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Nominations open for The Greek Herald’s 2025 Woman of the Year Awards

With International Women’s Day (IWD) fast approaching on March 8, The Greek Herald is once again celebrating the achievements of extraordinary women in Australia’s Hellenic community.

This year’s theme, #MarchForward, highlights the power of progress and resilience, making it the perfect time to honour the ‘unsung heroines’ who inspire and uplift those around them.

For 2025, The Greek Herald is expanding its recognition with two award categories:

  • The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Award – Open to women aged 25 and over, this award honours those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions across society, making a lasting impact in their fields.
  • The Woman to Watch Award – A new category dedicated to recognising women under 25 who are emerging as leaders and making a significant difference in their communities. These rising stars and emerging leaders represent the next generation of trailblazers.
the greek herald woman of the year
Anais Menounos was named the winner of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Award 2024.

“As The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Awards enter their second year, we remain dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of Australian women with Greek and Cypriot heritage who are making a lasting impact in their communities,” Andriana Simos, Digital Editor at The Greek Herald, said.

“This year, we are especially proud to introduce the ‘Woman to Watch Award,’ which shines a spotlight on young women under 25 who are already making waves and showing great promise as future leaders. By recognising both established and emerging changemakers, we hope to inspire more women to #MarchForward and continue shaping a brighter future for all.”

How to Nominate

Do you know an inspiring Hellenic Australian woman who deserves recognition? Nominations are now open for both award categories and can be submitted through our web form here.

Nominations close at 5pm, 27 February 2025. In 200 words or less, tell us how your ‘unsung heroine’ is making an impact.

The winners, chosen by an independent panel, will be revealed on 16 March 2025, and will feature in an exclusive cover story in The Greek Herald. Their portraits will be captured by renowned photographer Effy Alexakis, known for documenting the Greek Australian experience for over four decades.

Celebrating last year’s winner: Anais Menounos

anais menounos the greek herald woman of the year
Anais Menounos (second from left), winner of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Award 2024, with her mum, dad and brother. Photo copyright: Effy Alexakis.

In 2024, Anais Menounos was named The Greek Herald Woman of the Year for her exceptional contributions to the Greek Australian community. As a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and cultural preservation, Anais has worked tirelessly to bridge generational gaps and support young Greek Australians in embracing their heritage.

Reflecting on the award, she described the experience as “surreal,” expressing deep gratitude for the recognition and hoping to inspire other young women to follow their passions.

This year’s awards promise to continue celebrating the achievements of remarkable women, showcasing their stories and contributions to the Greek Australian community. Don’t miss the chance to nominate your unsung heroine.

Maria Callas’ legacy honoured at launch of the Maria Callas Australian Society in Melbourne

The timeless legacy of Maria Callas was celebrated in grand fashion over the weekend as the Maria Callas Australian Society officially launched with a special screening of Maria (2024) at Palace Cinema Como, South Yarra. 

This landmark event, held in collaboration with AHEPA Australia, the Ithacan Historical Society, and the Greek Community of Melbourne, marked an important milestone for Australia’s Callas community.

A long-awaited launch marking two years of dedication

Founded in 2023 by Roma Siachos, the Maria Callas Australian Society was established during the centenary year of Callas’ birth, with the vision of perpetuating her artistic legacy in Australia. Now, two years on, the Society has officially opened its doors, celebrating its commitment to honouring Callas’ profound influence on opera and culture.

The launch was perfectly timed to coincide with the Ithacan Historical Society’s fundraiser screening of Maria (2024)—the highly anticipated biopic starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic soprano. 

The event was not only a cinematic tribute but also a means of supporting cultural heritage and archaeology in Ithaca, ensuring that Callas’ impact continues beyond the operatic stage.

Tickets, priced at $22, helped raise funds for the Ithacan Historical Society’s preservation efforts, aligning the Society’s mission with broader cultural conservation.

An Ambassador’s tribute to Callas

The evening held special significance for Melbourne-born soprano Christiana Aloneftis, who provides the voice of Maria Callas in Maria (2024) and serves as the official Ambassador of the Maria Callas Australian Society. 

While unable to attend in person, Aloneftis joined the event virtually from Germany, expressing her deep honour in being part of the Society’s mission.

“It is my great honour to announce that I’ve been appointed Ambassador of the newly formed Maria Callas Australian Society,” Aloneftis shared on social media.

“Together, it is our greatest mission to promote and perpetuate Callas’ artistic legacy through a series of performances, educational activities, international collaborations and scholarships, in due course.”

Her presence in the film and her ongoing involvement with the Maria Callas Australian Society further solidified the strong Australian connection to the Callas story.

A lasting commitment to Callas’ legacy

During the event, founder Ms Siachos reflected on Callas’ unparalleled influence on the opera world and the Society’s mission moving forward:

“Maria Callas is a legend – a woman who needs no introduction. A name that, wherever it is heard, evokes awe, admiration, and a respect that transcends the boundaries of opera,” Ms Siachos said.

“She loved with all her soul and hurt deeply. And yet, even through the difficulties, her greatness never faded. She left behind a legacy that continues to move and inspire us.”

Looking ahead, the Society aims to nurture Australia’s next generation of opera singers and enthusiasts by fostering educational initiatives, international collaborations, and artistic programs.

“Working closely with the Maria Callas Museum and the Maria Callas Greek Society in Athens, the Greek Community of Melbourne, and others, we are working to spread her greatness and strengthen the presence of opera in our lives,” Ms Siachos stated.

“Together, let us keep her music alive and the meaning of the eternal diva’s existence alive.”

A new chapter for Callas’ legacy in Australia

The launch event successfully brought together opera lovers, cultural organisations, and the Greek Australian community to celebrate Maria Callas’ enduring influence. 

While there are no current plans for a Sydney-based event, this Melbourne launch sets the stage for future initiatives and artistic collaborations under the Maria Callas Australian Society banner.

With a strong foundation now in place, the Maria Callas Australian Society is poised to become a key advocate for Callas’ legacy, ensuring that her influence continues to inspire generations to come.

For more updates and upcoming events, follow the Maria Callas Australian Society’s journey on Facebook, Instagram and MariaCallasAustralianSociety.com

Oakleigh Grammar students inspired by annual Blessing and generous gift

Oakleigh Grammar School Community gathered for the Annual Blessing of Waters at the commencement of the New Academic Year. 

The service was conducted by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Archepiscopal Vicar of the District of Melbourne.

His Grace was supported by the School Chaplain, Fr Stavros Kakavas, together with the Very Reverend Fr Kyrillos Zisis and Fr George Adamakis and beloved parish clergy of Melbourne. 

Students of the school Byzantine Choir chanted the service beautifully, whilst teachers, students and members of the School Board followed with deep reverence. 

In his address to the School Community, His Grace reminded students and teachers of the importance of their calling, and to fulfil this calling with care and diligence.

His Grace encouraged students to apply themselves to their studies and in so doing not seeking what the world can do for them but what they can do to make the world a better place.

Following the service, His Grace had morning tea with the Principal, Mark Robertson, members of the clergy and of the Board. 

In a lovely display, His Grace also presented on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Primate of the Greek Orthodox church in Australia, an incredible gift of brand-new bikes to four select students at the School, who were overwhelmed with this generous offering and rejoiced in this most wonderful gift.

Judge Rania Skaros refers Australian lawyer to Commission over ChatGPT misuse

Justice Rania Skaros has referred an Australian lawyer to the Office of the NSW Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC) after he admitted to using ChatGPT to draft court filings in an immigration case, resulting in non-existent case citations being included in the documents.

In a ruling, Skaros revealed that the lawyer, whose name was redacted, had submitted an amended application and an outline of submissions to the federal circuit and family court in October 2024.

The documents contained fabricated case references and quotes from a tribunal decision that did not exist.

The lawyer acknowledged using AI to identify Australian cases, but ChatGPT generated incorrect legal citations. The court expressed concern about the lawyer’s failure to verify the information, which required significant time to investigate.

The lawyer explained that due to time constraints and health issues, he relied on AI to assist with his work but failed to check the results before submission. He expressed deep regret and is now taking steps to enhance his understanding of AI.

The immigration minister’s counsel argued that the lawyer’s actions demonstrated inadequate care, urging the OLSC to address such conduct to prevent future misuse of AI in legal proceedings.

A new NSW Supreme Court practice restricts lawyers’ use of generative AI in legal documents, prohibiting its use for affidavits, witness statements, and other materials tendered in evidence or used in cross-examination.

Source: The Guardian.

Macquarie University to hold exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek 2025

The examinations for the Certificate of Attainment in the Greek language in Sydney will take place at Macquarie University, the certified examination centre (61006) by the Centre for Greek Language (CGL). 

Registration Period: 1st February 2025 – 20th March 2025

Registering steps: 

Step 1: Check language levels and exam dates.  

Step 2: Pay online the exam registration fee equivalent to the candidate’s exam language level: https://payments.mq.edu.au/onestopweb/GREEKEXAM 

Step 3: Complete the online candidate application form, ensuring the name you enter matches the identity  documents of the candidate: http://www.greek-language.gr/certification/application/index.html 

The Certificate of Attainment in Greek is the only official state certification confirming the knowledge of  Greek as a foreign/second language at six levels, corresponding to the Common European Framework  (CEFR) levels. It is recognised by all European Union member states and NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority). 

For more information, please email: greekcertificate.sydney@mq.edu.au

UNSW Greek Studies thrives as Mythology Course breaks student enrolment records

The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced that the Greek Studies summer subject on Greek mythology (officially known as ‘Gods, Heroines and Heroes in Greek Myth’) has smashed university records by attracting 320 students in the recently completed course. 

The fantastic result is doubly pleasing as the students were overwhelmingly of non-Greek heritage. 

Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, the Greek Studies Convenor, was delighted by the number and also confirmed that there were 21 students enrolled in the language course which will begin on February 17. 

This comes as the Foundation has initiated a new scholarship programme – 1821 – to encourage more students to enrol in Greek.

There is, however, more work ahead. As a result of the historically low interest rates and policies by the government and university, the Foundation’s Fund has been depleted. 

Foundation Chairman Costa Vertzayias said: “…reluctantly, after 30 years, we now need the Community’s support again. The good news is that we have a good relationship with the University, as can be seen by our mythology subject being the top summer university course by far.”

Mr Vertzayias also thanked the following community organisations that have contributed, to date, to the Foundation’s appeal:

  • Pan Arcadian Association: $5,000 
  • Greek Orthodox Community of NSW: $3,000 
  • Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney: $2,000 
  • Kalymnian Association: $1,500 
  • St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Community of Burwood: $1,000 
  • Athenian Association: $500 
  • Pan Achaian Association: $500 
  • Bi-Lingual Bookshop: $300 
  • Castellorizian Association: $200 

Found out how you can support the Foundation at unswgreek.com.

National Second Tier beckons: NPL champions to battle for spot

A new era for the National Premier Leagues (NPL) begins this week as the 2025 Men’s competition kicks off with a place in the inaugural National Second Tier (NST) competition up for grabs. 

As previously announced by Football Australia, eight invitational clubs comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers* from their respective 2025 domestic seasons, will join the eight NST foundation clubs in a ‘Champions League’ format, kicking off on 10 October 2025.

The NPL Premiers will secure their place in the national competition based on sporting merit, which will further elevate the NPL and provide added excitement amongst the local football community. 

In line with the 2024/25 Domestic Match Calendar (DMC), the opening round will see Football VIC’s Melbourne Knights FC take on Heidelberg United FC at Tompsett Stadium on Thursday, 6 February  (7:30pm AEDT) in the first NPL match of the new season. 

The following day, Football NSW will commence its NPL Men’s season as Manly United FC host Central  Coast Mariners FC at Cromer Park on Friday, 7 February (7:30pm AEDT). 

Thursday, 13 February will see NNSW Football get underway, when Belmont Swansea United FC face Adamstown Rosebud FC at Blacksmiths Oval (7:45pm AEDT). 

Friday, 21 February marks the commencement of the NPL Men’s Competitions for Football SA and Football QLD, with Campbelltown City SC facing MetroStars SC at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre (8.00pm AEDT), and Gold Coast Knights FC taking on Lions FC at Croatian Sports Centre (8:30pm AEDT) 

Football TAS will commence their season with a double-header on Friday, 14 March (8.15pm AEDT) as  Glenorchy Knights FC face Clarence Zebras FC at KGV Park and Launceston FC take on Launceston United FC at Prospect Park (8.15pm AEDT). 

Football West will also start their league on Friday, March 14 when Bayswater City SC and Sorrento FC play  at Frank Drago Reserve (10.15pm AEDT), while Capital Football kick-off on Saturday, 5 April with fixtures to  be confirmed. 

The NPL Women’s Competition will be led by Football QLD, as Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC take on  Gold Coast United FC at Ballinger Park on Saturday, 8 February (6.00pm AEDT). 

NNSW Football will kick off their NPL Women’s season on Saturday, 15 February, with New Lambton FC  facing Charlestown Azzurri FC at Alder Park (6.00pm AEDT). 

Football NSW will follow with a packed opening round of NPL Women’s on Sunday, 9 March, featuring  seven fixtures across the state, with a 2024 Grand Final rematch between Macarthur Rams FC and APIA  Leichhardt FC at Lynwood Park (5.00pm AEDT) the highlight. 

Football SA get underway on Friday, 7 March with four matches featuring a clash between Adelaide  University FC and Adelaide City FC (6.45pm AEDT) at Service FM Stadium before Football VIC commences  on Friday, 14 March with two matches across the state including Bentleigh Greens SC v South Melbourne  FC at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex (6.15pm AEDT). 

Football West will begin their NPL Women’s competition on Saturday, 22 March with a match at Dorrien  Gardens Trinca Field between Perth SC and Fremantle City FC (8.00pm AEDT), while Capital Football kick off on Saturday, 5 April with fixtures to be confirmed. 

For all fixtures, results, and streaming information, please visit the respective Member Federation’s website.

NPL Men’s Start Dates: 

NPL Men’s Start Date Opening Match(es) all times shown in AEDT
Football VIC Thursday, 6 February 2025 Melbourne Knights FC v Heidelberg United FC at  Tompsett Stadium (7.30pm)
Football NSW Friday, 7 February 2025 Manly United FC v Central Coast Mariners FC at  Cromer Park Field 1 (7.30pm)
NNSW Football Thursday, 13 February 2025 Belmont Swansea United FC v Adamstown Rosebud  FC at Blacksmiths Oval (7.45pm)
Football QLD Friday, 21 February 2025 Gold Coast Knights FC v Lions FC at Croatian Sports  Centre Field 1 (8.30pm)
Football SA Friday, 21 February 2025 Campbelltown City SC v MetroStars SC at Steve  Woodcock Sports Centre (8.00pm)
Football TASFriday, 14 March 2025 Glenorchy Knights FC v Clarence Zebras FC at KGV  Park (8.15pm)
Friday, 14 March 2025 Launceston City FC v Launceston United FC at  Prospect Park (8.15pm)
Football WestFriday, 14 March 2025 Perth SC v Balcatta Etna FC at Dorrien Gardens Trinca  Field (10:00pm)
Friday, 14 March 2025 Bayswater City SC v Sorrento FC at Frank Drago  Reserve (10.15pm)
Capital Football Saturday, 5 April 2025 TBC

NPL Women’s Start Dates:

NPL Women’s Start Date Opening Match(es) all times shown in AEDT
Football QLDSaturday, 8 February 2025 Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC v Gold Coast United FC at Ballinger Park Field 1 (6.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025 Brisbane City FC v Gold Coast Knights FC at Imperial  Corp Stadium Field 1 (6.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025 FQ Academy QAS v Lions FC at Nudgee Recreation  Reserve Field 1 (7.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025 Mitchelton FC v North Lakes United FC at Teralba  Park Field 1 (7.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025 Eastern Suburbs FCv Souths United FC at Heath Park  Field 1 (8.00pm)
NNSW Football Saturday, 15 February 2025 New Lambton FC v Charlestown Azzurri FC at Alder  Park (6.00pm)
Football SAFriday, 7 March 2025 Adelaide University FC v Adelaide City FC at Service  FM Stadium (6.45pm)
Friday, 7 March 2025 Campbelltown City SC v Metro United SC at Steve  Woodcock Sports Centre (7.00pm)
Friday, 7 March 2025 Adelaide Comets FC v Flinders United FC at LJ  Hooker-Mile End Sports Park (8.45pm)
Friday, 7 March 2025 Salisbury Inter FC v West Adelaide SC at Service FM  Stadium (8.45pm)
Football NSWSunday, 9 March 2025 Macarthur Rams FC v APIA Leichhardt FC at Lynwood  Park Field 1 (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025 Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Manly United FC at  Wanderers Football Park (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025 Newcastle Jets FC v Northern Tigers FC at Lake  Macquarie Regional Football Facility (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025 Illawarra Stingrays FC v Sydney University FC at  Macedonia Park, Berkeley Field 1 (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025 UNSW FC v NWS Spirit FC at The Village Green  Synthetic (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025 Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC v Bulls FC Academy at  Popondetta Park Field 1 (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025 Gladesville Ravens FC v Sydney Olympic FC at  Christie Park Field 1 (5.10pm)
Football VICFriday, 14 March 2025 Bentleigh Greens SC v South Melbourne FC at  Kingston Heath Soccer Complex (6.15pm)
Friday, 14 March 2025 Spring Hills FC v Preston Lions FC at Springside  Recreational Reserve (8.30pm)
Football West Saturday, 22 March 2025 Perth SC v Fremantle City FC at Dorrien Gardens  Trinca Field (8:00pm)
Capital Football Saturday, 5 April 2025 TBC

*This does not include Football NT as they do not participate in an NPL Competition.

Coalition pledge to upgrade Kogarah Greek Orthodox Parish hall if elected

The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah has received a major commitment from the Coalition, with $400,000 pledged for hall upgrades.

His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, alongside Parish President Nicholas Varvaris, recently welcomed David Coleman MP, the Federal Member for Banks and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Kogarah church to announce the funding.

The investment would go toward much-needed improvements to the hall, which serves the local Greek Orthodox community.

In a statement, Mr Coleman highlighted the importance of the Greek Orthodox Parish to the local area, noting its role beyond religious services.

“The Greek Orthodox Parish is an extremely important part of our community,” Mr Coleman said.

“In addition to church services, the Parish supports many members of the community with its Greek Language Schools, Youth & Seniors Groups, Cultural programs and its food programs helping people in need.”

He added that the funding would assist in completing the much-needed upgrades to the hall, further supporting the various programs vital to the community’s welfare.

Basil Zempilas forced to apologise for post promoting his WA election campaign

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has been ordered to apologise for breaching the Local Government Act by using his official mayoral Facebook page to promote his Liberal Party candidacy.

The Local Government Standards Panel found he violated regulations by referencing his mayoral status while campaigning for the Churchlands seat in the upcoming March election.

Zempilas, who received two complaints about the matter, argued it was a “genuine misunderstanding” and had not previously been flagged. The panel deemed the breach “minor” and instructed him to issue a public apology at a council meeting. Zempilas has 28 days to appeal the decision.

However, Zempilas raised concerns over a media leak of the decision, which he claims occurred before he had a chance to review it properly. He described the leak as suspicious and vowed to report it to the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) for potential misconduct.

While on leave of absence from his mayoral duties during the election, Zempilas clarified that he is still officially the Lord Mayor but does not attend decision-making sessions or council meetings.

Source: ABC News.

Kateryna Argyrou slams alleged ‘Russian propaganda’ doco set to screen in Sydney

Kateryna Argyrou, co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, has strongly criticised the controversial documentary Russians at War, calling for its cancellation at the Antenna Documentary Film Festival.

The film, which chronicles the lives of Russian soldiers in Ukraine, is set to screen in Sydney on February 10 and 14.

Argyrou condemned the documentary for humanising Russian soldiers while failing to address Russian war crimes or criticise President Vladimir Putin’s regime.

She described the film as a “propaganda narrative” that absolves Russian soldiers of any responsibility for the atrocities committed during the invasion of Ukraine.

In her letter to the festival organisers, Argyrou warned that the film misrepresents the situation and risks misleading audiences by empathising with Russian troops, potentially minimising the systemic violence against Ukrainian civilians.

Her comments come amid backlash from Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, who also called the film “deeply harmful” to the Ukrainian Australian community.

Despite the criticism, the festival’s organisers stand by their decision to screen the film, emphasising its role in critiquing the nature of war and shedding light on the internal contradictions within the Russian military.