Thanasi Kokkinakis made it two wins from two matches at the Davis Cup to steer his team to a win over Czech Republic and a step closer to November’s finals.
Having been asked to step up by team captain Lleyton Hewitt after an injury forced Alex de Minaur to withdraw, Kokkinakis took care of rising teenage star Jakub Mensik in an impressive 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 victory first-up.
The Czech challenge then crumbled after just eight minutes of the second rubber when their No 1 Tomas Machac, who had been forced to retire with cramp during his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in Wednesday’s loss against hosts Spain, again pulled out, this time with injury, against Alexei Popyrin.
After the match win, Kokkinakis said he felt the need to repay the faith show by his captain.
“Big up to Lleyton for trusting me and giving me the run. All of us could have played, that’s the beauty of tennis in Australia right now. We are all having great years,” he said.
The victory puts Australia, who were Davis Cup finalists last year, in a powerful position to reach the eight-team finals week ahead of a final tie against a Spanish team led by Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
If Spain beats France on Friday, the Aussies’ ticket to the finals will be guaranteed. But should France steamroll the hosts, and Australia loses 3-0, the dream could be killed off.
Layla: The Festival of Mark Making is an annual exhibition dedicated to empowering children and families affected by SCN8A (a genetic mutation that affects the nervous system).
This year’s festival – which is being directed by Costa Loucopoulos – will be held on September 18 – 19 at The Nest Creative Space in Sydney.
The event celebrates the courage and strength of individuals with SCN8A and sheds light on their inspiring stories and resilience, while acting as both a space to connect and support those impacted by SCN8A, as well as an invitation to inspire those who may not know of the resilient angels that live among them in these families.
The Festival of Mark Making enables the families of children with SCN8A worldwide to ‘make their mark’ and share their voice through art.
With the various sensory challenges children with SCN8A experience, the opportunity to engage in making art empowers them to communicate with the world around them.
This year’s festival has over eighty entries from families around the world. Some of the entrants have SCN8A and others are siblings, parents, or friends who have chosen to make their mark. Sadly there are also those who have passed away, and artworks have been entered in their honour and remembrance.
This is a powerful community event held in Australia but is a focal point for the world, with entrants from eight countries across five continents making a mark together.
Layla’s story:
The festival is inspired by the story of Layla Al-Badri Loucopoulos who was born via surrogacy in 2022 to Costa Loucopoulos and Dr Ghaith Al-Badri. Layla passed away on 4 June 2023 at just over nine months of age from complications with SCN8A. Her short life made a powerful mark both literally and metaphorically on all who met her. Layla’s diagnosis brought families, nurses and hospitals together across continents from Canada to Australia. Despite her limited ability to communicate, Layla was able to do so through rich play-based and art experiences that enabled her voice in new ways.
Therapeutic art programs, like Layla engaged in, enable the voiceless to speak. Whether it is a child’s hands, feet or toes, the making of artworks can empower and give agency to SCN8A heroes.
The festival is inspired by the story of Layla Al-Badri Loucopoulos.
What is SCN8A?
SCN8A is a genetic mutation that affects the nervous system. It has a broad range of comorbidities. These can include epileptic episodes, developmental disorders, sleep disorders and severe gastrointestinal issues. SCN8A-related disorders are a spectrum, impacting on children’s brain and physical development with a wide variety of impacts on the body.
With understanding of the disorders emerging, the challenges families and their children face can be persistent, unpredictable and inconsistent as nurses, doctors and researchers continue to struggle in diagnosing, treating and supporting children and their families.
Layla: The Festival of Mark Making is being held in partnership with The Cute Syndrome Foundation, which raises awareness of SCN8A mutations, funds the dedicated and talented scientists researching SCN8A, and supports families around the world who are affected by SCN8A-related disorders. Learn more about The Cute Syndrome Foundation and SCN8A at thecutesyndrome.com.
The winners of the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards were announced at a special event at the National Library of Australia in Canberra on Thursday, September 12.
Offering the most substantial literary prize in the nation, with a tax-free prize pool of $600,000, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise the outstanding literary talents of established and emerging Australian writers, illustrators, poets, and historians.
This year’s winning titles span genre and form, illuminating the complexities of our nation’s past, present and paving the way for future Australian stories.
35-year old Kostakis’ novel We Could be Something (Allen & Unwin) is about a boy whose fathers have broken up, leaving him to start his adult life in a flat above a cafe that is owned by an extended Greek family that he hardly knows.
“It’s my love letter to my Greek family, and to my teachers and publishers,” Kostakis told The Australian after the award announcement. “They’ve kept me going.”
In congratulating the winners of the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards in six categories, Anthony Albanese said the books “showcase the diversity of Australian voices and sharing our unique stories with the world.”
The winner in each category receives $80,000, tax-free.
The full list of winners is:
Fiction:Anam, by Andre Dao (Penguin Random House).
Non-fiction:Close to the Subject: Selected Works by Daniel Browning (Magabala Books).
Young Adult Literature:We Could be Something by Will Kostakis (Allen & Unwin)
Children’s Literature:Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country by Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal, Leah Leaman, Cecelia Edwards, Cassandra Algy, Felicity Meakins, Briony Barr and Gregory Crocetti (Hardie Grant Explore).
Poetry:The Cyprian by Amy Crutchfield (Giramondo Press).
Australian History:Donald Horne: A Life in the Lucky Country by Ryan Cropp (La Trobe University Press).
On Thursday, September 12, Greece announced a series of measures aimed at addressing its declining birthrate, including vouchers, childcare benefits, and tax breaks for new parents.
With one of the lowest fertility rates in Europe, Greece’s demographic challenges stem from a decade-long economic crisis, emigration, and shifting attitudes among younger generations. The Prime Minister has referred to the situation as a national crisis and a “ticking time bomb” for the country’s pension system.
Greece currently allocates approximately one billion euros annually to pro-child initiatives, but in 2022, the country recorded its lowest birthrate in history.
The new measures, outlined by the ministries of family, interior, finance, and health, include tax relief for new parents, daycare vouchers, a minimum wage increase in 2025, pension hikes, and reductions in social contributions.
However, both demography experts and government officials recognise that the challenge is far from resolved.
“It is a given that the demographic problem… cannot simply be solved by benefits and cash incentives,” said Deputy Finance Minister Thanos Petralias at a press conference on Thursday.
Petralias emphasised that a more comprehensive solution would require improvements to education and healthcare systems, increased income levels, and better work-life balance conditions.
Falling birthrates are a growing concern across Europe, with countries like France, Italy, Norway, and Spain having spent billions on similar pro-child initiatives, yet seeing limited success.
The measures introduced are part of a larger plan to reverse the country’s declining birthrate. While officials initially planned to unveil the full plan in May, it has now been delayed until later this year. The plan will reportedly include affordable housing for young people, financial support for assisted reproduction, and efforts to integrate migrants into the labor force.
“They (these measures) will have no dramatic impact on births,” said Byron Kotzamanis, one of Greece’s leading demography experts.
“There needs to be a different policy to tackle the problem at its core,” he added, stressing the need for incentives to keep young people in Greece and attract back those who have emigrated.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed concerns on Thursday about Germany’s plan to introduce stricter checks at its land borders, stating that it effectively undermines the Schengen zone’s open-border agreement and places an unfair burden on frontline countries like Greece.
Germany announced that these border checks within the Schengen zone, where free movement is typically allowed, will begin on September 16 and initially last for six months as part of efforts to reduce irregular migration.
“Germany previously adopted a very tolerant and socially generous stance towards migrants, which is now facing a major social backlash,” Mitsotakis said during an interview with a Greek radio station.
He argued that Germany’s response shouldn’t be to unilaterally dismantle the Schengen system, placing responsibility on countries at Europe’s external borders. Instead, Mitsotakis advocated for the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which focuses on reinforcing Europe’s border security.
Το Λιμενικό έχει σώσει χιλιάδες ανθρώπους που έχουν βρεθεί σε κίνδυνο στη θάλασσα. Αυτή είναι η πρώτη του υποχρέωση και το κάνει με αυτοθυσία. Όμως η ενεργητική αποτροπή, δηλαδή η προστασία των θαλάσσιων συνόρων μας, αποτελεί αποστολή του Λιμενικού και την επιτελεί με προσήλωση. pic.twitter.com/KgpBAk7IxG
Greece was a primary entry point during Europe’s 2015-16 migration crisis, with over a million refugees, many escaping the Syrian civil war, arriving through Turkey. Most of these migrants continued their journeys to Germany and other Western European countries.
Although migrant arrivals in Greece have significantly decreased since then, the country still receives migrants from countries like Libya and Egypt, many of whom continue toward Western Europe.
Since 2019, Mitsotakis’ conservative government has implemented stricter migration policies. Greece is currently extending a cement and barbed-wire fence along its northern border with Turkey to curb migrant entries, which will be completed within a year, according to Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis.
Understanding the dopamine hormone, how it influences our choices in life, its important role in the brain and the body, is the basis of a new book by Sydney clinical psychologist and researcher DrAnastasia Hronis.
The self-help book – The Dopamine Brain – not only explains dopamine, but also has case studies and tips that will guide teenagers and adults to navigate 21st century life and make choices for their aligned values.
“I was very interested in understanding how the brain and the mind worked, and what influenced human behaviours,” Dr Hronis told The Greek Herald.
“Technology, unfortunately, has made it easier for us to become hooked or addicted to things.
“We have seen people have unhealthy relationships with things such as online shopping, gambling including online gambling, video games, dating apps, social media, pornography, games on phones, and more.
“Of course, there are also drugs, alcohol, and vapes.”
Dr Hronis, who also founded the Australian Institute for Human Wellness, holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Clinical Psychology degree and PhD from the University of Technology Sydney.
She works as a lecturer and researcher at UTS and when Penguin Books approached her to write a book, she seized the opportunity to collate her knowledge of understanding dopamine, its impact on choice and clinical experience with children and adults.
An opportunity to play piano at Carnegie Hall NY. Photo supplied.
“This is combined in the book, with the evidence and research on what we know about the brain, psychology and dopamine,” she said.
“The book includes case studies (not identifiable, of course), of people I have worked with over the years, who have experienced mental health or addiction concerns.”
In the book, Dr Hronis references the term ‘unhealthy relationships’ instead of using the word ‘addiction’ because she said it is not always ‘appropriate.’
“Sometimes we can have an addiction to something, which will be highly problematic in our life,” she said.
“At other times, something might have a negative impact on us in some way, but it is not classified as an addiction.
“For example, with gambling, someone may experience harm from gambling whereby it places some tension on their relationship, but they do not have a diagnosable gambling disorder.
“Hopefully this book will help people reflect on and reassess some of their dopamine driven behaviours, which can become automatic and happen in excess, while also helping them live a life that is aligned with their core values for a greater sense of meaning and purpose.”
The book is divided into three parts:
The first part examines dopamine and its role in our behaviour in unhealthy relationships with addictions such social media/gambling/shopping/gaming.
The second part is about understanding values, its role in our life, with practice and reflective exercises for the reader.
The third part provides strategies to make changes.
Dr Hronis hopes the book will assist people to reflect and reassess their dopamine driven behaviours to help them live a life that is aligned to their core values for meaning and purpose.
“Once someone can identify their five or 10 most important values, then they can choose behaviours that are aligned with them,” she said.
“For example, if I have the value of adventure or creativity, I would try to find behaviours and set goals for myself that allow me to live out those values in my life.
“It’s one thing to know our values, but another to actually live our life according to those values.”
Dr Hronis has several tips in the book, including using cold water, which she says is ‘very helpful,’ while another is working on finding balance and adjusting.
“If you are ever experiencing a strong emotion or a carving/urge, ice cold water is very useful for helping us re-regulate ourselves,” she said.
“Finding balance takes time and probably also takes constant adjustment. Keep reflecting on what brings pleasure and what brings purpose, in order to work to find that balance.”
You can find out more about The Dopamine Brain here.
On Wednesday, September 11, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) welcomed 18 enthusiastic participants from their inaugural Youth Camp to The Greek Centre for a final briefing.
The camp, which will run from September 23 to October 1, is an initiative of the GCM and the Prefecture of Attiki. It has been designed to offer a comprehensive exploration of Greek culture, history, and heritage.
Joining the participants at the final briefing were GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Tass Sgardelis (Cultural Committee), and Dr Nick Dallas (Chair of the Education Programmes).
Over the course of the 10-day program, participants will engage in a diverse array of activities, including interactive workshops, cultural excursions, and heritage-focused projects. In addition to guided tours of historical sites such as the Acropolis, Mycenae, Corinth, Nafplion, and Delphi, the program will offer participants traditional Greek dance lessons, tickets to a star-studded concert, and opportunities to explore the beautiful islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
This immersive experience aims to deepen the participants’ connection to their Greek heritage while fostering a greater understanding of their cultural roots. The camp promises to provide significant opportunities for personal growth and cultural enrichment.
Mr Sgardelis, who will be accompanying the participants to Greece, commented: “These kinds of trips are invaluable for fostering a deeper connection with the motherland and building a sense of independence and appreciation for such a rich history and culture.”
“As someone who benefited from a similar trip as a student, I recognise the importance of exposing young Greek Australians to modern-day Greece and the emerging Hellenic youth culture,” Mr Sgardelis added.
“We often associate our Hellenism with our grandparents, as a distant memory or story that is told, but by visiting Greece, students can develop a real sense of pride and appreciation for both the historical and contemporary aspects of Hellenic identity. Visiting Greece accelerates language development and broadens one’s perspective of the world. These trips help cultivate the leaders of tomorrow and instil a lifelong passion for Hellenism to share with our broader community.”
Mr Papastergiadis also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Youth Camp.
“We are embarking on a wonderful initiative with the Prefecture of Attiki. An educational and cultural summer camp. For us here at the GCM, it is a fundamental part of our programming to have our youth involved in this process, as they are part of our future. We wish them well on their journey in Attiki in two weeks,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
Chair of the Education Programmes, Dr Dallas, added: “This is a fantastic initiative for the younger generation to visit Greece. It is also very moving because some of these participants will be visiting Greece for the first time. There is no better way to connect with your identity.”
The GCM looks forward to sharing the outcomes of this impactful program and celebrating the accomplishments of the young participants.
A new agreement has been reached between the Federal Government and the Coalition to reform Australia’s aged care system, which will lead to increased costs for some elderly citizens.
Under the new deal, individuals entering residential aged care will face higher means-tested contributions, and the maximum allowable price for a room in a facility will be raised. Additionally, residential aged care providers will now have the ability to retain a small portion of accommodation deposits from residents.
These reforms are expected to save the Federal Government $12.6 billion over the next 11 years. A key component of the agreement is the “no worse off principle,” ensuring that those already in aged care will not experience an increase in their financial contribution.
Announcing: Historic reforms to aged care including empowering older Australians to stay in their own home for longer.
For new entrants, the fee structures will be adjusted to reflect higher means, though the government asserts that 70 percent of individuals on a full pension and 25 percent of those on a partial pension will not see an increase in their contributions.
In addition to these changes, the government will invest $4.3 billion into a new Support at Home program, set to begin in July 2025. This initiative aims to support nearly 1.5 million Australians and will involve more comprehensive means of testing based on individual circumstances.
The deal was finalised following urgent party room meetings between the government and Coalition on Thursday morning, concluding months of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The Jenny Souris Foundation has announced a fundraising gala evening on Wednesday, October 16, from 6.45pm to 10.45pm at Le Montage, Sydney, located at 38 Frazer Street, Lilyfield, NSW.
This special event aims to bring the community together to support young Jack, a brave 4-year-old who is currently battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
The Jenny Souris Foundation, dedicated to supporting families in need during challenging times, has chosen to focus this year’s fundraising efforts on providing critical treatment for Jack. With the help of the community, the Foundation hopes to raise the necessary funds to give Jack the best chance at overcoming this life-threatening illness.
The Souris family, founders of The Jenny Souris Foundation, expressed their heartfelt appeal to the community: “This year, The Jenny Souris Foundation is working towards raising money for young Jack, who’s just 4 years of age. When we heard of Jack’s situation, we didn’t hesitate to choose him as our recipient. We call upon the broader community to attend and support us in helping Jack get the critical treatment he desperately needs.”
The evening promises a memorable experience, featuring a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, silent auctions, car raffle and inspiring stories of resilience and hope. Guests will have the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying a night of elegance and compassion.
Tickets for the gala are now available, and the Foundation encourages early reservations due to limited seating. Proceeds from the event will directly support Jack’s treatment and provide much-needed support to his family during this challenging time.
An ensemble cast of some of Sydney’s most beloved Jewish performers bring to life Vic Alhadeff OAM’s poignant play ‘Torn Apart by War’ at Australia’s largest synagogue in Woollahra on Sunday, September 15 from 5pm.
Inspired by true events, Torn Apart by War is a poignant play written by Mr Alhadeff – former CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, former editor of the Australian Jewish News and former Chair of Multicultural NSW – about his father’s agonising decision to leave the Greek island of Rhodes for Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) on the eve of the Holocaust.
The departure from Rhodes was triggered by the enactment of a series of antisemitic decrees by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini against the Jews of Italy, which at the time included Rhodes Island.
Mr Alhadeff’s father was engaged to be married at the time of his departure from Rhodes, and the play encapsulates the heartbreaking impact of the ensuing events on the young couple.
Commemorating 80 years since the destruction of the Jewish communities of Rhodes and the other Dodecanese islands, the program presented by Emanuel Synagogue in conjunction with the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and with the contribution of the Rhodes Jewish Museum, will include an address by Consul General of Greece in Sydney Yannis Mallikourtis, a dramatised play-reading of Torn Apart by War directed by Dr Liz Hovey and performed by Geoff Sirmai, Joanna Weinberg, Tony Sloman and Hovey herself, followed by a Q&A with Mr Alhadeff and a special musical performance and a delicious spread of Greek pastries.
