Australia’s Stingers have achieved the unimaginable by toppling the three-time defending women’s water polo champions, the USA, in a thrilling penalty shootout, securing their place in the Olympic gold medal match in Paris.
Under the leadership of Captain Zoe Arancini, the Stingers overturned their fortunes against the world champions, who had dominated them in a three-match series back in April. In a historic and nerve-wracking shootout on Friday morning at La Defense Arena, they clinched a 14-13 victory.
This remarkable win marks the first time an Australian women’s team has reached the final since the 2000 squad triumphed in Sydney’s inaugural event. It also guarantees them their first medal since claiming bronze in 2012.
In the final, they’ll face Spain, who edged out the Netherlands 19-18 in another penalty shootout after 14-all tie in regulation.
Greece’s women’s water polo team defeated by Hungary
Greece was defeated 12-9 by Hungary.
Greece’s women’s water polo team suffered yet another defeat at the Paris Olympics. Although they started well, Greece was defeated 12-9 by Hungary in a qualifying match and will now challenge for seventh place against Canada on Saturday morning.
In a match where there were constant suspensions, the national team started with average percentages (3/7), but clearly better than Hungary’s at 0/5.
The Greek team took a 4-1 lead in the middle of the second eight minutes but at some point, Hungary found solutions and equalized 4-4. The half ended in a draw.
In the third period, the match “opened” with the big star of Hungary, Rita Keszthelyi, finding two identical goals and giving her team a 7-6 lead. In the last eight minutes, the Greek team seemed to run out of strength and Hungary increased the difference and “cleaned up” the game.
A cache of gold coins dating to the late fifth century B.C. has been discovered in the ancient Greek city of Notion, located on the west coast of Anatolia.
According to The New York Times, the find was made by Christopher Ratté of the University of Michigan and his team. The coins were stored in an olpe, a type of small jug, and buried in the corner of a dwelling beneath the courtyard of a house from the third century B.C.
Archaeology.org, has reported that the coins have been identified as Persian darics, named either after the Old Persian word for gold or Darius I, who ruled the Persian Empire from 521 to 486 B.C. These coins feature an image of the Persian king in a long tunic, kneeling and holding a bow and long spear, while the backs of the coins are blank except for a punch mark.
Ratté explained that such coins were typically used to pay mercenaries, suggesting that the cache likely represents a soldier’s savings, hidden during a period of warfare in a contested frontier zone.
“No one ever buries a hoard of coins, especially precious metal coins, without intending to retrieve it,” he said. “So only the gravest misfortune can explain the preservation of such a treasure.”
Twenty-two Greek beaches have lost their Blue Flag certification due to inadequate organisation ahead of the summer season, the program’s organisers have announced.
The beaches were removed from the 2024 national and international lists because they either were not prepared for the swimming season or failed to meet the program’s stringent criteria based on recent inspections, according to the statement.
Among the affected beaches are popular destinations such as Kallithea on Rhodes, Korthi on Andros, Kalafatis on Mykonos, Agia Anna on Naxos, Myrtos on Crete, Schinias Karavi in Marathonas, and Ouranoupoli in Halkidiki.
Inspectors found that the 22 beaches lacked essential services for bathers and visitors, including those with disabilities, cleanliness, accurate information, safety measures, environmental management, and availability of free beach space.
Photo by Antone Adi
The Blue Flag Program, founded in 1987 and based in Copenhagen, is run by the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).
Program organisers stated that random inspections would continue throughout the summer. Beaches failing to meet the standards will have their Blue Flag certification removed.
Beaches and marinas awarded Blue Flags are monitored annually to ensure they maintain the required criteria. The announcement is made each May.
You can find the country’s Blue Flag beaches here and the 22 beaches here.
Two of Adelaide’s leading restaurateurs are set to introduce an authentic Italian dining experience to the city, marking a significant transformation of their CBD offering.
According to The Advertiser, Themis Chryssidis and Callum Hann announced that their modern Australian venue, Eleven, which opened in 2021, will close for a month of renovations.
The Waymouth Street eatery will reopen in late August as Roma, a contemporary Italian restaurant that will feature Roman classics along with traditional dishes with a twist. The revamped outdoor bar and café area will transform into an Italian-style ‘piazza,’ offering pastries, coffee, and aperitivo hour for guests.
Additionally, the duo will launch a lunch-focused deli in the Arbor Lane laneway. This deli will serve grab-and-go items such as Roman-style pizza, fresh salads, cheese, charcuterie, pastries, and quality coffee, all designed to be enjoyed in the nearby piazza.
Chryssidis explained that the new venue aims to bring an authentic “Italian vibe” to the city.
“Cal and I both love Rome. We love the sense of community, the history but also the food,” he said.
He emphasised that the restaurant would be a completely new venue with a “light and bright” design, offering pasta, seafood, and meat dishes bursting with flavor.
“We’re about bringing people together, and that’s the best thing about Italian cuisine,” he added.
Chryssidis said the changes were necessary to take advantage of the completion of the nearby $200m Marriott Hotel – which is slated to open this month – and adjust to Adelaide’s changing dining scene.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, Athens is likely at the top of your list, thanks to its renowned museums. However, travel expert Rick Steves suggests that by only visiting Athens, you might miss out on some of Greece’s most underrated ancient sites.
According to islands.com, he recommends three must-visit spots, all within three hours of Athens.
Mycenae and the Theater at Epidavros
For fans of Homer’s “Iliad” and classic Greek plays, Mycenae is a treasure. Mycenae is a fortress city atop a hill, the center of a powerful civilization that dominated the Greek world between 1600 and 1200 BCE, a thousand years before Athens’ Golden Age. Just an hour and a half by car from Athens, Mycenae boasts several significant attractions.
Less than a two-hour drive from Athens and under an hour from Mycenae, you’ll find Epidavros (Epidaurus), home to a spectacular 4th-century BCE amphitheater. Once holding up to 14,000 people, the theater is renowned for its incredible acoustics.
Photo: Jeff Stapleton
Exploring the Ruins of Delphi
About 2.5 hours from Athens lies Delphi, once home to the Oracle of Delphi, also known as the Pythia. This ancient prophetess foretold the futures of those who sought her counsel. By the sixth century BCE, Delphi had become so influential that no great leader would make a major decision without consulting the oracle. As Steves explains, Delphi essentially became the database of the ancient world, filled with the secrets and truths of various states and leaders.
By exploring these ancient sites beyond Athens, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Greece’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The festival will run from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, October 6. It will feature Greek master of Zeibekiko dance, Christos Shakallis, all the way from Cyprus, and well-respected Yiannis Pagkozidis, who will be teaching traditional forms of Zeibekiko, Aptalikous and Karsilamades dances. Mr Pagkozidis is also a specialist in Cappodician song and dance.
Yiannis Pagkozidis will be taking part in this year’s Zeibekiko Festival Australia.
The festival is curated by Sophia Ventouris, a Greek dance teacher of more than 30 years in Australia.
With only seven weeks to go before the Zeibekiko Festival, an exciting program of events has been released. The Greek Herald, which is a proud media partner for the event, has all the booking details.
Friday, September 27: Zeibekiko workshop with Shakallis
An Open Class for all to join in and get a good Zeibekiko dance workout and have fun with the international dance teacher and Master of Zeibekiko, Christos Shakallis. Men and women can participate in this open introductory class. Bring your water bottle, towel and wear your dance shoes. A 2.5 hour class with breaks. Starts at 7pm. Suitable for all shapes, sizes and ages. Held at the Sydney Technical High School hall. Book here.
Saturday, September 28: Zeibekiko Festival Australia Opening Night Gala Spectacular
A journey into the Asia Minor history through music and dance. Featuring from Greece the respected Yiannis Pagozidis, specialising in Pontian and Asia Minor dances. He is also an outstanding musician and will be entertaining people on the night live, accompanied by Michael Platyrrahos and Giorgos Apostolidis. Local dance groups will decorate the event with their talented shows around the traditions of the Zeibekiko & 9/8 rhythm. Shakallis will also perform and entertain the crowd. Held at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury from 7pm.Book here.
Sunday, September 29: The tradition of the 9/8 rhythm, Melisma Ensemble
Melisma Ensemble is a Sydney-based music group which performs Byzantine Chant and music from the art and folk traditions of Greece and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. Dimitri Koubaroulis, founder and director of Melisma, is psaltis (chanter) and teacher of Byzantine Chant and folk music, with a special interest in the music of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Melisma will join forces with Pagozidis on Pontian Lyra and Outi to perform songs from Thrace, Asia Minor and Pontus around the 9/8 rhythm theme. The night will be enhanced by Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance on spotlight dance scenes, with traditional costumes worn of regions presented by the musicians. Held at the Arcadian Ashbury Recreational Club in Ashbury from 6pm. Book here.
Monday, September 30: Pontian dance workshop with Yiannis Pagozidis
The Zeibekiko Festival Australia, in collaboration with Pontoxeniteas NSW, bring to you “Pontian Dance Workshop” by Yiannis Pagozidis. He will teach Pontian dance at the Pontian House in Earlwood from 7pm. Book here.
Tuesday, October 1: Laiko-Rebetiko Zeibekiko Musical Journey at Koutouki restaurant
Join Shakallis, Pagozidis and Ms Ventouris at the well known Koutouki Greek taverna at 138 Norton St, Leichhardt. The in-house band will play live Laiko-Rebetiko Zeibekiko songs, including Tsistanis, Bithikotsis, Bellou, Vamvakaris, Dalara, Alexiou etc. Ticket includes the delectable mezzethes from Koutouki’s “NOSTIMO” kitchen, live music and the parea and a “zeibekia” from Shakallis, Pagozidis and Ms Ventouris. Starts at 7pm. Book here.
Wednesday, October 2: Songs of Pontus, Asia Minor and 9/8 Zeibekiko Rhythm at Steki restaurant
Pagozidis, along with local talents Platyrrahos and Apostolidis, will present a special selection of songs from Asia Minor and Pontus. Guest appearance from Shakallis. Held at Steki restaurant in Enmore from 7pm. Book here.
Thursday, October 3: ‘Music of our Ancestors’ – Free seminar for children and youth
Platyrrahos will be presenting traditional instruments of Greece’s musical heritage including the lyra, oud, lavta, lute and many more, for children to experience close up and listen to the sounds of the instruments. Platyrrahos and his children will demonstrate how to play each instrument. Giveaways and Zeibekiko beat music games with traditional wooden spoons from Asia Minor is also on the activity list. Held at Arcadian Ashbury Recreational Club in Ashbury from 6pm. Book here.
Thursday, October 3: Special edition Zeibekiko adult class
Sophia Ventouris School of Greek Dance will open its adult Greek dance class doors to all for a special edition Zeibekiko class with Shakallis and Pagozidis. They will be teaching traditional and modern/popular Zeibekiko, including Fokiano Zeibekiko, Kalmilieriko, Tsokme, Aivaliotiko, Vrakadiko, Aptalika Zeibekika, Karsilamathes, and more. Held at Arcadian Ashbury Recreational Club in Ashbury from 7.30pm. Book here.
Friday, October 4: Women-only Zeibekiko workshop with Shakallis
A women only workshop with Shakallis. The class will focus on popular/laiko Zeibekiko with an emphasis on steps, stance, figures, speed, movement and hand positions. Aptaliko zeibekiko and Karsilama will also be taught as they belong in the Zeibekiko family of dances. Held at the Sydney Technical High School hall from 6pm. Book here.
Friday, October 4: Men-only Zeibekiko workshop with Shakallis
Popular/Laiko Zeibekiko for men only, teaching “figoures,” “xtipimata – hits,” tricks and male orientated moves. Taught by Shakallis. Held at the Sydney Technical High School hall from 8pm. Book here.
Saturday, October 5: Dance workshop – Zeibekiko, Asia Minor, Pontos
In this ‘All-day Workshop’ from 12pm to 5pm, people will enjoy a jam packed program learning at least 10 types of Zeibekiko traditional dances; 10 dances from Asia Minor including dances from Meli, Erythrea, Kessaria, Kappadokia, Smyrni, Constantinopole etc.; 10 dances from Pontus; and laiko/popular Zeibekiko. There will be a lunch break with plates of souvlaki with chips and salad provided to each person by Messinia Catering. Classes will be taught by Shakallis and Pagozidis. Held at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury from 12pm.Book here.
Sunday, October 6: Zeibekiko Workshops with Shakallis in Melbourne
Shakallis will be in Melbourne, Victoria for workshops for one day only on Sunday, October 6. Session 1: 12-2pm Beginners – Intermediate. Session 2: 2-4pm Intermediate and beyond. Popular/Laiko Zeibekiko dance focus. Held at the Melbourne Dance Centre in Brunswick. Book here.
Sunday, October 6: Estudiantina of Melbourne Rebetiko
The final event of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia will be held in Melbourne at the Brunswick Ballroom from 7pm on Sunday, October 6. The very talented band Estudiantina of Melbourne led by Con Kalamaras will be in concert with Shakallis dance show. Book here.
If you wish to be a sponsor of this event, or contribute as a performer, business partner or volunteer please call Sophia Ventouris on 0413 114 930. The Greek Herald are proud media partners for this event.
On Wednesday, August 7, the much-anticipated grand opening of the Kilburn Sportsplex took place, marking a long-awaited milestone for the West Adelaide Soccer Club and the local community.
The event, which was attended by sports enthusiasts, community leaders, and loyal members and supporters of West Adelaide, was underscored by an exciting friendly match between West Adelaide and Adelaide United.
At the heart of the event was the official unveiling of the Kilburn Sportsplex, a state-of-the-art facility that promises to be a cornerstone for the community and club. The sportsplex boasts a new oval and modern grandstand. It includes a range of modern amenities, such as a fully equipped kitchen, bar area, and associated facilities, enhancing the experience for players, teams and supporters, and ensuring fundraisers and other events can now take place on the grounds.
The new sportsplex. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.The much-anticipated match between West Adelaide and Adelaide United.
John Tsianos, Chairman of West Adelaide SC, expressed his gratitude for all those who have supported the club on the long road to achieving the grounds opening, while also highlighting the future goals of the club.
“West Adelaide has a very long and proud history… It’s something that is close to very many people’s hearts. From the volunteers to the committee, to sponsors and suppliers, you have all played a role to get us to this point… and it is fantastic to finally have a home to call our own…” Mr Tsianos said.
“…The club is on an upwards trajectory, and we are looking towards the future. We feel that we now have the best facility in the State. There is a lot of hard work still to come. We are looking to invest heavily into our youth. We will be redeveloping our club rooms at junior facilities [Park 27B]. This, coupled with the investment into our youth, should see us in good stead, not just in the ensuring years but the future to come… Success for me is producing the next Socceroo or the next Matilda.”
South Australia’s Minister for Transport, Tom Koutsantonis MP, a long-time supporter of West Adelaide, addressed the crowd by thanking all the supporters and contributors who made the project possible, and by emphasising the community and cultural importance of the club.
“For many in this room, Hellas represents more than just football. It represents a bastion of the Greek community and all of us here are standing on the shoulders of giants. Migrants who came out to Australia with no English language [and] no money, yet worked hard. We built our churches, we built our schools, we built our community halls, and we built a place for our children to learn our national sports. That is what Hellas was. Today, all of you, and the volunteers who are here today, honour their memory…” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“This is where migrants congregated. We came together at football clubs, we had our successes and our failures together, it’s a place where we could speak to our friends in our native language and learn other languages. It was a great way to see our community grow and to become a part of our Australia community…
“… The club now has a home. It’s a new start and new beginning – it’s a game changer for this club and of course, it’s not only a testament to the current committee, but a testament to each committee member, volunteer, coach, player and support of this club since it began… and I see nothing but growth and success [for the future].”
Volunteers of West Adelaide SC.
As the clock struck 7pm, the much-anticipated match between West Adelaide and Adelaide United kicked off. The match served as the perfect inaugural event for the new sportsplex, bringing together two of South Australia’s prominent soccer clubs.
While the blow of the final whistle marked a West Adelaide defeat of 3-1 to Adelaide United, the atmosphere remained electric and cheerful.
The successful launch of the Kilburn Sportsplex represents not just the opening of a new facility, but an acknowledgement that the sportsplex will now serve as a permanent home for the club, facilitating its prosperity into the future.
South Australian contractor Dylan Iliopoulos, who was convicted of bashing and blackmailing his former boss for $25,000, told a court he is innocent, despite a guilty verdict of the jury.
Iliopoulos, 31, and his father Elias, 57, were found guilty at trial of aggravated blackmail after attacking Gary Doody in November 2020.
They argued the victim had owed Iliopoulos money for work done on a Naracoorte playground site, meaning the incident was not a case of “vigilante justice.”
“I accept there was a genuine debt, but it was not $25,000, and the real issue here is your client went in and roughed up demanding money that he was just never owed,” Judge Barklay said.
“Then he lied through his teeth to the police… Assuming I accept the victim’s evidence – which, I can tell you, I do – this really was just an exercise in thuggery.”
Dylan Iliopoulos was before the SA District Court this week. Photo: The Mercury.
Prosecutors alleged, and the jury accepted, that Iliopoulos had claimed his job was “going around and getting money from builders who don’t pay.”
On Wednesday, August 7, Iliopoulos’ lawyer Chris Allen said his client was a hardworking husband and father whose family would be “destroyed” were he jailed.
Judge Barklay settled on a home detention report instead of prison, but stressed that was no indication as to how he would sentence the men.
He remanded them on continuing bail for sentencing next month.
Over the weekend, adult students from the St Sophia & Three Daughters Greek Language School in Surry Hills, Sydney visited the grave of the first Greek woman migrant in Australia at Waverley Cemetery.
Katherine Plessou-Crummer was the first Greek woman migrant in Australia, arriving on September 29, 1835. She passed away in 1907 in Sydney.
During the visit, the students expressed their admiration and gratitude for Katherine’s courage, as a pivotal catalyst for enriching Greek Australian history.
The students were joined at the cemetery by their teacher Stella Sorotou. The Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Irenaeus of St Sophia & Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Church in Surry Hills held a memorial service in Katherine’s memory.
