The event will take place on Sunday, February 16, at 6pm at the Mantouridion Theatre, 36/142 Addison Road, Marrickville, Sydney.
With the theme ‘I Do Not Forget,’ this solemn gathering aims to honour the memory of those affected by the tragic events of 1974, while also reinforcing the ongoing call for justice for Cyprus.
The evening will feature a musical program curated by Sotiris Prokopiou, adding a deeply moving tribute through music.
A symbolic entry fee of $20 per person has been set, with all proceeds directed towards philanthropic causes.
AHEPA NSW encourages the Greek and Cypriot communities, as well as all supporters of Cyprus, to attend and show their solidarity. The event serves as an opportunity to reflect, remember and stand united in the pursuit of peace and justice.
AHEPA NSW Inc’s commemoration event will take place on Sunday, February 16 at the Mantouridion Theatre in Marrickville from 6pm. For tickets and further information, please contact George: 0466 237 707 or Effy: 0414 223 489
It was a small, but a beautifully packaged box with chocolate goodies from Greece that caught the attention of then-10-year-old Vicki Papazaharias visiting Port Lincoln, South Australia with family.
The captain of a Greek ship docked in Port Lincoln had invited the Papazaharias family to board the ship. As the only child amongst other adults, the captain gifted her a glossy box of Greek chocolates and biscuits.
“For me it was the package, the feeling and opening the package and the aroma of chocolate coming out,” Vicki told The Greek Herald about the memory.
“It was that simple, simple gesture that made me feel on top of the world (and) from that moment I was just fascinated with chocolate and something that was so beautifully packaged.”
Vicki Papazaharias today.
The excitement Vicki felt as a youngster upon opening the box has remained etched in her mind and has been a driving force behind her chocolate brand – Adixions, which is more than a hobby but not a full-time job.
Vicki was born in the SA town of Renmark in the Riverland, about three hours from Adelaide. With her dad born in Missolonghi and her mum’s family coming from Evia, the aroma of different foods was ever-present in their home.
“Growing up in a Greek household means I love cooking – not just chocolate but savoury dishes as well,” she said.
“The tastes and aromas – at name day celebrations – I loved that. A good palate is important!”
After high school, Vicki completed a science degree majoring in micro-biology and after graduating, she began working at the Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) in the micro-biology centre.
“Every time someone had a birthday you took something in for morning tea,” she said.
“I had been experimenting with chocolate, looking up recipes in books, so one occasion I took in the truffles I had made. They were a big hit!”
One of the colleagues asked her to make a big batch for a party and this became her first business transaction as a chocolate supplier.
Before long, the florist shop at FMC began to stock her chocolates, and friends would ask her to create chocolates as bonbonnieres at weddings. By day Vicki worked in micro-biology and in her spare time would do her research, looking for simple recipes and adapting them – all in her kitchen at home using everyday equipment.
She moved to Victoria as part of her day job, but found time to develop the brand and took a few courses.
“Being in Melbourne allowed me to develop the logo and the packaging, through people I met,” she said.
“I also did two or three different levels of chocolate making at the Savour Chocolate & Patisserie School in Brunswick.”
Vicki has also taken a chocolate course in Paris, France and aims to upskill either in Paris or Switzerland sometime this year. She is unsure where but feels drawn to Paris where their chocolate stores have left a long-lasting impression.
“I’ve travelled to Europe and went to Paris and walked around visiting every chocolatier and patisserie shop,” she said.
“My brand is totally inspired by how the French do chocolate – how they package – and I use a French couverture chocolate. Their chocolate stores are like jewellery stores.”
Twenty years on since the first transaction, Vicki has invested in three machines at a cost of around $50,000, including a machine that does dragee – coating almonds and walnuts in chocolate.
With rising cocoa costs due to poor yield caused by weather conditions, Vicki is pressing ahead with her passion to create the best chocolate experience for people, just like she had as a 10-year-old many years ago. She is also keen to educate people about the health benefits of dark chocolate and why people should invest in a good chocolate brand that uses real cocoa and isn’t made from palm oil or fillers.
“I am feeling the rising costs – but will it deter me? Absolutely not,” she said.
“The price has doubled, and I’ve absorbed the prices until now. For me, I think these challenges teach us a lot in life. It’s all lovely when everything is travelling along nicely.
“Now it’s about introducing different ways of presenting chocolate, for example using local products such as beautiful Kangaroo Island figs dipped in chocolate and not just making chocolate blocks.”
Valentine’s Day batch.
Providing quality chocolates especially for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day is a driving force behind her hobby. Vicki has created a limited-edition batch of chocolates called Passion Fruit Bliss heart-shaped bonbons and Vanilla French Kiss bonbons.
“Premium quality chocolate does not leave a sickly, sweet, fatty film in the mouth,” Vicki said.
“It only leaves feelings of everlasting, gastronomic satisfaction, and contentment. I want people to have an indulgent experience with chocolate. It’s about quality not quantity.”
Antigoni Drisbioti’s stay and preparation in Australia continues and this Sunday, February 16 she will participate in a national 20 kilometre race walking championship at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide, South Australia.
The Greek champion has already competed in Australia this year, when she walked 10,000 metres last month and came in fifth with a time of 44:46.41.
Antigone Drisbioti is a European race walk champion. Photo: Newsbomb.
Now she is moving up a distance and will compete in the 20km on Sunday. In this race, she will face Jemima Montag (Australia), who has a personal record of 1:26:25, and Drisbioti 1:28:12, for the umpteenth time in her career.
Also important is the presence of Rebecca Henderson (Australia) with 1:28:43, Olivia Sanderi (Australia) with 1:28:52 and Lorena Arenas (Colombia) with 1:27:03.
In the men’s 20km, Rhydian Cowley (Australia), who was bronze in Paris with Montague in the mixed marathon walk, will compete alongside Declan Tingey (Australia), Kyle Swan (Australia) and Evan Dunphy (Canada).
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only Greek player to be named among the list of 100 highest-paid athletes in the world, according to Sportico.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ star recruit came in 13th place with an estimated total income of US$97.8 million (inclusive of salary, winnings and endorsements).
Antetokounmpo came in behind other well-known athletes such as LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers in 5th place with earnings of US$133.2 million, and Lionel Messi from Inter Miami in 4th place with US$135 million.
Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo once again topped the list with total income of US$260 million in 2024.
Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the list again.
Ronaldo is so far ahead of the other athletes in the world that Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who is second on the list, earned $153.8 million in comparison — more than $100 million short of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ben Simmons was the only Australian in the top 100, coming in at 85th with a total of $41 million, placing him 32nd out of 36 NBA players on the list.
The top 100 is made up of athletes from eight sports and hailing from 27 countries. This year’s list featured no women.
The event attracted 4,000–5,000 attendees, including Christian leaders from various denominations and State and Federal MPs. His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide represented His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the event.
This year’s theme, “Real men protect babies,” aimed to highlight men’s role in the debate. As in previous years, the rally featured speeches and a live broadcast of a fetal heartbeat over the PA system.
A counter-protest sought to disrupt the event but gathered only around 50 people, and the walk proceeded peacefully along King William Road, past Parliament House, and back to Pennington Gardens, with SA Police ensuring a smooth procession.
The Holy Diocese of Adelaide played an active role in the event, with many Orthodox faithful carrying icons and Central Philoptochos hosting a food van for participants and volunteers.
Cricketer Sam Konstas delivered a stunning performance for New South Wales, scoring 116 off 98 balls against Queensland in a domestic one-day match on Thursday, February 13.
Konstas’ efforts weren’t enough to secure victory though, as NSW fell 54 runs short in their chase of 311 at Allan Border Field.
Despite struggling with cramps, 19-year-old Konstas anchored the innings with 13 fours and three sixes before being dismissed in the 40th over.
His knock has reignited debate among cricket fans, with many questioning why he was left out of Australia’s squads for the Sri Lanka Test and ODI series.
After Australia’s recent struggles, including a 49-run loss to Sri Lanka, fans took to social media to argue that Konstas should have been selected over Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Konstas, however, remains focused on scoring runs and earning another national team opportunity.
“It’s pretty simple. I enjoy playing every time I play and get the opportunity,” he said.
“I haven’t thought too far ahead with my goals, just to be in the moment and try to win games for whatever team I play for.”
The so-called US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced on X that it had halted a $25,000 award intended to support LGBTQ refugees in Greece.
“While looking into this, the team identified a $25,000 award entitled ‘Empowering LGBTQIA+ Refugees in Greece’ with the description: ‘To provide material, legal, and psychological support to LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees; inform and raise awareness of civil society on issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.’ It has now been cancelled,” read DOGE’s post.
While looking into this, the team identified a $25,000 award entitled “Empowering LGBTQIA+ Refugees in Greece” with the description “To provide material, legal and psychological support to LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees; inform and raise awareness of civil society on issues… https://t.co/M5IvIq70PU
The decision followed a request from a Greek MEP from the nationalist Greek Solution party, Emanouil Fragkos, who asked Musk to investigate “US funds to Greek NGOs reserving luxury hotels for illegal migrants.”
Fragkos welcomed the move, tweeting, “Catharsis, we bring change.”
According to USAspending, the funding, allocated via the US Embassy in Athens, had already been disbursed in September 2024, meaning the cancellation affects only 2025 funding.
According to the decision issued by the General Secretary for Civil Protection, Vassilis Papageorgiou, the emergency measures will remain in place until March 13.
Leonidas Vlahakis, a beloved figure in Melbourne’s Greek community, has an undeniable passion for celebrating Greek culture. A key organiser of the Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, he shared some secrets and hot tips through our rapid-fire questions:
What’s the goal of the Antipodes Festival?
The overriding goal of the Antipodes Festival is to bring the community together in a joyous celebration of all things Greek in marvellous multicultural Melbourne.
What’s your earliest festival memory?
The first time I went to the Festival was 1997: George Dalaras and Eleftheria Arvanitaki absolutely owned Melbourne Town that night!
What’s your favourite thing about the festival?
My favourite thing about the festival is talking to the grandparents who come in to the city for the only time of the year, pull up a pew on Saturday at midday right in front of the main stage-and sit there for two days.
Share a top memory.
One of my greatest memories was when Michalis Hatzigiannis played in the pouring rain after we met then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
What’s new this year?
Something new this year is the silent disco in the open-air car park opposite the old Women’s Hospital. The Greek Herald is also supporting this year’s Cooking Demonstrations.
Share an Antipodes Festival secret.
Many people don’t know this, but the Antipodes Festival holds the record for the world’s biggest Zorba-set a couple of years ago.
Where do you go to escape the crowds?
When it gets too much, I go to the Mezzanine level of The Greek Centre, grab a seat, sit on the balcony-and watch the magic happen all around me.
What’s the Greekest thing at the festival that fits in the palm of your hands?
The Greekest thing about the festival that fits in the palm of my hand is the sheftalies from the Cypriot kitchen.
What do you do if you want to go to two events happening at the same time?
If there are two events occurring concurrently, I will go to one and view the other online-and be sure that we program better next year (lol)!
Share a hot tip.
A hot tip for festival visitors is Rena Morfi on Saturday night: we’ve never had an act quite like this before!
This year’s Antipodes Festival is being held on Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, from Saturday, February 22 to Sunday, February 23. For more details visit: www.antipodesfestival.com.au
41 remarkable South Australian women have been named finalists for The Advertiser Sunday Mail SkyCity Woman of the Year awards, including Andriana Petrakis. These finalists, who range from educators to industry leaders and selfless community advocates, have made an impact in their respective fields.
Andriana Petrakis, a tennis player with autism, is recognized for sharing her experiences, skills, and knowledge with young people with intellectual disabilities. At the age of nine, her parents, unable to afford occupational therapy, turned to tennis as a way to improve her movement, hand-eye coordination, and social skills. Over a decade later, Ms. Petrakis represented Australia at the 2023 Virtus Global Games, the largest global sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities. She currently holds the fifth spot internationally and second place in Australia in the women’s singles People with an Intellectual Impairment category. In 2023, she was also awarded Tennis SA’s Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability.
Now serving as an assistant coach for Tennis SA’s Pathway Program, Ms. Petrakis is passionate about inspiring other young people with disabilities to pursue their goals.
