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Celebrating women leaders and the legacy of Sofia Mastoris OAM

By Simella Georgiadou

On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day was commemorated with a heartfelt event at The Patris, a newly opened café in Brunswick, Victoria.

The gathering was more than a celebration – it was a tribute to one of the Greek community’s most pioneering activists in the North, Sofia Mastoris OAM, and a symposium on “Women in Community  Activism.” The event brought together an inspiring group of women, each dedicated to their communities, who shared their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs. 

The atmosphere at The Patris was nothing short of welcoming. As soon as I stepped into the venue, I felt the warmth of camaraderie and excitement. It was clear that this was more than just an event; it was a safe space for learning, sharing, and reflection. The space echoed with stories of dedication, strength, and resilience. It was indeed a symposium – a term I learned describes a meeting with several speakers discussing a particular topic before an audience. This event embodied that definition perfectly. 

Hosted by Anthea Sidiropoulos, Co-Vice President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, and presented under the auspices of the Greek Community of Melbourne, the event showcased four incredible women who have shaped their communities through activism. The symposium, which unfolded with a mix of personal stories and powerful messages, was a profound exploration of the heart of community work. 

The Acknowledgment of Country and Sofia’s legacy 

The afternoon began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of country by Sidiropoulos, followed by a special welcome to the guests, speakers, and, notably, the many women in the audience who hold leadership roles within the Greek community. Sidiropoulos took a moment to reflect on her own journey – how the loss of her father led her to seek comfort in the Greek community, where she became more deeply involved as a volunteer, honouring his memory through service. 

Sidiropoulos acknowledged the presence of several remarkable women in attendance, including Mary Elizabeth Calwell, daughter of Australia’s first immigration minister Arthur Calwell; Cathy Alexopoulos, President of the Greek Australian Cultural League; Roma Siachos, Founder and President of the Maria Callas Australian Society; Dr Christos Fifis, academic and author; Whittlesea Councillor Ms Christine Stow; media representatives; and several other community leaders and educators.

But the most moving tribute was saved for Sofia Mastoris OAM, who was honoured posthumously by the President of the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria, former Mayor of Whittlesea and Municipal Association of Victoria, Mary Lalios, who delivered a touching tribute to Sofia’s extraordinary life. Lalios reflected on Sofia’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to unite people from all walks of life.

“Sofia’s vision and guidance helped shape the Federation, which she founded, into the strong and supportive network it is today,” Lalios said. “Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for  generations to come.” 

Sofia was remembered as a role model for many, especially for her work in advocating for Greek Australian women. Her involvement in the community and her focus on equality and representation inspired countless individuals to follow in her footsteps. Lalios shared a powerful anecdote, recalling how Sofia, at the age of 85, continued to attend multiple events throughout the day, embodying tireless energy and dedication to her cause. 

An afternoon of empowering stories 

The symposium was not just a look back at Sofia’s legacy but an opportunity to hear from modern-day activists who continue her work. The panel included: 

  • Maria Vamvakinou MP – The first Greek-born woman to serve in Australia’s Federal Parliament, Vamvakinou delivered a heartfelt speech about her journey into politics. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced and how she rose to prominence as an advocate for multiculturalism and women’s rights. Her message to the audience was simple but powerful: “You can do it. If you tell yourself you can’t, you won’t. But if you believe in yourself, you will.” 
  • Helen Politis, Deputy Mayor of Merri-Bek City Council, shared her story of growing up with a deep sense of empathy for others. Politis reflected on how her childhood experiences shaped her commitment to public service. She shared her dedication to ensuring her community remains safe, fair, and inclusive. “As a lifelong local,” Politis said, “I’m immensely proud to work towards making our community a place where everyone belongs.” 
  • Emily Dimitriadis, as the Deputy Mayor Darebin, she is a passionate advocate for public health and safety, who spoke  about her work with the elderly and vulnerable communities. As a lawyer and pharmacist, she has become an influential figure in her local council. Dimitriadis emphasised the importance of not letting gender hold anyone back from pursuing their dreams. “We must support and nurture women to achieve everything they are capable of,” she said. “If  you’re thinking of running for city council, I highly recommend it. Just do it.” 
  • Maria Dimopoulos AM, is a human rights advocate and Board Chair at Safe and Equal, and organisation predominately working for women in domestic violence and gender injustice. Along with all the speakers, Dimopoulos  opened with a powerful Acknowledgement to Country, passionately letting everyone know that “their rights are indeed, our rights” and we need to continue discussing the importance of standing up for human rights and equality. She shared her personal journey, which was marked by love, loss, and resilience. Dimopoulos also expressed concern about the erosion of women’s rights on a global scale, particularly as she was attending the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action in the New York. “We must create a future that embraces justice, equality, and human rights,” she  said, urging the audience to continue the fight for gender equality. 

A heartfelt conclusion 

The afternoon concluded with a Q&A session, where the audience was able to interact directly with the speakers and ask questions about their experiences and views on community activism. As the event wrapped up, Sidiropoulos took a moment to reflect on the profound impact of the day. She spoke about the importance of standing in solidarity and supporting one another.

“If you feel uncomfortable to speak out, stand up and speak out, or sing out!” she urged the audience, adding a touch of humour to break the tension that often accompanies taboo topics. 

Sidiropoulos shared an insightful metaphor drawn from her visit to Dodoni, Greece, where she learned about the Oracle of Dodona. She likened each speaker to a part of an oak tree, whose leaves whisper wisdom.

“Each of you,” she said, “is part of that tree. You are all part of something greater than yourselves, shaping a better and fairer society.” 

The event ended with a moment of collective reflection, where attendees were invited to close their eyes and give  thanks to the speakers, the venue, and themselves for being a part of this powerful gathering. It was a subtle yet  profound reminder of the importance of community, activism, and the legacy of women like Sofia Mastoris OAM – a  legacy that lives on in every woman present that day.

It is important to note that a portion of the ticket sales was donated to Sophia’s chosen charity the Pancare Foundation, represented by Ms Christine Constantinou a survivor of pancreatic cancer who also attended the event. 

Conclusion: A Living Tribute to Sofia Mastoris OAM Our Women in Community Activism was a reminder of the incredible power of women working together to create change. It was a celebration not only of Sofia Mastoris’ remarkable contributions but also of the women who continue to build on that legacy. The event, full of inspiration, solidarity, and a call to action, proved that the fight for women’s  rights and equality is ongoing – and it’s a fight we must all continue to champion, together.

Cyprus Community of NSW: The vanishing living memory of our refugees

By Michael Peters Kyriacou, President of the Cyprus Community of NSW

The idea of being forced out of your home, fleeing your family ancestral lands and sacred sites never to return is foreign to most Australians. This is not so in the Cyprus Community of NSW.

As a Community made up of refugees and their families, the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus is still fresh in the minds of many.

Today, our Community is witnessing a new phenomenon, the passing of a generation of refugees.

Recently, Chrystalla Stasos, the mother of the well-known member of our Community Michael Stasos, passed leaving a legacy for our Community, her family and her ethnos.

Chrystalla was from Agios Ambrosios – a village located in the Kyrenia District of Cyprus, east of Kyrenia, occupied by Turkish troops since 1974.

The village is dedicated to Saint Ambrose and is well known for having the largest church on the island, now converted into a mosque.

Chrystalla left her home at the age of 18 in 1951. She embodied the typical Australian story.

At the time Chrystalla left her village it was effectively under British occupation and the struggle to liberate the island was to be long and difficult. But so was settling into a new land.

Chrystalla married Kyriacos (also from Agios Ambrosios) in 1952 and raised two children, Michael and Angelo.

What makes Chrystalla’s story so poignant is that she came to Sydney, Australia as an economic refugee and then in 1974 became a refugee, a displaced person never to return to her ancestral lands. She worked hard alongside her husband with a dream of returning to their land in Agios Ambrosios.

Although she did not witness the invasion and pillage of her village, the murder and suffering of her people, she lamented about her siblings’ struggles and opened her house in Australia for refuge.  

Chrystalla, like thousands of refugee families, was robbed of her identity, her property, her history and the legacy of her ancestors.

Typical of her generation, Chrystalla’s devotion to family is legendary, promoting her culture, her identity and passing it on to her children and beyond was a major part of her character.

Like all our refugees, Chrystalla carried her ancestor’s hopes, memory, and the just cause of Cyprus alive.

Our Community is now going through a seismic demographic shift, literally a generation of refugees is disappearing, who never to have walked on their country, touch the sacred soil of their roots or pass on the story of 1974 to all of us.

Our refugees are passing, and so is our collective memory of occupation and a liberated Cyprus. 

As a Community we owe it to people like Chrystalla to keep their memory of the events of 1974 alive and their dedication to the cause, their family, their Community and our ethnos.

The Community is in deep gratitude to all our refugee families for keeping their story and the struggle in the minds and hearts of all. We cannot let them down.

‘ANZAC: The Greek Chapter’ set to screen in Adelaide for the first time

The highly anticipated documentary ANZAC: The Greek Chapter will be screened for the first time in Adelaide on May 4, 2025, as part of the Festival Hellenika.

The event will take place at the Henley and Grange RSL from 2-5 pm, celebrating the rich history of the Hellenic culture in Adelaide.

The film, which tells the story of the ANZACs’ involvement in the Greek campaign of 1941, draws from over 130 hours of veteran interviews.

Renowned historian and filmmaker Dr Peter Ewer, who contributed to the documentary, will attend the screening and participate in a discussion about the film.

The documentary shares the ANZACs’ experiences in Greece and Crete, showcasing their courage and resilience.

Funded by the Australian Government and supported by Melbourne’s Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, the film was created by Dr Ewer and filmmaker John Irwin assisted by Jim Claven OAM and Vicki Kyritsis on behalf of the Committee. 

The screening is part of Festival Hellenika, a long-standing celebration of Hellenic culture in Adelaide. For more information on the event, contact Dr Adoni Fotopoulos at adoni@dealwithit.com.au.

Greek PM Mitsotakis celebrates reopening of Olympic Village swimming pool

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the reopening of the Olympic Village swimming pool on Wednesday, March 12, emphasising the significance of restoring the facility 21 years after the 2004 Olympics.

“Today we are here at a very pleasant moment, 21 years after that unique event that raised Greece so high and made us all so proud,” he said.

He praised the renovation, noting it provides the local community, particularly young children, with the opportunity to engage in sports, especially swimming.

Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of maintaining sports infrastructure, acknowledging that while Greece excels at building facilities, it has struggled with upkeep.

He commended the government’s efforts to restore and maintain Olympic facilities, ensuring they benefit society.

“Every government is judged not by its intentions but by its results,” he concluded.

Greek MP Nikos Papadopoulos censured and fined after vandalising artworks in Athens

Greek MP Nikos Papadopoulos has been censured by Parliament following his vandalism of artworks at the National Gallery in Athens.

Speaker of Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis announced that Papadopoulos would face a 50% reduction in his parliamentary salary for one month due to his anti-parliamentary behaviour.

Papadopoulos, a member of the Niki party, damaged four religious-themed artworks by Christoforos Katsadiotis on Monday, claiming they were blasphemous.

He had previously demanded the removal of the pieces, arguing they insulted religious figures.

The National Gallery condemned the vandalism, emphasising the importance of protecting artistic freedom.

Following his arrest, Papadopoulos was released due to the misdemeanour nature of the offence, but his case will be referred to Parliament to determine whether his immunity should be lifted for further prosecution.

Political parties, including PASOK and New Left, condemned the act as an attack on free expression and a dangerous step toward censorship.

The Association of Greek Archaeologists also denounced the vandalism as “brutal” and “uncivilised.”

Papadopoulos defended his actions, questioning the use of public funds for the exhibition.

Effy Alexakis and Leonard Janiszewski donate life’s work to State Library of NSW

On Tuesday, March 11, the State Library of NSW hosted an insightful evening as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney, featuring a lecture by historian Leonard Janiszewski and a historic announcement by renowned photographer Effy Alexakis.

The event, emceed by Richard Neville, Mitchell Librarian and Director of Engagement at the State Library of NSW, was a celebration of Greek Australian milk bar history, culminating in the donation of Alexakis and Janiszewski’s vast archive to the library.

effy alexakis state library of nsw milk bar lecture
The room was packed for the event.

With over 50,000 historical documents, 200,000 photographs, 3,000 oral histories, and 150 hours of video and film recordings, their collection is widely regarded as the most extensive archive on Greek migration, settlement, and identity in Australia.

A historic gift to the State Library

During her speech, Alexakis officially announced that she and Janiszewski would be donating their life’s work to the State Library of NSW. She described their dedication to documenting the experiences of Greek Australians over the past four decades and the importance of ensuring their archive remains accessible for future generations.

“With the encouraging support of Richard and the valuable input of Maria Savvides, Leonard and I have decided that now is the right time to gift our archive – our life’s work – to the State Library of NSW,” Alexakis declared with emotion.

effy alexakis state library of nsw milk bar lecture
Effy Alexakis.

The monumental archive, however, requires significant digitisation and preservation efforts, with an estimated cost of $300,000.

Alexakis emphasised the urgency of fundraising, explaining, “Our family and friends will attest, the responsibility and our worries in maintaining it [the archive] has become all-consuming. The archive is mostly analogue—film, cassette tapes, paper-based documents. These need to be digitised, and most importantly, a database needs to be created.”

Some donations have already been received to kick-start the digitisation project, including generous contributions from the descendants of Mick Adams and the Keldoulis family, both of whom share strong connections to Greek Australian history.

Greek Australian history and the Milk Bar legacy

The evening also featured a captivating lecture by Janiszewski, focusing on the transnational impact of Greek migration, particularly through the Greek milk bar phenomenon.

effy alexakis state library of nsw milk bar lecture
Leonard Janiszewski.

Janiszewski outlined how Adams, a Greek migrant also known as Joachim Tavarlidis, revolutionised Australian retail with the creation of the world’s first modern milk bar in Sydney in 1932, which later expanded globally.

“The milk bar, as far as Effy and myself are concerned, is an icon of Australian popular culture, but it’s also one of our greatest retailing exports ever,” Janiszewski explained.

He traced its roots back to Greek entrepreneurial spirit, detailing how Greek migrants fused American soda parlour culture with Greek café traditions, shaping Australia’s retail and dining landscape.

Speeches and Distinguished Guests

Everyone enjoyed the lecture.

The event included remarks by Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, who highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Greek community and the work of Alexakis and Janiszewski. He emphasised the importance of preserving Greek Australian heritage and commended their efforts in ensuring that future generations can access this valuable historical resource.

In attendance were also several notable guests, including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; the Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Chrysa Prokopaki; First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Anastasia Christofilopoulou; Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris; and other prominent figures from the Greek Australian community.

effy alexakis state library of nsw milk bar lecture
Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis spoke at the event.

A community effort to secure the Archive

Consul General Mr Mallikourtis acknowledged the immense value of Alexakis and Janiszewski’s work, calling for increased awareness of Greek Australian history. He expressed hope that the donated archive would serve as an enduring resource for understanding the depth and complexity of Greek migration history.

Mr Neville from the State Library expressed his deep appreciation for the donation, highlighting its significance: “I don’t think I can emphasise how important this donation is. There’s literally no archive like it. I don’t think it’s one of the best—I think it is the best archive of this kind in the country.”

effy alexakis state library of nsw milk bar lecture
Their collection is widely regarded as the most extensive archive on Greek migration, settlement, and identity in Australia. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

As the evening concluded, attendees were invited to contribute to the digitisation fund, ensuring that this unparalleled collection of Greek Australian heritage remains accessible to researchers, historians, and future generations.

For those interested in supporting the preservation of this vital archive, please contact the State Library of NSW at (02) 9273 1414 and mention ‘IN THEIR OWN IMAGE: GREEK-AUSTRALIANS DIGITISATION FUND’ or email foundation@sl.nsw.gov.au

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese plans pilgrimage to Athens, Constantinople and Tbilisi

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) is organising a 14-day Pilgrimage Tour from 5 May to 18 May 2025, to Athens, Constantinople, and Tbilisi in Georgia.

The Pilgrimage, which will be led by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, will be conducted in collaboration with the travel agency Premium Holidays and will include the following itinerary: 

  • May 5: Departure from Australia with Qatar Airways

  • May 6 – 9: Stay in Athens. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to visit religious and archaeological sites, including the Holy Trinity Monastery– Saint Nektarios in Aegina, the Acropolis Museum, Cape Sounion, and more.

  • May 9 – 13: Stay in Constantinople. Pilgrims will visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate and receive the blessing of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Additionally, they will visit the Princes’ Islands, Halki Theological School, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar of Constantinople, and other sites.

  • May 13 – 17: Stay in Tbilisi. Pilgrims will explore Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Metekhi, Saint George, Sioni Cathedral, the Kakheti region in Eastern Georgia, the ancient city of Mtskheta, the village of Tsilkani, the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, and more.

  • May 17: Departure for Australia (Qatar Airways) or Greece (Aegean Airlines)

Participation Cost:

  • $8,900 per person (twin-room accommodation) for round-trip travel to and from Australia.
  • $6,500 per person (twin-room accommodation) for departures from Greece
  • $1,800 extra charge for single-room accommodation

The price includes: Airfares (from Australia – Athens – Turkey – Georgia); accommodation in 5-star hotels (Half-Board) in Athens and Georgia; Greek-speaking tour guide; air-conditioned coaches. Not included in the price are: Gratuities; Turkish visa; beverages with meals; travel insurance; and anything optional. 

For more details and registrations, interested individuals may contact: Premium Holidays (www.premiumholidays.com.au) either by phone: (02) 9241 3211 or email: info@premiumholidays.com.au

Peggy Zina to take centre stage at Canberra’s Hellenic Club in May

Get ready for an unforgettable night of Greek music as Peggy Zina, one of Greece’s most beloved singers, is coming to the Hellenic Club of Canberra at Woden for a spectacular live performance on Friday, May 2 from 8.30pm. Doors open from 8pm.

Known for her powerful vocals and emotionally charged performances, Zina has been a defining presence in the Greek music industry for over three decades, seamlessly blending traditional Greek sounds with contemporary pop influences.

This highly anticipated concert is part of Zina’s Australian tour, and fans can expect a high-energy and nostalgic evening, featuring both her chart-topping hits and new releases. She will be supported by Charis Georgiou and a full band from Greece, along with local guest Maria Maroulis.

Greek music lovers from Sydney are being encouraged to make the trip to Canberra for the concert and turn it into a full weekend experience. Enjoy dining at the award-winning restaurants within the Hellenic Club of Canberra, explore the beautiful sights of the city, and visit the local St Nicholas Church before heading home on Sunday afternoon.

Concert tickets will go on sale at 1pm on Friday, March 14, exclusively from the Hellenic Club of Canberra’s website. At just $150 per ticket, this is the most affordable Zina concert in the country. Plus, with the Club’s intimate setup, there are no bad seats in the venue.

Get your friends and family together for a night filled with incredible performances, live music, and Greek spirit. Book early on Friday to avoid missing out – this will be a sell-out event.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 2nd May 2025
  • Doors Open: Show starts at 8:30pm – doors open from 8pm. Arrive early to enjoy dinner and drinks before the show.
  • Venue: Hellenic Club of Canberra, 1 Matilda Street, Woden
  • Accommodation: Official ABODE HOTELS CANBERRA – promo code for 15% discount from Fri 2nd May until Sunday 4th May – promo code is PEGGY.
  • Tickets: Available from 1pm on March 14 at www.hellenicclub.com.au/whatson

Eleni Tee makes history as first mother to umpire an AFL match

Eleni Tee (nee Glouftsis) is set to make history as the first mother to serve as a field umpire in an AFL game, returning to the field after maternity leave on Sunday, March 16, at Adelaide Oval, where her one-year-old son Levi will be in the crowd.

Tee, who became the first female field umpire in the AFL in 2017, will officiate the match between Adelaide and St Kilda in her hometown.

Tee and her husband, Dillon, a former AFL boundary umpire, welcomed their son Levi last February.

Tee, who has umpired 82 AFL/AFLW games, described the return as both exciting and nerve-wracking, saying, “I’m excited and nervous about all seasons, because you really care about it and want to do your best.”

Despite challenges of returning to umpiring after childbirth, Tee’s recovery was supported by pelvic floor physiotherapy and a careful fitness regimen.

She credits her husband’s support for allowing her to return to her dream job.

“It was such a blessing,” Tee said of Dillon’s help at home.

Photo: Roy VanDerVegt.

Tee also reflected on the AFL’s new four-umpire system, which reduces the physical demands of the role and made her decision to return easier.

“If I was in Melbourne, I probably would have retired,” Tee admitted.

“But because I had the option of being with my family and surrounded by my support network, it has worked.”

AFL officiating head Stephen McBurney praised Tee for her preparation, noting, “Her professionalism and dedication have been outstanding.”

Tee also believes that motherhood will give her a fresh perspective on umpiring decisions.

“You can’t change a decision… but dwelling doesn’t help in terms of your performance,” she said.

With her son Levi growing more interactive, Tee is excited to balance both motherhood and her career on the field, with her family cheering her on.

“He’s lots of fun to watch explore the world, which has been wonderful,” she said.

Source: The Advertiser.

Young Greek Australians secure spots at World Taekwondo Cadet Championships

​Young Greek Australian athletes Nicole Striglogiannis and Lucas Mamonitis have secured gold medals at the Cadet World Championship Selection Event in Canberra, earning them the opportunity to represent Australia at the 2025 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships in Fujairah, UAE.

Nicole, a 12-year-old black belt, has been training six days a week for five years and has already claimed two national championships in Perth and Brisbane.

Lucas, a 3rd Dan Black Belt, has won multiple state and national titles and recently finished second in Malaysia, competing against athletes from 18 countries. His ultimate goal is to represent Australia at the 2032 Olympics.

Their coach, Elias of Royal Empire Martial Arts, expressed his pride in their recent achievements at the selection event, stating that their hard work has paid off.

Cadet World Championship Selection Event in Canberra

Nicole’s parents, Bill and Catherine, also shared their pride with The Greek Herald, noting that her younger brothers look up to her as a role model.

Nicole herself said, “I trained hard and worked hard. I’m so happy to have this opportunity to represent Australia in Dubai. I’m nervous but excited at the same time. Looking forward to travelling overseas as this will be my first time out of Australia.”

Both athletes are now preparing for the World Championships, where they will compete against the best in their age group on the international stage.