Over a decade after Louisa Ioannidis was discovered face down in a creek wearing a pink robe, there are renewed calls to reopen the investigation into her mysterious death.
According to The Herald Sun, the 24-year-old’s body was found by strangers at Darebin Creek in Melbourne on October 11, 2011.
How Ioannidis ended up there remains unclear, but neighbours reported seeing blood on her ear in her final hours, followed by a failed attempt to leave the country.
During the investigation, police partly relied on her partner, known as Joe, which is not his legal name. He was facing a domestic violence charge at the time, but the case did not proceed due to her death.
Months before her death, Ioannidis had been identified as “at risk” by police during Operation Check Up 2011, a proactive domestic violence initiative.
There are no suggestions that Joe is responsible for what happened to Ioannidis.
Louisa Ioannidis. Photo: change.org.
Currently, a change.org petition gaining traction calls for a coroner’s inquest into her death, spurred by new evidence from ex-cop turned private investigator Julia Robson.
Despite the cause of death being recorded as “consistent with drowning,” questions remain about how she ended up in the creek.
Her half-brother Anastasios, known as Tass, has been seeking answers since her death.
“I’m sure if she had gone down a different road she might have lived a better life … we just want a thorough investigation,” Tass told The Herald Sun.
Crystalbrook Collection, Australia’s largest independent five-star sustainability-led hospitality company and leading South Australian property developers and structural steel fabricators, Samaras Group, have today broken ground on their new $120 million luxury hotel development, named Crystalbrook Sam, in Halifax Street, Adelaide.
Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier for South Australia, joined project development leaders including Chris Samaras, Chief Executive Officer and George I. Samaras, Director for Samaras Group, and Geoff York, Chief Executive Officer for Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts, to mark the official commencement of construction on South Australia’s first Crystalbrook operated hotel.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas (second from right) was present to mark the official commencement of construction on South Australia’s first Crystalbrook operated hotel. Photo: David Mariuz.
Crystalbrook Collection will manage the 13-level five-star luxury hotel, which will feature 206 guest rooms and suites, a grand lobby with communal spaces, and a pool and fitness centre facilities.
Crystalbrook Sam will also house state-of-the-art multi-functional meetings and events space, as well as a new food and beverage establishment on level 12 showcasing Adelaide’s finest produce. The jewel in the hotel’s crown will be a unique rooftop Eléme bathhouse and day spa, with panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills and CBD. The hotel is due for completion in 2026.
Design for the hotel on 15 Halifax Street in Adelaide.
Geoff York, Chief Executive Officer for Crystalbrook Collection, said, “Along with our partners at Samaras Group, we are truly excited to officially celebrate the commencement of construction on Crystalbrook Sam this morning. Adelaide is fast becoming a global destination and one of Australia’s leading tourism markets that offers exceptional food and wine, unrivalled nature experiences and a vibrant art and cultural scene. We believe this project will transform the site on Halifax Street and be a catalyst in adding to Adelaide’s growing status as a leading lifestyle destination.”
“This project marks an exciting and significant expansion for Crystalbrook into one of Australia’s fastest growing cities,” Mr York added.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas joined the development team to mark the introduction of the luxury hotel brand to Adelaide, and affirmed the development as an important new addition that will contribute to the growth of Adelaide’s $10.2 billion visitor economy.
“On so many independent measures, we are the number one performing economy in the nation, and this project will drive significant further growth in our tourism and hospitality sectors,” he said. “The Crystalbrook Sam project will create over 100 new jobs during the construction period, and an estimated 120 new jobs once the hotel is operational.”
Chris and George Samaras.. Photo: David Mariuz.
Leading South Australian property developers and structural steel fabricators, Samaras Group, are well-known for their expertise in building multi-disciplinary commercial and industrial developments including the Adelaide Convention Centre, Rod Laver Arena, Chadstone Shopping Centre and One Central Park Sydney.
Chris Samaras, Chief Executive Officer for Samaras Group, said, “Today is an important milestone as we commence construction on our first hotel development for the Samaras Group. We have a deep personal connection with Adelaide, our home city, and we are passionate about bringing a world-class, luxury lifestyle development to South Australia. Crystalbrook Sam has been purposefully designed to celebrate the spirit of the local area while delivering something new and unseen, that will excite locals and draw visitors to Adelaide”
“George Samaras and I are looking forward to working with Geoff York and the team at Crystalbrook Collection who will operate the hotel under their signature Crystalbrook lifestyle brand,” Chris said.
Crystalbrook Collection operates eight award-winning hotels across New South Wales and Queensland, offering luxury and innovative sustainability-led hospitality experiences. With another hotel development underway in Canberra, the hotel group has invested in excess of $1 billion in Australia and operates close to 2,000 hotel rooms.
Members of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE – WHIA) have expressed their support for the Republic of Cyprus in its quest to end Turkish occupation and find a fair solution to the Cyprus issue.
During a press conference on Monday morning, elected officials of Greek or Cypriot descent from countries such as the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and Ukraine discussed their efforts to raise awareness of the Cyprus issue in their respective nations. They also called for stronger ties between Cyprus and their countries of residence.
WHIA president and Rhode Island senator Leonidas Raptakis condemned the Turkish invasion and voiced the organisation’s support for the people of Cyprus.
Steve Georganas MP is currently in Cyprus.
“We are united for the future of Cyprus,” he said. “Cyprus, Greece and the USA play a crucial role in regional stability.”
For his part, Mr Georganas said the Cyprus issue is regularly discussed in Australia’s parliament. He condemned the ongoing occupation, noting that Cyprus is the only divided EU country. He also called for a solution for families of missing persons.
The WHIA delegation met Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos on Sunday and met Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and National Guard Chief Georgios Tzitzikostas on Monday. Today, WHIA members will meet Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia has condemned a scene that mocked Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Da Vinci’s painting shows the moment when Jesus Christ declared that an apostle would betray him.
The scene displayed on Friday, July 27 at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch – an LGBTQ+ icon – surrounded by drag artists and performers.
It received global condemnation from religious communities worldwide, including Archbishop Makarios as a representative of Greek Orthodox faithful in Australia.
In a statement, Archbishop Makarios said the Paris Olympics opening ceremony “featured scenes of irreverence that were offensive to Christianity and the Church.”
“Everyone has the right to be an atheist, but no one has the right to mock or ridicule my faith, especially the truth of the Gospel for which blood has been shed,” Archbishop Makarios said.
“You have the freedom to live as you choose; you have the right to be homosexual, but you do not have the right to impose your way of life on our society.”
Archbishop Makarios of Australia has condemned a scene that mocked Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
The Archbishop added that whilst people should be proud of their achievements, hard work, education, success, history and culture, they should not take pride in their sexuality.
“What you do in your sexual life is not a reason for pride,” he said.
“We are tired of this. The dignity of the human person is being mocked. Reality is being distorted. Our (sense of /or: ability to) reason is being challenged.
“We pray that God will enlighten those who seek to undermine the value of faith, and we assert that it is unacceptable for such ideologies to be promoted in institutions as prestigious as the Olympic Games.”
The global criticism has forced the opening ceremony’s artistic director Thomas Jolly to apologise for the scene. He denied taking inspiration from the Last Supper, saying his idea was to do “a big pagan party linked to the gods of Olympus.”
“My wish isn’t to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock… I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide,” Mr Jolly said.
Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas lost their mixed doubles match at the Paris Olympics, but they are into the third round for their singles matches.
Sakkari defeated Yue Yuan 6-2, 6-1 on Monday night and qualified for the round of 16 of the Olympic Games. She will face Marta Kostyuk in the third round.
Elsewhere, Tsitsipas showcased his dominance in a commanding victory over Dan Evans 6-1, 6-2. He will face Argentinian Sebastian Baez in the round of 16.
Israel’s foreign minister called for NATO to expel Turkey on Monday after President Tayyip Erdogan suggested his country might enter Israel, as it had previously entered Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh.
“In light of Turkish President Erdogan’s threats to invade Israel and his dangerous rhetoric, Foreign Minister Israel Katz instructed diplomats… to urgently engage with all NATO members, calling for the condemnation of Turkey and demanding its expulsion from the regional alliance,” the ministry said.
Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, stated in a speech on Sunday: “We must be very strong so that Israel can’t do these ridiculous things to Palestine. Just like we entered Karabakh, just like we entered Libya, we might do similar to them.”
In response on Monday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said, “Erdogan is following in the footsteps of Saddam Hussein and threatening to attack Israel. He should remember what happened there and how it ended.”
“Turkey, which hosts the Hamas headquarters responsible for terrorist attacks against Israel, has become a member of the Iranian axis of evil, alongside Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen,” Katz added.
Once close regional allies, relations between Israel and Turkey have been deteriorating for more than a decade. Bilateral trade, despite many diplomatic storms, had reached billions of dollars annually, but Turkey recently announced it would halt all bilateral trade with Israel until the war ends and aid can flow unhindered into Gaza.
Apostolos Christou missed on a swimming medal at the Paris Olympics on Monday by just a mere two-hundredths of a second.
Christou finished 4th in the men’s 100 meters backstroke in 52.41 seconds. His placing was still the best Greek result in swimming in the history of the Olympic Games.
Italy’s Tomas Ceccon won gold in 52 seconds flat, China’s Xu Jiayu won silver in 52.32 and Rio gold medalist Ryan Murphy of the US was third in 52.39.
“I was upset, because (the medal) was so close… Maybe I got stuck in my turn. I had no strength to go any faster,” Christou, whose personal best is 52.09, told state broadcaster ERT after the race.
He added that he expected a medal, but will try again in the 2028 Olympics at Los Angeles.
The Elion Society was founded in 1972 to represent the ancient region and city state of Elis (or Elia), which is located in the northwest of the Peloponnese and is the ancestral birthplace of the Olympic Games, with the ruins of Olympia laying in the region since the games were founded in 776BC. For over five decades, the Elion Society has preserved the rich cultural norms and traditions of this historic area of Greece.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
President of the ESSA, Spiro Perdikoyiannis opened formalities at the luncheon by acknowledging the significance of the event and the society’s ongoing purpose.
“…[I]t’s appropriate, being our heritage of ancient Olympia and the region that we associate with our Syllogo (Society) that we also celebrate the beginning of the Olympic Games today. And it works very well with our seasonal beginnings…” Ms Perdikoyiannis said.
“…[whatever] walk of life, and all ages, keeping our faith and beliefs that we pass down from our grandparents, great grandparents [is important], and we want to pass it onto our kids to continue these beautiful civilisation and cultural activities, and the friendships that we have grown to love.”
After Mr Perdikoyiannis’ remarks, dancers from the ESSA dance group – dressed in the form of ancient priestesses – performed a procession of the lighting of the Olympic flame inspired by ancient tradition.
Traditional Olympic priestess procession.Passing of the Olympic Torch to start the relay.Enactment of the Olympic Torch relay.
To accompany the traditional procession, there was an enactment of the lighting of the Olympic torch to begin the official Olympic Torch Relay, which is the relay that transports the flame from the ancient region of Elia to the city which is hosting the modern Olympic games.
SA Minister for Transport, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis then addressed ESSA by highlighting the historical significance of the Olympic games, their cultural impact and the rich inheritance of the ESSA.
(L-R) Lambros Giannacopoulis (Vice President of ESSA), Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, Spiro Perdikoyiannis (President of ESSA).Hon. Tom Koutsantonis addresses Elion Society luncheon.
“…The Olympic games are on now and 2,800 years ago the ceremony that you saw, that began in Greece, is now playing out in Paris. And here we are in another country… looking back proudly at the heritage that we have given the world. We have given the world democracy, we have given the world government, we have given the world philosophy, we have given the world mathematics and science, and we gave them the Olympics,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“The Olympic ideal is the pursuit of individual excellence, fitness and health, about trying to champion your city state, your area, your country to win gold. And during that pursuit of individual excellence, all the city states ceased war – such was the importance of the Olympics. And here we are, celebrating, watching our young children dance, while we watch them, we maintain our faith, our culture, and our language.”
Following the speeches, formalities, and captivating performative dances, attendees were warmly invited to come together and partake in the festivities, celebrating their shared culture through music and traditional dances.
Performance of traditional dances.Athena Wallbank (Secretary of the Ellion Society of SA) with luncheon spread for guests.
The event was filled with lively conversations, laughter, and the joyous sounds of traditional music, creating a vibrant and “kefi” filled atmosphere. Guests left the event feeling not only culturally enriched but also deeply connected to their roots and to one another, fostering a renewed sense of community and pride in their shared heritage.
The newly elected members of the ESSA committee includes: Spiro Perdikoyiannis – President, Lambros Giannacopoulos – Vice President , Loiza Karamanis – Treasurer, Athena Wallbank – Secretary, Dora Fitos, Katina Giannou, Theo Giannacopoulos , Kathy Kontos, Loula Mihalopoulos, Christen Perdikoyiannis and Theo Sylaidis.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
“Free Cyprus” and “Turkey out of Cyprus” echoed across the streets of Sydney on Sunday, July 28 as members of the Cypriot and Greek communities marched for justice for Cyprus 50 years after Turkey invaded the island in 1974.
Hundreds of people took part in the ‘peace march’ to Sydney’s Lane Park, including Greek and Cypriot community and faith leaders, many Cypriot refugees, and families of people killed during or still missing since the Turkish invasion. It was the first time in years the march was allowed to be held.
Hundreds of people gathered to take part in the ‘peace march.’ All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Voula Andonopoulos and her brother Sotirios marched with tears in their eyes as they clutched the photo of their cousin who was just 20 years old when he was killed in Cyprus fighting off the Turkish troops.
“It’s important to be here today to remember my cousin and all the other heroes who were fighting for the freedom of Cyprus,” Voula told The Greek Herald.
Voula Andonopoulos and her brother Sotirios with a photo of their cousin.
Never-before seen photos on display
Organised by SEKA NSW (the Justice for Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee), the march was part of a larger program of commemorative events which began on Saturday, July 27 at The Cyprus Club in Stanmore.
A cocktail party started at 7pm and was emceed by co-President of SEKA NSW Dr Miranda Adamou. There was a musical tribute from Cypriot musicians Marios Charalambous and Giorgos Timotheou, and a number speeches from official guests.
Emcee Dr Miranda Adamou addresses the crowd.Musical tribute from Cypriot musicians Marios Charalambous and Giorgos Timotheou.
Speeches were given by the Commissioner of the Citizen of the Republic of Cyprus, Panayiotis Palates; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis; the Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Chrysa Prokopaki; the PASEKA President and co-President of SEKA NSW, Chris Koulinos; the President of the Cyprus Community of NSW (CCNSW), Michael Kyriacou; and the President of the Cyprus Hellene Club, Panikos Achilleos.
The Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus Stavros Nicolaou was also present in what was one of his last events before the end of his time in Australia before taking up his new post in Israel.
Some of the guests at the cocktail party.
Following the official proceedings, attendees had a chance to take in an exhibition on display which featured a collection of powerful never-before-seen images from the archives of the Cyprus Press and Information Office, providing a visual narrative of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
The photos vividly documented the human rights violations committed by Turkey 50 years ago, including the desecration of Greek Cypriots’ graves, the destruction of the island’s cultural heritage, the displacement of countless refugees, and the ongoing tragedy of missing persons, some of whom were depicted in the photos.
The exhibition was organised by the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, in collaboration with the CCNSW and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
The never-before-seen photographs on display.
Remembering the fallen and missing
On Sunday, July 28, commemorations continued with a memorial service for the fallen and prayer for the missing persons at St Sophia and Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Church in Surry Hills. The liturgy was officiated by Bishop Iakovos alongside parish priest Father Irenaeus. At the end, the Bishop read out a message by Archbishop Makarios of Australia marking the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
Memorial service at St Sophia and Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Church in Surry Hills.
Dignitaries, officials and members of local Greek and Cypriot community organisations later gathered at the Cenotaph in Martin Place for a wreath laying ceremony. The ceremony included a prayer reading, the playing of the Last Post and Rouse, the reading of the Ode, and a minute silence.
Some of the people who laid wreaths at the Martin Place Cenotaph.
The ‘peace march’ that followed was not hindered by the cold weather and freezing winds. Led by Mr Palates, Mr Sammoutis, Bishop Iakovos, Father Irenaeus, Dr Adamou and the President of St Sophia and Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Church, Con Zannettides, a contingent of Cypriot and Greek people proudly walked through Sydney, chanting and waving signs documenting the faces of people still missing 50 years after the Turkish invasion. The President of the Cyprus Community of South Australia Professor Andreas Evdokiou was also among the crowd, having travelled interstate for the solemn occasion.
Everyone stopped at Lane Park for a small gathering before moving to the Cyprus Club in Stanmore for a cultural program and official speeches.
‘We will never forget’
In what was a fitting end to 50th anniversary commemorations in Sydney, more than 200 people turned up to the Cyprus Club on Sunday afternoon.
Emceed by Themis Kallos, the event included the singing of the national anthems of Greece and Australia, followed by a dancing performance from the Cyprus Community of NSW’s dance school, and interspersed with heartbreaking poem recitals. Speeches were also given by Mr Koulinos, Mr Palates, Mr Sammoutis, Ms Prokopaki, Mr Kyriakou, Dr Adamou, and the former President of the New South Wales Legislative Council, Amanda Ruth Fazio.
Chrysa Prokopaki.Antonis Sammoutis.
As co-Presidents of SEKA NSW and the event organisers, Mr Koulinos and Dr Adamou reflected in their speeches on the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus invasion, emphasising the importance of remembering the past to inform the present. They also stressed that if there is no solution to the Cyprus Problem over the next few years, the Cypriot community will continue advocating for justice and an end to the illegal occupation of the island.
Chris Koulinos.Dr Miranda Adamou.
Mr Palates spoke on behalf of the entire government of the Republic of Cyprus when he said that Cypriots will never forget the tragedy that hit their homeland 50 years ago. He also thanked the diaspora of Cyprus in Australia for keeping alive the memory of the national heroes who died during the invasion.
“Through these events you are serving as the best ambassadors in spreading the story of the drama that the Cypriot people have suffered for half a century,” Mr Palates said.
“The message is clear – the Greek Cypriot diaspora does not forget its homeland, our Cyprus… 50 years later, we do not forget our beloved lands trampled by Turkey. We do not forget or dismiss our rich history of over 3,000 years, which defines our national identity and calls us never to forget or fall short of those who fought and sacrificed for our homelands freedom.”
Panayiotis Palates.
As a member of the NSW Labor party, Ms Fazio said 50 years “of illegal occupation, ethnic cleansing, and the destruction and looting of cultural and religious artefacts is far too long.”
She stressed that although the Cyprus Problem “has slipped in the memory of too many people” thanks to more recent conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, the Cypriot community and Cyprus more broadly has “good friends in the Labor Party.” Ms Fazio gave an example of how former NSW Senator Michael Forshaw moved a resolution last week to recognise the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The motion was passed unanimously.
Amanda Fazio.Michael Kyriakou.
“[The motion]… called for reunification and for the end of the illegal occupation of Cyprus. So please be assured that even though so many people in the world have forgotten what has happened in Cyprus, you do have good friends here in Australia, outside of the Cypriot community,” Ms Fazio said.
Following the remainder of the powerful and moving speeches, there was an exchange of gifts between Mr Palates and the Presidents of PASEKA, SEKA NSW and the Cyprus Community of NSW. Cypriot musicians Charalambous and Timotheou also rounded out the evening with a musical performance.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
In an Australian first, Stan has made available to audiences the tailored and curated official Olympic Games Paris 2024 coverage from eight international channels including Greece’s local hosted coverage and shows from Eurosport. This unique exclusive offering provides Australia’s Greek community a comprehensive and culturally relevant viewing experience throughout Paris 2024.
The official channel from Greece via Eurosport is streaming ad-free, live and on demand in Greek exclusively on Stan Sport throughout the Olympic Games.
Stan Chief Executive Officer Martin Kugeler said, “We are delighted to deliver the most comprehensive, innovative and uninterrupted, ad-free viewing experience for the Olympic Games in Australian history.” “Thanks to the support from the IOC and the great partners of Eurosport, Viacom18 and Sky New Zealand, Stan Sport will bring curated official international channels in multiple languages, making the Olympics accessible to even more Australians than ever before. We are proud to bring this world first to our audience,” Mr Kugeler added.
The Greek channel via Eurosport is part of Stan’s international channel offering for the Olympic Games, bringing the official coverage from the UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany in their native languages from Eurosport, plus live coverage from New Zealand via Sky.
Nick G Pappas AM, Chair of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, said: ”This is a great opportunity for the Greek Australian community to watch the Olympic Games in the Greek language with a focus on athletes from Greece.”
To watch Stan’s coverage of Paris 2024, including the official Greek channel, customers will need an active Stan Sport subscription. Click here for more details
