The Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has announced the winners of its inaugural Excellence Awards, marking Aged Care Employee Day on August 7, 2024.
Out of 48 finalists, three Greek winners were honoured for their exceptional work and dedication.
In the individual category, the 2024 ACCPA Excellence Award for ‘Volunteer’was received by Nickolas Makrynakis from Fronditha Care in Victoria. Nickolas has been a volunteer at Fronditha Care where he has used his musical talents to entertain older residents in the five years since the loss of his wife.
ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson said he is “delighted our inaugural ACCPA Excellence Awards provides another opportunity to thank these everyday heroes for their dedication and service.”
A coronial inquest into the death of 19-month-old Victorian toddler Noah Souvatzis in 2021 has found his death was preventable.
According to ABC News, coroner Katherine Lorenz identified several failings in the lead-up to Noah’s death, including poor record keeping and an inadequate induction for the junior doctor acting as second in charge without proper supervision in an overwhelmed emergency department.
Ms Lorenz also found Noah’s illness was misdiagnosed.
Noah was wrongly discharged from hospital in late December 2021 after falling victim to a high fever and vomiting. He passed away from meningitis two days after he was discharged from the Northeast Health Wangaratta hospital by an unsupervised junior doctor.
This photograph of Noah with his father, Ben Souvatzis, was presented at the coronial inquiry. Photo: Coroners Court of Victoria.
An inquest was filed to investigate the shortcomings and negligence of the medical staff, under the pretence Souvatzis’ death could have been prevented as indicated by the coroner.
The coroner’s recommendations include ways for parents to escalate care, including putting the onus on clinicians to inquire about concerns in case parents are hesitant to speak up.
After the coroners report was handed down Noah’s parents Ben and Steph did not speak to reporters but made a statement through their lawyer in court, thanking the coroner for listening to them after years of not being heard.
AHEPA NSW (Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) and its “Kafeneion” committee are inviting all of Sydney’s Hellenism to a unique function to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Athens 2004.
The function will take place on Sunday, 18 August 2024 at 4.00pm in the AHEPA Function Hall, 396 Princes Highway, Rockdale.
The programme will be coordinated in Greek and English by the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games volunteer, Dimitrios Kametopoulos.
Michalis Patsatzis at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
The event will feature talks by other Greek Australian volunteers wearing their Olympic outfit, as well as an exhibition of Olympic and Paralympic products, books, and other exhibits. At the end, excerpts of the magical opening ceremony on the 13 August 2004 will be projected on the big screen in the venue.
Refreshments will also be served for this free event. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Those who would like more information can contact the function coordinator Mr Kametopoulos on 0414 714 807, afternoon and evening hours or email on jkametopoulos@yahoo.com.au
The Cyprus Community of New South Wales’ Greek School stands apart as a beacon of Greek and Cypriot cultural heritage in the state. Nurtured by the Cyprus Community, the school highlights and encapsulates Cypriot culture and traditions, offering an unparalleled educational experience that immerses students in the beauty of the mother tongue language.
A new term of opportunities
With the start of Term 3, staff and students have reflected on the exciting activities and achievements that have defined the school year so far.
This year’s theme centres on ancient theatre, with students showcasing their understanding through creative posters and presentations. The highlight of the year will be an end-of-year performance of Aristophanes’ comedy Frogs, a testament to students’ dedication and creativity.
Upcoming activities
Term 3 at the Greek School is packed with enriching activities, including:
Cooking classes: Students will learn the art of baking bread.
Father’s Day interviews: Celebrating the important men in students’ lives.
In-school exams: Mandatory exams to assess students’ comprehension and production of oral and written Greek.
School excursion: A day of activities and games related to the Olympic Games.
Enhancing learning with a new Academy
The Cyprus Community has announced the creation of a Kids Academy, supported by a grant from the Federal Language School Grant Scheme. Tailored to pre-schoolers, primary school children, and teenagers, this academy will offer fun, hands-on activities such as cooking, alongside Greek language learning.
Cooking classes.
The Greek School has been conducting cooking classes since 2019, and the kids always look forward to these days. The school aims to operate this program both during holidays and on a weekly basis, fostering a love for Cypriot and Greek culture and cuisine among young learners.
“Our new Kids Academy is a testament to our commitment to providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment for our students,” Greek School Principal Olympia Palamas said.
“We believe that hands-on activities, combined with language learning, will foster a deeper connection to our culture.”
Celebrating academic excellence and building connections
Celebrating academic excellence
Excellence is not just a goal, but a tradition at the Greek School. Since 2018, students have consistently showcased their linguistic talents, earning prestigious accolades such as the Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement within Community Languages Schools. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the unwavering support of both their own families and the wider school family.
This year, the Greek School proudly recognised the efforts of six students whose dedication to learning Greek brought honour to the school.
The creativity of students at the Greek School knows no bounds. They have built a captivating library of electronic books, “Ιστοριο-Παραμυθοδρομίες,” filled with enchanting fairy tales and thrilling adventures, transporting readers to a magical world of their own making. During the pandemic, they also produced a delightful series of short comedy videos titled “Laughter is Life,” spreading joy and emphasising the vital role of humour in people’s lives.
Recognising achievements and building connections
2024 marked a significant start in the year for the Greek School, with students delivering a colourful performance at the Sydney Town Hall during the Community Language School Spectacular on June 2. Dressed in vibrant shirts and holding handmade paper boats, they brought the song “Aspra, kokkina, kitrina, mple” to life. This performance was more than just entertainment; it was a celebration of Cyprus’ rich heritage and a demonstration of the Greek School’s commitment to preserving language, traditions, and customs.
The Greek School is not only recognised for its academic achievements, but also for its unique and engaging teaching style. The school proudly participates in a variety of community events, such as the Food and Wine Festival, and commemorate significant historical events like the 1974 invasion of Northern Cyprus. These activities provide students with a deeper understanding of Hellenism and Cypriot culture, which has been a cornerstone of the Hellenic world for over 3000 years. It is the school’s mission to ensure this vibrant culture is not lost but cherished and passed on to future generations.
The school encourages theatre shows as well.
Through the school’s innovative programs and active community involvement, it is cultivating a sense of pride and appreciation for cultural heritage in students. Teachers are not only teaching a language; they are nurturing a lifelong connection to a rich and storied heritage, ensuring it thrives for many years to come.
A commitment to cultural heritage
Choosing a Greek school for your children is a significant decision, and teachers strive to provide an enriching experience that stands out. The Cyprus Community Greek School’s primary aim is to instill a deep understanding of Greek and Cypriot cultural practices, language, and heritage in students. The school wants students to be proud of their background and identity, fostering a sense of community that will last for years to come.
At the school, teachers demonstrate empathy and respect for cultural differences while finding common ground and fostering connections between different communities. The school exemplifies how language can expand a child’s horizons, provide perspective, and promote acceptance of different cultures and people, thereby contributing to the multicultural, diverse society of Australia.
“With passion, meraki, enthusiasm, kefi, love, integrity and filotimo, we educate our young students, instilling in them these cultural values and many more,” Principal Ms Palamas said.
“The word ‘philoxenia’ for example, literally translated as a “friend to a stranger,” is widely perceived to be synonymous to hospitality. However, it is much deeper than that. It is an unspoken cultural law that expresses generosity and courtesy to strangers. While learning Greek as a second language can be challenging, at our school, we make it a fun and enjoyable journey.”
Looking ahead
In 2025, the Greek School plans to continue the cross-national classes, allowing students to connect with peers in Cyprus and Greece, participating in joint lessons and activities. This initiative aims to broaden their understanding and appreciation of Greek culture beyond traditional borders.
Join in on a learning journey
The Greek School is inviting all students, regardless of background, to join them in their Greek Learning Studies. The school’s commitment to developing bilingual skills and bicultural identity is at the heart of its educational philosophy. Teachers believe that engaging, meaningful, and culturally embedded experiences are key to effective language learning.
By providing opportunities to use Greek in various activities, offering comprehensible and relevant language exposure, and giving ongoing feedback, teachers ensure that students receive a dynamic and enriching education.
If you want to learn more about the Greek School, please visit the Cyprus Community Club at Stanmore on any Saturday from 10am to 4pm. For more information contact Olympia at greekschool@thecyprusclub.org.au or 0451 659 388.
The Cyprus Community of New South Wales is set to invite all members to an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Sunday, August 25 to decide the fate of its Club in Stanmore, Sydney.
The Club, a well-known institution founded in 1929, is a cornerstone of the Greek community in Sydney. It hosts the famous Friday-Saturday Taverna, the longest-running event in the state, and has been the venue for hundreds of dances, functions, and shows for over a quarter of a century in Stanmore.
Terry Bieri, the Cyprus Community’s Treasurer, said “the Club’s finances have always been a challenge” and that’s why the building has been “in its current state for years.”
“It’s a very large, old building that requires constant repairs and complete refurbishment. The costs of electricity, water, insurance, gas, wages, and fixing the concrete cancer and Fire Order served on the Club amount to over $1 million. If we don’t comply by August 30, 2025, the Club may close or face steep fines. It’s just not viable anymore,” Mr Bieri added.
According to the external auditor’s report to members in 2023, Club revenue has been extremely poor for over a decade while costs continue to rise.
The Cyprus Club’s finances have been a problem for a while.
President of the Cyprus Community, Michael Kyriacou, said “the Club is at a crossroads.”
“Due to the housing shortage, there is support at all levels of government to act now. However, the long-running financial challenges the Club has faced for decades, coupled with the lack of funds, are evident in the state of the building. It needs repair and upgrade, which requires an investment of millions with virtually no financial return. It’s decision time for the members. The Club cannot continue in its current state,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“None of this is new. The Community newsletter, published four times a year, has informed the members. The overwhelming response from members is that it’s time to decide.”
After lengthy consultations with members, stakeholders, and a team of industry experts, the Community drew up a strategic plan to map out its future needs, formulate criteria for maximising the benefit from its Club property, and preserve its mission.
“We looked at every aspect of the Community – its finances, revenue, operations, policies, the state of the building, where we are, and where we should be to secure its viability and drive renewal,” Mr Bieri said.
The Community appointed George Phillips, President of the Inner West Hawks FC, and together with Con Pavlou, Alkis Kadi, and Pandeli Antoniou, formed an Expression of Interest (EOI) Subcommittee. This team, comprising a diverse range of members and experts, was tasked with overseeing the EOI process, ensuring proposals were treated fairly and confidentially.
George Phillips, President of the Inner West Hawks FC, was part of the Expression of Interest (EOI) Subcommittee.
After a competitive process, the Community retained the international real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield to conduct the EOI campaign, attracting enquiries worldwide. The agents were simply asked to explore what could be done with the land.
Kyriakos Panayi, the Community Secretary, said “members have two options: stay in Stanmore and redevelop the property, or sell and relocate.”
Mr Bieri added, “the Community has no money to redevelop. It has had difficulty raising funds for years. Redeveloping the property or fixing the existing Club requires money that the Community does not have.”
The “stay and redevelop” proposal involves staying at the Stanmore property with a new architecturally designed seven-level freestanding tower with underground parking, containing community facilities, retail, apartments, and a rooftop venue for functions.
“The total value of the proposal to redevelop and stay exceeds $60 million. All debts will be paid. The Community will continue to operate in Stanmore until construction begins or the fire order takes effect. The Community will temporarily relocate in the area and return to Stanmore upon completion,” Mr Panayi said.
Mr Kyriacou added that the Community “has identified sites for temporary relocation while the property is being built, and even possible permanent relocation sites.”
The “sell and relocate” proposal offers two options, both involving large cash payments and a space with parking owned by the Community, which could be used or leased out.
“All three proposals are very unique and different. One is from one of Australia’s largest public listed corporations, another is backed by the nation’s largest financial institutions, and the third is from a major investment fund manager and developer of high-end vertical communities with clubs and retail hubs,” Mr Panayi said.
“The choice is either a 100 per cent investment and Club all on one site in Stanmore, or space-presence in Stanmore with significant cash to diversify and invest, potentially creating a larger Club elsewhere.”
President Mr Kyriacou said “the submission to rezone included a condition for a club-community presence in Stanmore.”
“Claims that the Community proposed a total ‘sell and go’ are not true,” Mr Kyriacou said.
The arguments to stay are well-known, focusing on the Community’s legacy. The property, located near the city of Sydney, is a large block of land worth tens of millions of dollars.
The Cyprus Community of New South Wales held an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the sale of The Cyprus Club.
The argument to relocate centres on the cash and the flexibility to move to an area near the members, allowing the Community to grow and invest funds to generate income and fund its mission forever.
“All proposals carry a degree of risk,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“Staying in Stanmore, a suburb facing enormous demographic change on a very valuable block of land, with a Club that is not used or making money five days a week, may strain the Community’s viability.
“The return on the land’s value is likely to be minimal, if not negative. This may not be a good return for the risk, land value, or effort. The upside is that the location is hard to beat, but is it suitable to engage the youth, young adults, and families? These matters must be considered. Selling and relocating is also risky.”
Mr Panayi said, “We all appreciate that this is a sensitive, emotional issue with many strong views. The Greek community, the Australian community, and our compatriots in Cyprus, Greece, the UK, and around the world are watching us closely at this historic time. How we behave, what we say and do, says a lot about who we are, and future generations will judge us.”
“Our Community is about people, culture, and language, not real estate. We all have ideas, and there will always be a few with unkind things to say, creating fake noise to distract. That’s why I ask all my compatriots to remember who we are, to respect our legacy, the sweat and sacrifice of our parents, grandparents, and pioneers. We must retain the good name of all Cypriots and our community,” he said.
Mr Kyriacou added that the board has no preference for the property other than the desire for members to respect each other, be part of the process, and refrain from damaging the good name of the community.
“The stay and sell proponents both mean well and have sound arguments, but it’s the future, the youth we must think of, not ourselves and not today. It’s all about tomorrow,” Mr Kyriacou said.
The EGM will be held on August 25, 2024. Further details about the proposals will be announced soon in The Greek Herald.
Greece’s men’s basketball and women’s water polo teams fought hard at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, August 6, but it wasn’t enough to secure a medal spot.
Women’s water polo: Greece defeated 9-6 by Australia
Greece’s loss against Australia deprived the women’s national water polo team of the opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Despite an outstanding defensive effort, the Greek team was beaten 9-6 in the quarter-finals by Australia and will settle for the qualifying games for places 5-8, starting on Friday, August 9 when they face Hungary.
Both teams were extremely nervous at the start of the game, with Greece managing to control the pace, but not finding solutions in attack.
— Ηellenic Olympic Committee (@HellenicOlympic) August 6, 2024
Greece’s men’s basketball team failed to qualify for the semi-finals at the Olympics after they were defeated 76-63 by Germany in the quarter-final.
After an exceptional first quarter for Greece leading 11-21, the Germans equalised by half-time and dominated the second quarter, punching their ticket to the semi-finals.
A Schroeder three-pointer coming out of the half time break brought the Germans and the crowd to life as they seized control taking a 59-52 advantage into the final quarter when they then clinically finished off their opponent.
Germany will face France in the semi-finals on Friday, August 9.
South Melbourne FC – 1 (Harrison SAWYER 4’) Wellington Phoenix FC – 0
Wellington Phoenix have become the first A-Leagues side to be defeated by Member Federation opposition on three seperate occasions as South Melbourne secured the 15th ‘Cupset’ in Australia Cup history.
The winner came within the first five minutes as Zak Spiteri slipped in talisman Harrison Sawyer into the left channel of the box.
The forward steered in a smart first-time effort past Wellington goalkeeper Alby Kelly-Heald lifting the Lakeside faithful out of their seats.
While the Phoenix dominated possession for the rest of the game, the home side were resilient and restricted their opponents to just one shot on target.
The home side’s discipline out of possession earned them a spot in the Round of 16, upsetting their A-Leagues opposition and creating history in the process.
Fourteen-year-old Arisa Trew became Australia’s youngest ever Olympic gold medallist after her win at La Concorde skate park in France on Tuesday, August 6.
With a background in surfing, the Gold Coast native began skating at age seven and has fostered her identity as a key player in the sport with her trademark hot pink helmet, knee pads and extraordinary skill.
“It’s just like, super cool that I’ve won the gold medal, because it’s been like a dream… I used to ask my parents if I won if I could get a pet duck because ducks are really cute and I really wanted a pet duck,” Trew said on her win.
Arisa Trew on her final run. Photo: Getty Images.
Trew’s father encouraged the originally goofy footer to surf natural (lead with her left foot instead of her right) giving her the ability to switch stances mid-run and have just as much confidence on backward runs as she has skating forward.
Skating pioneer Tony Hawk, who dominated the sport in the 1980’s was skate side and appeared impressed by Trew’s run.
“She absolutely deserved it, I think she is leading the way of what’s possible in skateboarding and women’s skateboarding,” Hawk said.
“We are lucky to have her, she did a couple of 540 variations, including a McTwist and a body variable five and that’s not something you generally see in one run,’’ he added.
Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou leapt to a sensational gold medal in the men’s long jump final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on August 6, jumping 8.48m to claim the gold medal in front of 80,000 spectators at the Stade de France.
Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock claimed the silver medal with a jump of 8.36m, while Italy’s Mattia Furlani claimed the bronze medal with a mark of 8.34m.
Tentoglou’s win made him the second jumper to win consecutive gold medals in his event, after the legendary Carl Lewis who had four in a row from 1984 to 1996.
🥇O συγκλονιστικός Μίλτος Τεντόγλου είναι χρυσός Ολυμπιονίκης για δεύτερη φορά. 🇬🇷Με άλμα στα 8.48 εξουδετέρωσε τους αντιπάλους του και σκόρπισε υπερηφάνεια σε όλη την Ελλάδα. ❤️Είσαι μοναδικός Μίλτο, σε ευχαριστούμε μέσα από την καρδιά μας#gold#TeamHellas#Paris2024#Hellaspic.twitter.com/3TcYGHP7TN
— Ηellenic Olympic Committee (@HellenicOlympic) August 6, 2024
The Greek also became the first Greek track and field athlete to win consecutive Olympic gold medals and the first in general in the 21st century, after the weightlifter Pyrros Dimas preceded him, with three golds from 1992 to 2000.
Speaking to the ERT public broadcaster after the event, Tentoglou said, “I am very happy, but I feel I could have achieved even more.”
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took to social media to congratulate the 26-year-old athlete from Grevena, who also won gold at the Tokyo Games.
“Mythical Miltiadis Tentoglou is on top once again! As the gold Olympic champion in Paris, he is making his own unique history and making us all proud. This is Greece’s first gold medal. Miltiadis, congratulations and thank you!” Mitsotakis wrote.
On Sunday, August 4, the Hellenic Club of Canberra was the latest location of Kay Pavlou’s national screening tour for her documentary ‘Two Homelands.’
The event was hosted by the Cyprus Community of Canberra President Nectaria Volis.
“It was an emotional and heartwarming documentary. I was pleased we could have Kay in attendance and hear the journey of her making the program,” Ms Volis said after the screening.
Cyprus Community of Canberra President Nectaria Volis.
Both a commemoration of war and a celebration of community, the audience identified with the resilience of their fellow Cypriots. A lively discussion followed about the history and current status of the ‘Cyprus problem.’
Antonis Sammoutis, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, in anticipation of the upcoming United Nations negotiations, said “the best commemoration for us is to find a solution.”
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis.
Also in attendance was Military Attache of the Greek Embassy, Colonel Ioannis Fasianos and the new Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Varellas who began his post less than one week earlier.
Upcoming screening dates for Two Homelands are:
August 11 at the Cyprus Community Club of NSW from 3pm
August 24 at the Mercury Cinema in Adelaide, South Australia from 7pm, hosted by the SA Minister for the Arts, Andrea Michaels
September 17, 18 and 19 in Cyprus at the K Cineplex in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos
