James Tsitas leaves the Suns after three years on the Gold Coast, as the club chooses to delist him for the upcoming 2025 season.
He was recruited as their midfield forward after being picked up out of the SANFL in 2022 as a Supplemental Selection Period acquisition.
James Tsitas in action during the VFL R9 match between Gold Coast and Carlton in May 2024. Photo: AFL Photos.
The hard-working midfielder played five games in his first two seasons but failed to secure an AFL spot in 2024.
Tsitas is among six players that the Gold Coast Suns decided against offering new deals to. Among him, Darcy Macpherson, Jack Mahony, Sandy Brock, Oskar Faulkhead and Will Rowlands.
Macpherson is the only other senior footy player having spent nine seasons at the club.
Joe Lo Bianco confessed to the brutal murder of his wife, Kaliopi Roumeliotis, in the Victorian Supreme Court. On November 30, 2022, Lo Bianco violently and fatally attacked Roumeliotis with a metal car ramp in their garage shortly after she arrived home.
According to reports, Lo Bianco struck Roumeliotis repeatedly in the head and neck leaving her lifeless body on the garage floor, hiding the murder weapon under her head, and then concealing his bloody clothes.
While he waited for his young daughter to be dropped off, Lo Bianco went next door to converse with his in-laws for nearly an hour.
When his daughter, identified in court as Sally, arrived and inquired about her mother, Lo Bianco directed her to check the garage. Tragically, the young girl discovered her mother’s body covered in blood. In shock, Sally ran to her uncle and aunt for help.
Despite their efforts to perform CPR, paramedics confirmed that Roumeliotis was already deceased.
On the day of the murder, Lo Bianco had spent hours gambling while scientist Roumeliotis was at work amid financial strain exacerbated by Lo Bianco’s job loss after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Lo Bianco outside the Supreme Court after pleading guilty to murdering his wife. Photo: Brendan Beckett.
Initially, Lo Bianco claimed to the police that his wife must have tripped and fallen, asserting he had no role in her death since he was in the backyard cleaning a rabbit enclosure at the time. However, the 53-year-old later pleaded guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court.
During the court proceedings, Lo Bianco avoided eye contact with Roumeliotis’ family and kept his head down as 10 victim impact statements were read.
In a poignant statement read by her uncle Arthur Roumeliotis, his daughter stated that Lo Bianco’s actions had left her with scars that would never heal.
Defence barrister Moya O’Brien described the attack as a crime of passion rather than premeditation, noting Lo Bianco’s remorse and his lack of prior convictions.
In contrast, prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC characterised the murder as a premeditated, brutal assault on a vulnerable woman. She highlighted Lo Bianco’s deliberate actions to conceal his guilt.
Steve Ploubidis’ beloved Plato’s Greek Chargrill in Walkerville, South Australia caught ablaze during the restaurant’s lunchtime preparation.
The owner and former prominent leader of the South Australian Jockey Club emerged from the building in a state of distress, suffering from burns to his head, arms and body.
Ploubidis was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital to receive treatment.
Steve Ploubidis. Photo: The Advertiser.
As the blaze grew, the ceiling collapsed and people jumped in with fire extinguishers.
According to the Metropolitan Fire Service, the restaurant took around 40 minutes to contain and suffered around $500,000 worth of structural damage.
Fire investigators are now trying to determine the cause of the fire.
During their discussion, President Sakellaropoulou highlighted the significant role that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese plays in Australia. She underscored that the GOAA’s contributions to the spiritual and religious landscape are highly regarded across both state and federal levels.
The President commended the enduring impact and prominence of the Greek Orthodox community in Australia, acknowledging its esteemed position within society.
Archbishop Makarios.
Archbishop Makarios’ meeting comes after he took part in the 10th Synaxis of the Venerable Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne in Constantinople from September 1 to 3.
Earlier this year in April, the Archbishop was in Greece to celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos at the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial, Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos.
Stefanos Tsitsipas announced he will miss Greece’s upcoming Davis Cup matches against Serbia due to an injury. As a result, Tsitsipas will not join the Greek team in Belgrade for the World Group I clashes scheduled for September 14 and 15.
Tsitsipas notified the Greek Tennis Federation he will be sidelined due to ongoing back issues after his participation in the US Open.
The Greek player has been a vital asset for the country in recent Davis Cup campaigns, playing a key role in the team’s success and current standing in World Group I. His absence will be a significant loss for Greece as they take on Serbia at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.
“The voice of my heart advised me to support the national team once more. However, the voice of my body, in a compelling manner, forbids me to compete in the encounter against Serbia for the Davis Cup… I wish our national team all the best in the tough encounter with Serbia,” Tsitsipas outlined in his announcement.
Despite his disappointment at missing these crucial matches, Tsitsipas expressed his commitment to returning for future national team events, stating, “From my side, I will do my utmost to be able to compete in the next national team obligation, wearing the national emblem once again.”
On Sunday, September 1, the National Union of Greek Australian Students (NUGAS) hosted its annual Gala Ball at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne, Victoria.
The event, which sold out well in advance, has firmly established itself as the premier Greek Australian university student event nationwide, attracting over 800 attendees.
All photos supplied by Con Deves.
Guests enjoyed an opulent evening complete with gourmet dining, drinks and a series of exceptional performances.
The entertainment featured a stellar lineup of Melbourne’s leading Greek musicians, including Dimitri Kavadas, Steve Pavlidis, George Kirkopoulos, Jack Xanthopoulos, Nick Tzitzivakos, Theano Milides, Angelo Trantafilopoulos, Gav T and Yianni Kozi.
The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by Club DJs Kosta Nico, Thomas Nico and MC George Ross, ensuring an unforgettable night.
After the ball, the celebration continued at an exclusive afterparty at Crown’s Therapy Nightclub, where guests partied into the early hours.
Photo: Con Deves.Photo: Con Deves.
Co-Presidents Chris Giannaros and Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting, along with the 2024-2025 NUGAS board, expressed their deep appreciation to partner organisations and all those involved for their continued support.
Established in 1972, NUGAS is a prominent organisation that represents Greek Australian students across Australia.
NUGAS serves as an umbrella group for Greek student societies at various universities, coordinating cultural, social, and educational activities. It plays a crucial role in connecting Greek Australian youth with their cultural heritage, offering opportunities for networking, leadership, and community engagement.
Events such as the annual Gala Ball, soccer tournaments, and other cultural celebrations are integral to its mission of uniting Greek Australian students.
Fitness Education Online, a fitness education company owned by Jono Petrohilos, is making waves as a finalist in multiple categories at the 2024 Australian Fitness Industry Awards.
The Australian Fitness Industry Awards are run by AUSactive and the winners will be announced on October 11 at Dolton House, Jones Bay Wharf.
Mr Petrohilos is nominated for Fitness Educator of the Year, while Fitness Education Online itself is up for CEC Provider of the Year.
Adding to this success, three Fitness Education Online students have been nominated for Student of the Year, and two of Fitness Education Online’s educators are nominated for Educator of the Year. This further emphasises the organisations commitment to excellence in education.
Fitness Education Online currently run online certification courses nationwide for people wishing to become Personal Trainers. For more details, visit www.fitnesseducationonline.com.au.
The official opening night of the 2nd Zeibekiko Festival Australia, titled “ΕΝΝΕΑ ΟΓΔΟΑ 9/8,” is set to be an unmissable cultural spectacle on Saturday, September 28 at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury, Sydney.
Curated by Sophia Ventouris, the festival promises a dynamic program that showcases the richness of Zeibekiko dance and music, blending traditional and contemporary elements.
“I am most importantly thrilled that many local dance groups have accepted to be part of this grand and for me, historical night,” Sophia tells The Greek Herald.
“I want to work more with local talent in Australia. We have so much wealth of talented musicians and dancers, and through the Zeibekiko and Greek Dance Festival, we provide open doors for anybody in the arts to express themselves.”
The opening night will feature performances by renowned artists, including Christos Shakallis, a master of Zeibekiko (Laiko), and traditionalist Yiannis Pagozidis from Greece, who will enhance the evening with their dance shows and live music.
The event will begin with a historical journey, starting in 1453 with the Fall of Constantinople, followed by a tribute to the Pontian Genocide. Over 150 dancers, including the Pontian dance group from Pontoxeniteas NSW, will make a spectacular entry, accompanied by live music from two Pontian Lyra players, Pagozidis and Giorgos Apostolidis from Sydney. The musical lineup also includes the well-known multi-instrumentalist, Michael Platyrrahos.
Giorgos Apostolidis.Michael Platyrrahos.
The show will then transition to a showcase of traditional Zeibekika, Karsilamathes, and Aptalika dances from Asia Minor, particularly those originating from the Greek island of Mytilini. The Mytilenian House in Canterbury was chosen as the venue of the opening night for its historical significance, as many Hellenes who fled Asia Minor during the 1922 catastrophe landed in Mytilini.
The show will conclude with a celebration of Zeibekiko in modern times, featuring surprises, audience participation, and an open dance floor with DJ music by Nick Miroforidis.
Ms Ventouris expressed her gratitude to Peter Psomas, President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of NSW, for his hospitality. She also thanked Maria Anthony, the President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, and their dance teacher Christina for their support in joining the festival.
Reflecting on last year’s event, Ms Ventouris said, “The atmosphere at our ‘Zeibekika tou Ellinikou Kinimatografou’ night was electrifying! Dancers and all attendees had so much kefi and fun. I remember the room buzzing with success. This event is bigger, and we have a few more groups on board, so I can feel the vibe will be very high.”
The official opening night will feature performances by various dance groups, including the Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance, Pontoxeniteas NSW, Rythmos dancers, Sydney Sizmos, Cyprus Community of NSW Dancers, Rallis School of Greek Dance, Sydney Greek Dancing School, Mytilenian Brotherhood dance group, Greek Dance Rhythms, Adult Greek Dance School (Sophia Ventouris), and Niko Vasilas with “My Zeibekiko Journey.” Live music will be provided by Platyrrahos, Apostolidis, and Pagozidis on outi and lyra.
The 2nd Zeibekiko Festival Australia is a 10-day celebration featuring various events and dance workshops centered around Zeibekiko culture. The festival will include traditional and modern Zeibekiko workshops, events honouring tradition, teaching history, and celebrating Zeibekiko in its contemporary form.
Tickets for the official opening night are available at TryBooking, and the full program can be viewed at Zeibekiko Festival Australia. For further assistance or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ms Ventouris at 0413 114 930. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary cultural experience!The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.
Ahmet Keskin, the Executive Director of the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) and co-founder of the Affinity Intercultural Foundation (AIF), is leading an initiative to foster dialogue and understanding between Greek and Turkish communities through their diasporas.
As part of this effort, Keskin is this week hosting a delegation from Greece to discuss the situation of Turkish political refugees residing in Greece. The delegation has visited Sydney and Canberra, and will host a forum in Melbourne on Thursday, September 5, providing valuable insights into the challenges and responses related to these refugees.
The delegation includes notable figures such as Katerina Markou, a former member of parliament for Thessaloniki and now director of Papazisis Publishing; Dr. Ioannis E. Kotoulas, an adjunct lecturer in Geopolitics at the University of Athens; journalist Georgia Lagou, who covers maritime issues and has reported from conflict zones; and Hasan Kotsantzi, a law graduate and media expert specialising in education and social integration dialogue.
Keskin’s efforts aim to bridge Greek-Turkish relations through their diasporas and highlight the importance of official Dialogue Networks. He hopes to challenge the stereotype that Greeks and Turks cannot coexist peacefully and emphasise Greece’s role in aiding Turkish refugees.
Ms Markou’s insights will provide a view of Greece’s approach to accommodating Turkish refugees, and address the challenges faced by Greece in accommodating the influx.
On Tuesday, September 3, the delegation’s visit to Sydney included meetings with prominent figures such as Peter Doukas OAM, Chair of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW; Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations; and ethnic media.
In Melbourne, they will engage with Kon Karapanagiotidis, Director of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), Justice Emilios Kyrou, and members of the Victorian Parliament. They will also attend a lunch hosted by Dr. Andonis Piperoglou at the University of Melbourne, focusing on Diaspora studies.
For the public, there will be an ADI Policy Forum titled “Immigration and Refugee Policies at the Crossroad,” scheduled for Thursday, September 5 at Deakin Downtown, Melbourne. Tickets for this event are available here.
A warm welcome reception at the Grand Serai Congress and Spa in Ioannina, Greece marked the start of the inaugural Global ‘Women and Hellenism’ Conference, a groundbreaking event that officially began on Monday, September 2.
Bringing together 43 presenters and 150 enthusiastic participants, including women and men from Greece and the Greek diaspora, this historic conference celebrates the power of Hellenism and the strength of women in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant future.
As delegates and presenters arrived at the centrally located Grand Serai Congress and Spa hotel in Ioannina, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, culminating in an evening of introductions and camaraderie at the welcome reception.
The conference was officially opened by Greek Australian journalist Helen Kapalos, who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the morning presentations. First speaker was Founder and Chair of the Food for Thought Network, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, the convener of the conference, to deliver her welcome address.
A call to action: Women and Hellenism
Mrs Ioannou’s speech set the tone for the conference, emphasising the importance of Hellenism, identity, and sustainability as guiding principles. She described the event as more than just a gathering—it is a movement to honour heritage, empower women, and pave the way for future generations.
“Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation,” Mrs Ioannou declared. “This inaugural Global ‘Women and Hellenism’ Conference is a call to action to honour our heritage, empower each other, and make a lasting difference for our families and communities.”
She reflected on the two years of dedicated planning and the challenges faced in organising the conference on a zero budget. Through the generosity and collaboration of many, the conference has come to life, uniting Greek women from around the world to share experiences, research, and strategies for success.
Mrs Ioannou also highlighted the critical need for women to build strong connections in order to take meaningful action on the issues that matter most. She emphasised the potential of Hellenic women to effect change across a variety of fields, stating, “Together, we can create change. United, we can make a difference.”
“Our wish is that you leave here inspired, challenged, nurtured, and with a sense of purpose and many new friends. Together we can act. Together we can create change. United we can,” Mrs Ioannou added.
Dignitaries and special guests
The opening ceremony saw notable dignitaries welcoming delegates and expressing their support for the conference. First was Sofia Zacharaki, Greek Minister for Family and Social Cohesion, who sent her welcome salutation by video message.
Gioula Mitrokosta, representing the Region of Epirus, officially opened the event, followed by an address from the Mayor of Ioannina, Thomas Begas. Both officials praised the conference’s goals and pledged ongoing support and the importance of such events for the region of Epirus.
Saluting the event were also Marina Besi, Regional Director of Education in Epirus and the Mayor of Souli, Dr Athanasios Ntounis.
“It is especially honouring for the land to host the conference here and there should be a continuation and a recurring event,” Mayor Ntounis said.
From the USA, Stella Kokolis, Veteran teacher, President / Co-founder and Promoter of the Greek language, gave a very inspiring speech that was applauded by the audience.
Conference highlights: Empowerment through knowledge
The first session of the conference featured a thought-provoking presentation by Rector Ioanna Batistatou from the University of Ioannina on “Gender Inequality and Mobbing in Science.” Former Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, Professor Ioannis Chrysoulakis, addressed the role of women in Greek migration and the Greek language program that he helped create ‘Sta ellinika.’
“This is a groundbreaking and wonderful conference with many Greek women from the diaspora who traveled from all over the world to be here today in the historic city of Ioannina. It is a very dynamic step and will leave a very significant mark on the relations between the state and the diaspora,” Mr Chrysoulakis said.
American judges from Chicago Hon. Pamela Stratigakis and Hon. Peggy Chiampas gave a combined presentation on the topic of: “The Hellene in me: How my Hellenic heritage helped, hindered and shaped me into the woman I am today.”
“We have Greek blood and we should always be proud,” Judge Chiampas said.
On the topic of Greek women in politics, Despoina Limniotaki, Acting Municipal Councillor for Public Health in the Athens Council, spoke about the emergence of female leadership in the face of gender stereotypes.
‘Young Women’s Multifaceted Identity, Barriers and Enablers’ was the theme for the second half of the day. This was presented by Maria Dimopoulos AM, who took over the role of Master of Ceremonies from Ms Kapalos. A special tribute was given to the subject of domestic violence through a live performance by Christina Tzialla, theatrologist and performing artist. The work was written and recited by Ms Ioannou.
Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, sent a video message as she couldn’t attend because of work commitments.
The day finished on a high note with the last speaker, opera singer Christiana Aloneftis reflecting on the liberation of the female voice in a patriarchal society. At the moment, Aloneftis is playing the young Maria Callas in the recent release of the film starring Angelina Jolie and she was traveling for three days to come to the event after the Venice Film Festival.
The Global Women & Hellenism Conference continues with one more day of insightful panel discussions and presentations. Delegates will also visit the historic sites of Ioannina and Epirus, including the renowned Dodoni Theatre, the scenic beauty of Zagorohoria, Acherontas river, and Parga.
