scheduled for May 5.
The Decentralised Administration of the Peloponnese has initiated an investigation into an incident where the mayor of eastern Mani, Petros Andreakos, referred to Pavlos De Grece, the son of Greece’s last king, as “prince” during an event.
The mayor made the comment while commemorating the liberation of Mani from the Ottomans, stating, “I personally believe that titles do not die and that they follow a person throughout his life. So, I welcome Prince Pavlos.”
Petros Andreakos.
Deputy Interior Minister Vasilis Spanakis confirmed that the secretary-general of the decentralised authority has started the inquiry, emphasising that Greece’s Constitution does not recognise titles of nobility.
Spanakis added that all citizens and local officials must abide by the country’s laws, and appropriate procedures would be followed, potentially including sanctions.
In December, several members of the former royal family, including Pavlos, regained Greek citizenship after formally acknowledging Greece’s republican system and adopting the surname “De Grece.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced progress in talks over the future of Cyprus, marking the first significant steps toward resolution in years.
At a two-day meeting in Geneva, both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides agreed on a series of initiatives, including the opening of four new crossing points, demining efforts, and environmental projects.
The agreement signals a “new atmosphere” and “meaningful progress,” according to Guterres.
Despite the positive developments, significant differences remain. Greek Cypriots advocate for a federated Cyprus, while Turkish Cypriots push for a two-state solution.
Today’s discussions on Cyprus were held in a constructive atmosphere.
Both sides showed clear commitment to making progress.
They agreed on initiatives to build trust and to have the next meeting end of July.
Guterres confirmed that another meeting is planned for July, and a new UN special envoy will be appointed.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar expressed satisfaction with the talks, emphasising the importance of sovereign equality in any settlement.
He also proposed the creation of a “Cyprus Cooperation Council” to address joint issues, although Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides remained wary of proposals outside UN frameworks.
The opening of four crossing points, including those at Mia Milia and Louroujina, represents a tangible step forward, although challenges remain in finalising the details.
The meeting, hailed as a positive first step, was seen as an essential move toward long-term peace.
Israel launched deadly airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, March 18, killing more than 400 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and breaking a ceasefire that had been in place since January.
The strikes were ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Hamas rejected Israeli demands to modify the ceasefire terms.
The White House voiced support for Israel’s actions, while Netanyahu stated that the airstrikes were “only the beginning” and a necessary step for securing the release of hostages.
The strikes targeted Hamas military infrastructure and leadership, with Israel warning of a possible expansion into ground operations.
In response, Hamas accused Israel of condemning the remaining hostages to death, with at least four senior Hamas officials reportedly killed in the bombardment.
Despite this, no Hamas retaliation was reported several hours later, suggesting efforts to restore the truce.
Photo: AP.
The violence, which escalated during Ramadan, has raised concerns about the fate of Israeli hostages and further destruction in Gaza, which has already endured significant humanitarian suffering.
The conflict, ongoing since October 2023, has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.
Humanitarian groups have warned that Gaza’s resources are running low after Israel cut off essential supplies two weeks ago.
Regional leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, the US has placed blame on Hamas for rejecting efforts to extend the ceasefire.
The conflict shows no sign of easing, with Israel and Hamas at an impasse over the terms for a second phase of the ceasefire, including the release of the remaining hostages and Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza.
In a 90-minute phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump agreed to limit Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy assets but stopped short of agreeing to the US request for a broader 30-day ceasefire.
The White House confirmed that the two leaders discussed an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire” and began talks on a “maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire, and permanent peace.”
The talks, set to begin “immediately” in the Middle East, will focus on finding a lasting resolution to the conflict, though the White House did not specify who would lead the negotiations.
The Kremlin, however, outlined several conditions for a ceasefire, including suspending foreign military and intelligence support for Ukraine and halting new mobilisations.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin:
Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the…
Putin’s demands present a difficult decision for Trump, who had previously called for a 30-day ceasefire to allow for further negotiations.
Trump’s stance has raised concerns in Ukraine and Europe that the US may prioritise a deal with Russia over Ukrainian interests.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke to Trump before the call, stressing that Ukraine must be placed in the “strongest possible position” for a “just and lasting peace.”
The White House described the call as a step toward improving US-Russia relations, with the potential for significant economic and geopolitical benefits once peace is achieved.
La Trobe University Greek Society (LUGS) hosted their first paniyiri on Sunday, March 16 where they welcomed La Trobe students and the general public to the university grounds.
Although the paniyiri was originally planned for the university’s amphitheatre, Melbourne’s rainy weather led the committee to move the event indoors. Despite the change, the new indoor space was still filled with kefi.
The evening featured live music from the ever-growing band Dio Patrides, as well as performances by the Florina Aristotelis Dance Group, Cretan Brotherhood Dance Group and the GCM Dance Group. There were also stalls from small Greek businesses, and of course the paniyiri included the staple food we expect to see at all Greek events: the souvlaki.
Dio Patrides Band.
Martha Stamatopoulos, a 20-year-old attendee, shared her thoughts on the event: “It was a great initiative from the LUGS committee. It’s a shame that the rain affected it, and we couldn’t do it outside. But it was still great to see all the dancers and stalls and the great first initiative we haven’t seen before.”
The paniyiri was organised by LUGS co-presidents Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting and Eleni Lykopandis. The presidents spent the evening interacting with attendees, and creating a night of dance, music and laughter.
Co-Presidents Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting and Eleni Lykopandis.
Angelica spoke fondly of their paniyiri and their attempt to start a new tradition, saying, “we wanted to try something fresh.”
Eleni added, “It’s the ‘first [paniyiri] of hopefully very many.”
The event brought together people of all ages, and Eleni said, “we’re really glad that LUGS could hold this event for people of all ages, despite the fact that we are a university club… I think it really shows the leadership that the whole committee put behind it.”
Hosting an event in a university space which also unites Melbourne’s Greek community has the potential to reshape how university clubs engage with the wider public for future events.
The support from local stall holders was also apparent. Thematikos’ co-owner Con Pan was in attendance, sharing his new line of perfumes inspired by Greek mythology.
Con said, “For us I think it’s really important to give back to community… It’s a hard task running any sort of event, so I think if you’re there to help and support others doing that, I think that’s a good thing.”
Con Pan from Thematikos.
The dance performances brought dances from all regions of Greece to the La Trobe campus. Epiphany Kiriakidis from Florina Aristotelis Dance Group reflected, “we always see our community events on the streets or in other places… [so] it’s really great to see the community get together on the La Trobe campus.”
Paniyiria were common for Greek university clubs in decades past and LUGS has successfully re-started the tradition and have connected Melbourne’s Greek community with Greek culture in a new setting. This breath of fresh air will be sure to inspire other Greek Australian youth to follow suit.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Christina Savopoulos
