Yet another Australian political party has adopted recognition of the Greek Genocide as policy. Family First has issued a powerful statement adopting a party policy on recognising the 1915-1923 Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides and encouraging the Australian federal government to do the same.
Family First has joined the Australian Greens as the second political party contesting the 2025 Federal Election with an official policy supporting recognition of the Greek Genocide.
Family First is standing 100 candidates in the upcoming Federal Election to be held on 3 May 2025, as well as Senate candidates in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
The statement, which was published on National Director Lyle Shelton’s social media platforms, said: “The genocide began under the cover of the Gallipoli campaign and Australian PoWs were among the first-hand witnesses to the mass killing of some 2.5 million Christians.”
It went on to say, “If elected, Family First Senators will push for Australian government recognition of the genocide.”
The Joint Justice Initiative (JJI), comprised of representatives of the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian communities, has welcomed the adoption of a party policy by Family First.
On behalf of the Australian Hellenic Council (AHC) president, Peter Stefanidis, commented: “The adoption of a policy of recognition gives hope to our community that truth and justice will no longer be sidelined for diplomatic convenience.”
On behalf of the JJI, Dean Kalimniou observed: “No entity that engages in the political process and stands up for justice, no matter how small, is insignificant. The descendants of the survivors of the Genocide are not going anywhere. We will continue to engage with well-meaning politicians of the entire political spectrum in order that the Genocide is officially recognised in Australia and justice is delivered to the victims.”
Greek communities across Tasmania and Queensland played a prominent role in this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations on Friday, April 25, honouring the shared history and sacrifices of Australian and Greek servicemen.
Tasmania: United in remembrance
In Hobart, the Greek Community of Tasmania joined forces with the Pontian Federation of Australia to participate in the city’s ANZAC Day march.
The procession moved along Macquarie Street, culminating at the Cenotaph, where a wreath-laying ceremony took place.
Manoli Kalimnios, President of the Greek Community of Tasmania, laid a wreath on behalf of the community, paying tribute to the enduring bonds between Greece and Australia.
This event underscored the deep historical ties and shared values between Greece and Australia, commemorating the bravery of those who served and sacrificed in defence of freedom and democracy.
These commemorations highlight the strong presence and active participation of Greek communities in ANZAC Day events across Australia, reflecting a shared commitment to honouring the past and fostering enduring friendships.
Ange Postecoglou’s difficult debut season in English football hit a new low on Sunday, April 27, as Tottenham were thrashed 5-1 by Liverpool at Anfield, marking their 19th Premier League loss of the season — equalling the club’s all-time record set in 1993-94.
The heavy defeat left Spurs languishing in 16th place and intensified pressure on the Australian manager, whose side was no match for a dominant Liverpool team that clinched the Premier League title in emphatic fashion.
Postecoglou’s squad, featuring several changes, briefly stunned the Anfield crowd with an early goal from Dominic Solanke. But the lead quickly evaporated as Liverpool stormed back through goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and an own goal from Destiny Udogie.
The Spurs were overwhelmed as Liverpool’s relentless attack played to the rhythm of an electric home crowd, celebrating their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
The result further compounds Tottenham’s struggles under Postecoglou, who is facing mounting criticism with just four games remaining. His side has failed to find consistent form throughout the season, and Sunday’s defeat highlights the gulf between Spurs and the league’s top contenders.
With Tottenham in danger of their worst-ever Premier League finish, questions are growing about the direction of the club under Postecoglou’s leadership.
The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council actively participated in this year’s events organised by various organisations and committees for ANZAC Day, paying tribute to the memory of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died during the First World War.
The ceremonies were conducted with respect and emotion, reflecting the deep bonds that have been forged between the Greek and Australian peoples.
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, dedicated to those who served and sacrificed their lives in military operations, particularly during the First World War and the Gallipoli campaign. On the island of Lemnos, where Australian soldiers who fought in Gallipoli are buried, the commemorations carry particular symbolism, honouring not only their sacrifice, but also highlighting Greece’s historical role as a bridge between nations.
Members of the Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council, representing organisations and communities that preserve the memory of the Battle of Crete, once again honoured the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who gave their lives for their homeland. Their presence at the events underlined the enduring ties developed between Greeks and Australians.
The commemorations began on Thursday, April 24 with a special memorial service held at the Heidelberg Repatriation Veterans’ Hospital. Tony Tsourdalakis represented the Council, laying a wreath at the memorial plaque in the hospital’s garden dedicated to the memory of Australian soldiers who participated in the Battle of Crete. The event was coordinated by Robert Winther, General Manager of the hospital, who has worked closely with the Council since its founding.
On Friday, April 25, ANZAC Day itself, Members of the Council attended Dawn Services held across various suburbs of Melbourne.
Council President Natasha Spanos and Secretary Anna Psaraki laid wreaths at the Oakleigh and Clayton RSL Sub-Branches respectively. Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne President Milton Stamatakos and Vice-President Kyriakos Cherekakis attended ceremonies at the Darebin and Camberwell RSL Sub-Branches respectively.
Treasurer Mary Rissakis and Assistant Treasurer Maria Maniou of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne participated in services at the Ringwood and Boronia RSL Sub-Branches. Mr Tsourdalakis, President of the Intercommunities Council of Victoria, attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Epping RSL, while Panagiotis Andrinopoulos, Secretary of the Australian Hellenic Memorial, attended the Mount Waverley RSL service.
Peter Ford was present at the Caulfield RSL ceremony, and Shirley Devery was at the Coburg RSL. Finally, with particular emotion, the President of the Greek Returned Servicemen’s League, Nikolaos Makridis, represented the Council by laying a wreath at the Shepparton RSL service.
The highlight of the commemorations was participation in the grand ANZAC Day Parade in the city of Melbourne. Ms Spanos officially represented the Council, marching with a six-student delegation from Oakleigh Grammar. They marched with the 2/2 Field Regiment Association.
The Council’s participation in the ANZAC Day ceremonies was not merely symbolic; it was an active reminder of shared history and the responsibility to uphold peace and international cooperation. The speeches delivered, the wreaths laid, and the moving presence of descendants of the veterans proved that the sacrifice of these individuals remains alive in collective memory.
In her ANZAC Day message, Ms Spanos emphasised: “These events are a powerful link in maintaining historical consciousness and the friendship between Greece and Australia—a friendship forged on the battlefield and one that has endured through time, inspiring younger generations.”
“It is important to recognise that the ideals which represent us as a people are not achieved without sacrifice and hard struggle. Let us emulate the example of the heroes who sacrificed themselves for humanity and never allow anyone to diminish the honour of our two homelands, Greece and Australia. Eternal be their memory!” she added.
Maria Sakkari delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-1 upset over No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini at the Mutua Madrid Open on Sunday, April 27, marking her first victory over a Top 10 opponent in 13 months and advancing her to the Round of 16.
“I was clear on what I had to do on the court,” Sakkari said. “Just went out and executed it perfectly. I didn’t give her any room to breathe. That was my goal — that is the goal against the very good players.”
The win snapped an eight-match losing streak against Top 10 players, dating back to last year’s BNP Paribas Open, and levelled her career record against Top 10 opponents on clay to 6-6. By ranking, it is her biggest win of the season.
“It feels pretty good because it’s been a while since I had, let’s call it a statement win for myself,” she added. “It wasn’t easy all this time. But at the same time, I knew that I had to trust, as we say, the process.”
Now on a three-match win streak, Sakkari will face No. 17 seed Elina Svitolina next, with their head-to-head standing at 2-2. It will be their first clash on clay.
The Greek player credited her renewed partnership with coach Tom Hill—returning after nearly a year with Peyton Stearns—for helping her regain confidence. “We believe in each other. Just feels very comfortable and he knows my game like no one else,” she said.
Sakkari dominated the match with six aces, breaking Paolini’s serve six times and facing just one break herself. Paolini was aiming to reach the fourth round at a WTA 1000 event for a fifth straight time.
With deep respect for the memory of the fallen, a memorial service for ANZAC Day was held on Friday, April 25 at the Phaleron War Cemetery in Athens, Greece.
ANZAC Day honours the memory of Australian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in wars, battles, and peacekeeping missions.
The event was organised by the Australian Embassy in Athens and Ambassador Alison Duncan, in collaboration with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It brought together members of the Australian and New Zealand communities in Greece, representatives of the Hellenic Armed Forces, as well as foreign diplomatic missions.
The ceremony was attended by Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Laying a wreath on behalf of the Greek government, Mr Davakis highlighted the enduring significance of the ANZACs’ sacrifice, stating: “The memory of the ANZACs’ sacrifice is never forgotten; it remains alive to teach us the importance of peaceful coexistence and constant vigilance against any threat.”
The memorial service was also attended by, among others, the Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Vice Admiral Theodoros Mikropoulos HN, a representative of the Presidency of the Republic, Konstantinos Laskaris HN, as well as ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of foreign missions in Greece.
Particularly noteworthy was the presence of the Honorary Consul of New Zealand in Greece, Ioanna Gouvatsou, and members of Greek expatriate associations from Australia and New Zealand, who laid wreaths to pay tribute to the fallen.
The Cemetery, where 584 Australian and 731 New Zealand soldiers who fell defending Greece during the Second World War are laid to rest, became the focal point of emotion and gratitude for their sacrifice.
The ceremony was accompanied by the band and the honour guard of the Hellenic Navy, pupils from St Catherine’s British School and Byron College, as well as members of the Anglican Church of St Paul’s in Athens.
In a related post on social media, the Australian Embassy in Athens warmly thanked all those who attended the ceremony, noting: “Thank you for joining us on this special day of remembrance. We never forget. Lest we forget.”
Beyond its historical significance, ANZAC Day serves as a reminder of the close bonds that unite Greece and Australia — bonds forged on the battlefield and founded on shared values of freedom and solidarity.
Mourners gathered in St Peter’s Square on Saturday, April 26, as Pope Francis was laid to rest in a historic funeral ceremony attended by fifty heads of state, 170 foreign delegations, and over 400,000 faithful.
Millions more watched the globally broadcast service honouring the 88-year-old pontiff, widely known as the “Pope of the Poor.”
The funeral Mass began at 10 am local time at St Peter’s Basilica and lasted more than two hours.
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—was buried in a plain wooden coffin and wore his well-worn pastoral shoes, symbolising humility and service.
“A funeral service of a shepherd and a disciple of the Lord, not one of the mighty of the earth,” he had written in his will.
In a deeply symbolic moment, the Gospel was read in Greek, and the Orthodox hymn “Christos Anesti” (“Christ is Risen”) echoed through the basilica, marking the rare coincidence of Orthodox and Catholic Easter.
“This hymn… reflects his heart—a heart that beat for all Christians, regardless of tradition,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.
The chant, proclaiming Christ’s triumph over death, resonated as a fitting tribute to a pontiff known for championing unity between Christian denominations.
Following the service, the coffin was taken in procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Francis had requested to be buried near the Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary.
Along the six-kilometre route through Rome’s historic centre, mourners lined the streets in prayer, some crying, others applauding in tribute.
Awaiting him at the basilica were forty individuals Francis had personally supported during his life—migrants, prisoners, transgender people, and the homeless—each laying a white rose on his grave.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday. Photo: AP.
Greece was represented by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who placed a bouquet of white roses on the pope’s casket before departing for Constantinople.
Among the other dignitaries present were US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German leaders Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Olaf Scholz, and Argentine President Javier Milei.
Francis’ grandson, Mauro Bergoglio—a nurse from Argentina—also attended the funeral after receiving airfare assistance from a local travel agency, fulfilling his wish to say goodbye.
In the final leaders’ debate ahead of the May 3 election, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled China as the biggest threat to Australia’s national security. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese avoided directly agreeing, instead describing the relationship as “complex” and China as “seeking to increase its influence.”
“I’m the prime minister of a country, and how you deal as prime minister is diplomatically and that is what we continue to do,” Albanese said when pressed further.
The hour-long debate, hosted by the Seven Network, covered national security, the economy, housing, and even the cost of eggs. A panel of 60 undecided voters awarded the debate to Albanese.
Both leaders expressed trust in US President Donald Trump when asked if Australia could rely on him. Dutton, who had previously said he hadn’t met Trump and couldn’t judge, said on Sunday: “We can trust whoever is in the Oval Office.”
Albanese added he began his relationship with Trump with “100 per cent trust” but admitted they “held different views on trade.”
When asked if he had Trump’s phone number, Albanese said the two texted but added, “I’m not sure [Trump] has a phone,” later clarifying that global leaders don’t typically communicate casually by phone.
Dutton also questioned the frequency of Welcome to Country ceremonies, suggesting they are “overdone” and risk “cheapening the significance” of the tradition. “It divides the country, not dissimilar to what the prime minister did with the Voice,” he said.
Albanese defended the ceremonies as a “matter of respect,” adding that it was up to individual event hosts to include them. “We have a great privilege… of sharing this continent with the oldest continuous culture on earth,” he said.
On housing, both leaders acknowledged the difficulty facing first-time buyers. “It looks like a nightmare,” Dutton said, blaming Labor and high migration. Albanese cited supply as the key issue and ruled out reintroducing changes to negative gearing.
In a quick-fire round, Dutton guessed a dozen eggs cost $4.20, while Albanese said $7 “if you can find them.” When shown a photo of Elon Musk, Albanese responded, “Tesla and a very rich man,” while Dutton called him an “evil genius.”
The debate ended in a clash over whether Coalition policies mirror Trump’s agenda, with Dutton asserting, “I haven’t sought to be anybody other than myself,” citing former PM John Howard as his mentor.
The Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic, known as the ‘Evzones’, is the elite ceremonial division of the Hellenic Armed Forces. With the approval of Greece’s President and support from the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, the Evzones participated prominently in this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations.
The presence of the Evzones at the parade symbolised the deep historical ties and mateship between Hellenic and ANZAC forces, forged through shared history, particularly during the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War and the Axis invasion of Greece in World War II, notably the Battle of Crete.
During a Dawn Service at the West Torrens Memorial Gardens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.
Evzones and ANZACs on Guard at Dawn Service.All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.Officials speaking at the Dawn Service surrounded by Evzones and ANZACs.
Reflections at the Dawn Service recounted the tragic fate of over 2,400 Australian and British POWs at Sandakan, Borneo during WWII, where only six survived. Prisoners suffered brutal treatment, starvation, and forced death marches. A planned rescue failed due to poor intelligence and leadership, and the truth was later suppressed.
Evzones Standing Guard at Dawn Service with Salute.Colonel from the Hellenic Presidential Guard laying wreath in remembrance.
South Australia’s Minister for Transport, the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, speaking at the event, emphasised the historical significance and symbolic unity represented by the Evzones’ participation.
“[You might be asking] Why are soldiers of the Hellenic Republic present at the West Torrens Dawn Service to honour our Australian forefathers and veterans? Many South Australians may not be aware that the Anzacs [were] staged on the Greek island of Lemnos before embarking on the landings at Gallipoli. Indeed, one of the first Commonwealth cemeteries established abroad was on that Greek island,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“Lemnos served as a crucial staging post, fielded hospital, and the place to which the Anzacs withdrew after the evacuation of Gallipoli.”
The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP addressing the Dawn Service.
Mr Koutsantonis further highlighted Greece’s ties with ANZACS in World War II.
“In October 1940, Greece became the first country to repel an Axis invasion, marking the first successful Allied land campaign against the Axis in Europe. The victory boosted morale across the British Empire and here in Australia,” the Minister explained.
“Prime Minister Churchill immediately dispatched British and Anzac forces to assist the Helene army and defending against a subsequent German invasion. Over 17,000 Australian troops served in the Greek campaign of 1941. They fought alongside Greek forces [including Evzones] across the mainland and Crete.”
Attendees at the Dawn Service.
Minister Koutsantonis concluded by recalling the evacuation efforts from the Peloponnese to Crete and Egypt, comparing them to the evacuation at Dunkirk. He noted the staggering human cost.
“The heroism of the Battle of Crete was legendary. The bond they shared with their Greek comrades-in-arms was deep and enduring, and their affection for the civilians who aided them was unique,” he said.
“More than 17,000 Australians served in Greece during World War II; of them, 646 died, and over 8,000 were captured. The Hellenic army suffered 13,000 dead and 42,000 wounded.”
Following the Dawn Service, the Evzones commenced their march through the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, beginning on Rundle Street, passing through Rundle Mall, and joining the official ANZAC march along North Terrace.
Evzones begin their procession to the ANZAC march.Evzones and the National MemorialEvzones in ANZAC day march.
Positioned between the French and Polish delegations, the Evzones marched past the South Australian Parliament and continued along King William Road, where Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and other distinguished guests and officers presided over the commemorative parade.
The Governor of SA and Honourable Dignitaries and Officers.
Many parade attendees gazed at the Evzones with wonder, fascination and intrigue at the uniqueness of their uniforms and marching techniques.
(L-R) Vasili Pantelidis, Cr Lana Gelonese, Dylan Moore.
The participation of the Evzones in the ANZAC Day parade symbolised an enduring acknowledgment of courage, bravery, and the ideals and values shared between Australia and Greece, reminding all present of the profound historical connection between these two nations through hardships, struggle and sacrifice.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’
Under the business name – Frida Las Vegas – Stavroula has created a multi-function studio in her hometown after living in Sydney for 14 years.
Not only does Stavroula design textiles and bespoke pieces but she also holds drawing and design workshops for the public who are interested in textile design.
“I design everything from the prints on the garments, to the custom-built furniture in the space, and even the murals on the walls,” Stavroula said.
Stavroula Adameitis – Frida Las Vegas
“The Frida Las Vegas Art Fashion studio is a multi-function space where I physically design my prints, welcome customers who are able to try on garments in person and commission bespoke pieces.
“Everything is created to send a clear, coherent message of colour, positivity, and humour. My job is to create a world people can play in that is infinitely more fun and fabulous than the world we actually live in.”
Stavroula Adameitis
She has interned in New York with renown Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field, collaborated with cultural institutions Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of SA, Powerhouse Museum and Adelaide’s Jam Factory. Global brands, Adobe, Meta, Disney, Microsoft, and Australian designer Peter Alexander have also commissioned Stavroula to design.
One of her more famous clients was Katy Perry who wore an outfit on American Idol that was created from a custom textile print Stavroula designed.
The self-described ‘time-traveller’ is influenced by popular culture of the last century, and students of pop-art icon Andy Warhol, including artist Jeff Koons, film director Pedro Almodovar and fashion designer Franco Moschino.
Frida and her dad
“I live to time-travel through my work and explore recollections of popular culture growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s – a time before the advent of the internet when super-saturated and often humorous graphics permeated visual culture,” she said.
“I am constantly striving to create work that uses the aesthetics of the past to foster engagement in the present and inspire optimism about the future.”
As a youngster, Stavroula loved dressing up to express herself through clothes and jewellery, admired the cream brick homes with plaster lions, visiting the local milk bar and looking for inspiration from performers – the B52s and George Michael – as she drew designs.
“My style has remained fairly consistent over the years and is rooted in my memories growing up at the tail end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, when ‘bigger’ was ‘better’ in fashion and popular culture,” she said.
“Going to Greek weddings throughout the 1990s was a better source of fashion inspiration than 100 Australian Fashion Weeks combined.”
While Stavroula likes to wear her own designs, she also collects vintage pieces from the 1980s and 1990s by European designers such as Thierry Mugler and Franco Moschino.
“I also love wearing vintage Australian designers like Teena Varigos who really knew how to combine 1940s silhouettes with 1980s textile prints to spectacular effect,” she said.
Stavroula credits her beloved yiayia Angeloutha as one of her ‘biggest and most enduring inspirations’ who at 93 years young has an eye for fashion and style and is the muse for her latest design.
“I am currently working on a cabana shirt and short set that references Greek and Italian icons straight from the saloni or ‘good room’,’’ she said.
“I illustrated her pink fluffy slippers for the print.
“It’s funny how everyone’s yiayia and nonna wears the exact same slippers – they are iconic, in a subtle yet instantly recognisable way.”
Her other inspiration is her dad, Jim Mountzouris, who co-formed an Australian band in the early 1980s called Vertical Hold with her nouno Mick Michalopoulos.
“Dad also worked as an architect and had a never-ending supply of pencils and large-format plan paper lying around the house, which I picked up and spent hours drawing with as a kid,” she said.
“I didn’t realise it at the time, but Dad’s passion for music transferred to me as a love for visual and pop culture.”
Stavroula describes her Adelaide Arcade studio as complementing the other boutique type businesses that offer ‘out-of-the-box products and services.’
Her Greek background, she said, influences and inspires her work when exploring Greek icons and symbols to use on her prints.
“I think Greek culture, similar to other mediterranean cultures, celebrates unashamed glamour with a deep respect for an over-the-top aesthetic,” Stavroula said.
“When I am in Greece, I never feel more Australian and yet in my every day Australian life, I feel very Greek in the way I choose to express myself.
“It’s a paradox that provides more questions than answers, but regardless I wear the duality of my cultural upbringing with pride.”
