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Oakleigh Grammar students connect, lead and learn at Global Round Square Conference

The Greek Herald
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Oakleigh Grammar students connect, lead and learn at Global Round Square Conference

Students from Oakleigh Grammar have returned from the 2026 Round Square Conference, a global learning experience hosted by Ballarat Grammar School, where they joined peers from around the world for a week of learning, leadership, and global connection centred on the theme of Democracy.

Held from 7–12 April, the conference brought together students from across Victoria and Australia, with the event open to schools across the global Round Square network, a community guided by the IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.

Oakleigh Grammar students took part in a dynamic program including the Making a Nation experience at the Eureka Education Centre, a visit to Sovereign Hill, and a Melbourne-based city challenge. A key highlight was the UN-style debate, where students worked in international teams to examine global issues, exchange perspectives, and present solutions.

The program also included service initiatives and outdoor adventure activities at Adekate Camp, where students built resilience, confidence, and teamwork while building connections with peers from across the Round Square network.

Round Square Coordinator Rebecca Bettiol said the experience highlighted student voice in action.

“You’re the Voice Conference is a powerful example of student agency. Students stepped into their voice, worked collaboratively, and engaged deeply with the Round Square IDEALS as lived experiences rather than concepts. It’s rewarding to see them move from participation to ownership, and return ready to contribute meaningfully to their community.”

Student Livia Davenport, who attended the conference, reflected on her experience:

“I think the conference was a fantastic way to make friends and find people with the same interests. I learnt about Australian democracy as well as meeting people from different countries and hearing about their lifestyles and experiences.

What challenged me was having to find my voice to express my ideas in small group activities. I think it is important for everyone to find their voice and meet new people.”

The conference concluded with student reflection sessions, marking the end of a significant and enriching learning experience.

Australian Embassy in Athens marks ANZAC Day with solemn commemoration

The Greek Herald
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Australian Embassy in Athens marks ANZAC Day with solemn commemoration

The Australian Embassy in Athens has marked ANZAC Day with a solemn ceremony honouring those who served and died in defence of Greece during the Second World War.

Held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Athens, the service brought together diplomats, military officials, veterans and members of the Australian, New Zealand and Greek communities in a shared act of remembrance.

The cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of servicemen, including 584 Australians and 731 New Zealanders who lost their lives during the wartime campaign in Greece. Their sacrifice formed the central focus of the commemoration, with attendees paying tribute through wreath-laying and reflection.

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece hosted the ceremony, which was attended by a number of senior representatives from both countries. Among them were the Secretary General for International Economic Affairs, Dimitrios Skalkos, representing the Greek Government, and the Chief of Staff of the Hellenic Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Konstantinos Bouzos. Also present were representatives of the President of the Hellenic Republic, foreign diplomats, and the New Zealand Honorary Consul in Greece.

The service drew strong participation from veterans’ groups and commemorative organisations, including the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, alongside members of the Greek Australian and Greek New Zealand communities. Their presence reflected the enduring historical and cultural ties forged during the war.

The ceremony also featured contributions from the Hellenic Armed Forces Guard and Band, while students from local schools in Athens took part, reinforcing the importance of remembrance across generations.

As the service concluded, attendees were reminded of the lasting significance of ANZAC Day, not only as a moment to honour the fallen, but as a testament to the shared history between Greece, Australia and New Zealand.

“Lest we forget,” the Embassy said in its closing message.

Omeros Bros to reopen on Isle of Capri after Marina Mirage closure

The Greek Herald
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Omeros Bros to reopen on Isle of Capri after Marina Mirage closure

Iconic Gold Coast seafood restaurant Omeros Bros has confirmed its return, reopening at Isle of Capri after being forced to leave its long-time Marina Mirage home due to a $500 million redevelopment.

The 140-seat, family-run venue will open early next month in the former Isla Cantina space, next to Edgewater.

Brother and sister owners John and Sara Omeros said they were pleased to bring the restaurant back after the original site, which operated for more than 35 years, closed earlier this year.

“[Marina Mirage] had been there for 35 plus years and it was let go, so it needed to be knocked down,” Mr Omeros said.

“This [new location] is a bit more manageable for us. So this was a good opportunity for us to find a nice external aspect, on the water for a great demographic.”

The closure in January also saw other Gold Coast dining institutions exit the precinct as redevelopment began, with developer Makris Group transforming the site into a mixed-use hotel, residential and retail complex due to open in 2029.

At the new venue, Omeros Bros will continue serving signature dishes including curry prawns and bugs, alongside updated menu additions.

“We’ll bring some different things in, a few tweaks here and there just to modernise things and keep up with the times,” Mr Omeros said.

“My chefs are great and we’ve got the best barmen back on board, so our cocktails are going to be as good as it gets.”

The restaurant has signed a two-and-a-half-year lease at Isle of Capri, with an option for a further five-year extension plus renewal.

“We’ll be here for awhile,” Mr Omeros said, adding they would not rule out a future return to a redeveloped Marina Mirage.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin.

George Bardas Sydney home targeted in suspected firebombing attack

The Greek Herald
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George Bardas Sydney home targeted in suspected firebombing attack

The chief executive of major construction firm Hansen Yuncken, George Bardas, has had his Sydney home targeted in a firebombing in Putney, in what police are treating as a suspicious arson attack.

Emergency services were called to the property in the early hours of Thursday after a white SUV was seen alight in the driveway. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze and the home was evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.

“Police have established a crime scene, and an investigation into the cause of the fire has commenced,” NSW Police said. “Initial inquiries indicate the blaze is suspicious.”

Video circulated online through SCN WorldStar shows offenders smashing a vehicle window, pouring fuel at the entrance of the home and igniting it before fleeing while shouting, “F— you George!”

The footage also included a message claiming it was aimed at “George Bardas and any other builders that want to play dirty,” warning: “Stay out of our game and we’ll stay out of yours” and “Continue to test the waters and you’ll face repercussions.”

There is no suggestion Bardas is involved in any wrongdoing, only that he is a victim of crime.

Hansen Yuncken described the incident as “a criminal matter currently being investigated by NSW Police and other local authorities,” adding it was cooperating with investigators.

Investigations remain ongoing, with Ryde police continuing inquiries into the attack.

Source: SMH.

Consulate General of Greece in Sydney marks 100-year milestone with cultural program

The Greek Herald
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Consulate General of Greece in Sydney marks 100-year milestone with cultural program

The Consulate General of Greece in Sydney is marking a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 100 years since its establishment with a series of events reflecting its historical presence and ongoing contribution to the Greek Australian community.

The centenary commemorates May 20, 1926, when the first Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Leonidas Chrysanthopoulos, arrived in the city, formally establishing Greece’s diplomatic representation in New South Wales.

A program of cultural, academic and community events has been organised to honour the occasion, beginning on Saturday, May 23, at 10:30am with the presentation of a commemorative book by historian Panagiotis Diamantis. The publication traces the Consulate’s century-long history and contribution, drawing on a range of archival sources, including material from The Greek Herald. The event will be held at The Gallery – Events by Alpha in Sydney, with free admission.

The program continues on June 4 with a lecture by Fay Makantasi, Research Director at diaNEOsis, one of Greece’s leading think tanks. She will deliver an address analysing the economic and social dimensions of contemporary Greece, with further details regarding the time and venue to be announced.

On June 5 at 6:30pm, Greek and Greek Australian comedians will take part in “Battle of the Greeks: The Great Greek Comedy Roast,” a ticketed event at Darling Quarter. The performance will explore themes of identity, culture and diaspora through humour, bringing together perspectives from both Greece and Australia.

The centenary program will conclude on June 7 at 5:00pm with the theatrical performance “Lemonia,” to be staged at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville. Also a ticketed event, the production is based on real cassette recordings of a young Greek migrant woman in the 1970s, capturing the emotional realities of migration, distance and belonging.

Together, the events reflect both the historical significance of the Consulate General and its continued engagement with the Greek Australian community a century on.

Tributes flow for Darwin restaurateur Christo Phillipou

The Greek Herald
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Tributes flow for Darwin restaurateur Christo Phillipou

An outpouring of tributes has followed the sudden death of Christo Phillipou, a pioneering Darwin restaurateur whose vision helped reshape the city’s waterfront and hospitality culture.

Phillipou, remembered for his “dry wit, cheeky smile and warm friendly nature”, is being hailed as a key figure in transforming how Territorians and visitors experience Darwin.

He is credited with helping to lay the foundations for Stokes Hill Wharf’s evolution from an industrial port into a major tourism and dining precinct.

“It was Christo who had the vision that would transform Stokes Hill wharf from a working port into the vibrant market of restaurants now so popular with thousands of Darwin residents and tourists,” NT News outlined.

He established the landmark restaurant Christo’s on the Wharf, which operated while the site still functioned as a working port and is now closely associated with Darwin’s sunset dining culture.

“Thanks to Christo more than anyone, the Wharf Precinct is synonymous with sunsets, seafood, celebrations and connection.”

Phillipou also played a major role across Darwin’s wider dining scene, including his involvement in the opening of Hanuman in 1992 and operating Petite in the Mitchell Street precinct. He later transformed the former Sizzlers site into Ducks Nuts, now home to Sweethearts.

His career began with a family-driven leap into hospitality, after his mother Katie encouraged him to find work.

“So he leased a shop at Stuart Park and announced to mum Katie he was opening a restaurant,” with her reportedly responding, “but you can’t cook” and him replying, “No but you can.”

From there, he expanded across multiple Darwin CBD venues, often working alongside his mother, who helped produce a renowned Greek menu.

Phillipou also proposed ambitious waterfront and Esplanade dining concepts and is remembered as “a builder of places, a creator of experiences, and a believer in Darwin’s potential long before it became widely recognised.”

He is survived by Raelene, and his children Catherine, Alexandra and Nicholas.

Source: NT News.

Mitsotakis strengthens Greece-France ties with new defence and cooperation deals

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis strengthens Greece-France ties with new defence and cooperation deals

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has overseen the signing of nine agreements with France, marking a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation across defence, education, research and technology.

At a ceremony at the Maximos Mansion, Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, alongside a renewed defence and security cooperation agreement between the two countries.

Additional deals included a roadmap for closer foreign ministry coordination, agreements to boost vocational education, higher education and scientific research from 2026 to 2030, and a joint declaration to develop cooperation in nuclear technology.

The two sides also agreed to collaborate on digital ocean systems, defence innovation and military technologies, as well as a framework agreement for ongoing support of MICA missile systems.

Earlier, Mitsotakis hosted Macron at the Port of Piraeus, where the leaders visited the frigate Kimon.

The visit included a guard of honour and flypast by Rafale aircraft, before the leaders toured the vessel’s operations centre, planning room and bridge alongside senior defence officials from both countries.

Greek PM condemns White House dinner attack

The Greek Herald
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Greek PM condemns White House dinner attack

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has condemned the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, describing it as a stark reminder that violence must be rejected in democratic societies.

In a statement on Sunday, Mitsotakis said: “The attack during the White House correspondents’ dinner is a strong reminder that violence has no place in democracy.”

He expressed relief that those in attendance, including US President Donald Trump and the First Lady, were unharmed, but stressed the seriousness of the incident.

“It is a relief that the President of the United States, the First Lady and all the other that were there are safe, but such incidents can never be tolerated. The protection of democratic institutions is non-negotiable,” Mitsotakis said.

Trump likely target in White House dinner shooting as leaders call to end political violence

The Greek Herald
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Trump likely target in White House dinner shooting as leaders call to end political violence

US authorities believe President Donald Trump and members of his administration were likely targets of a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, as new details emerge from the president and witnesses.

Acting US Attorney-General Todd Blanche said early evidence suggests the alleged gunman, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California, was targeting administration figures when he opened fire near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night.

The suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives, was tackled and arrested after shooting a Secret Service officer. He is expected to face federal charges.

In a new interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump said he was unsure if he had been the intended target.

“I don’t know, it sounds to me I read a manifesto he’s radicalised, he was a Christian, a beliver and then he became an anti-christian, he had a change he’s been going through a lot based on what he wrote,” he said.

Trump added there had been prior concerns raised about the suspect.

“He was probably a pretty sick guy.”

Earlier, Trump described the accused as a “sick man” and praised law enforcement, saying officers “were outstanding, they stopped him cold”, while calling for “unity and healing” after what could be the third assassination attempt against him.

Investigators are examining a manifesto and other writings allegedly left by the suspect, with US media reporting the attack may have been politically motivated and directed at the Trump administration.

The incident has prompted renewed concern over political violence in the United States, with the White House stating: “this political violence has to end”.

Former president Barack Obama echoed the sentiment, urging Americans to “reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy” and adding: “I’m grateful to them – and thankful that the agent who was shot is going to be okay.”

Witnesses at the event described chaotic scenes as the shooting unfolded. Kerry Kennedy said there was a “tremendous sense of fear” inside the room.

“We heard this big bang and then suddenly people started yelling ‘get down get down get down’,” she said.

“Twenty or thirty of them and they all had their hands on their holsters and they were looking around like they didn’t know if there were many shooters in the room and there was this tremendous sense of fear and the unknown.”

“I was so scared, it was like my body could not move.”

Former Kansas senator Donald Betts said the incident reflects the risks of public office in the US.

“When you run for Federal office you get the death threats, you always panic,” he said.

“It is very difficult for public servants is t is a scary deal.”

Security experts say the case highlights the difficulty of detecting so-called “lone wolf” attackers. Former counterterrorism official Javid Ali said authorities would now examine all aspects of the suspect’s life.

“Nothing stopped this person from doing what they did until they were literally running through one of the security checkpoints at the Capitol Hilton. That’s when they got stopped,” he said.

Despite the breach, officials said the response prevented greater harm, with the suspect stopped before reaching the main ballroom where senior political leaders and journalists were gathered.

A planned four-day visit to the US by King Charles and Queen Camilla will proceed as scheduled, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

Paul Nicolaou leads Business Sydney push to halt Victoria Barracks sale

The Greek Herald
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Paul Nicolaou leads Business Sydney push to halt Victoria Barracks sale

Business Sydney has ramped up opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed sale of Victoria Barracks, with executive director Paul Nicolaou urging Defence Minister Richard Marles to withdraw the site from a broader $1.8 billion defence asset divestment program.

Nicolaou said the organisation “wish[es] to express strong opposition to the potential sale of Victoria Barracks in Paddington,” arguing the historic site is not a solution to Sydney’s housing needs.

“While we recognise Sydney’s need for more housing supply, the sale of Victoria Barracks, which is part of the historic fabric of Sydney and the centrepiece of Defence operations, is not the solution,” he wrote.

Nicolaou stressed the barracks should remain operational to preserve its 175-year-old heritage and its role in national security.

“Victoria Barracks should remain open to not only preserve its irreplaceable 175-year-old heritage as Australia’s premier colonial-era military site but also to maintain its crucial, active operational role,” he said.

“Far from being surplus property, the site is an important and secure base for the Australian Army in Sydney and, as such, critical for national security and crisis response.”

He also highlighted the barracks’ function as a hub for military training and its “direct command role” over a third of the army, questioning why Defence continues leasing CBD office space instead.

“It is difficult to understand why the Commonwealth is spending millions of dollars each year to lease office space at Defence Plaza in the heart of the CBD when those functions could be located at Victoria Barracks,” Nicolaou wrote.

“Business Sydney calls on the government to withdraw any plans for the sale of Victoria Barracks and to announce this as a matter of urgency to end the current uncertainty.”

Business Sydney joins a growing list of critics, including former Chief of Army Ken Gillespie and NSW RSL president Vincent Williams, who argue the sale could weaken military readiness and national security in Sydney.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

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