Several Greek Australians have been recognised in The Advertiser’s 2026 Power 1000, a comprehensive ranking of South Australia’s most influential figures across politics, business, sport and entertainment.
Dimi Kyriazis and Steve Kosmidis
Dimi Kyriazis.
At No. 77, Dimi Kyriazis and Steve Kosmidis were acknowledged for their takeover of iconic ice cream brand Golden North.
Kosmidis, who sold his X Convenience petrol station chain to BP in 2024, joined forces with Kyriazis to acquire the company.
The pair plan to relocate production from Laura to Murray Bridge, expand output of ice cream tubs and products such as Giant Twins, and explore opportunities in cheeses and other dairy products.
Chris Kourakis
Former Chief Justice Chris Kourakis ranked 73. One of the nation’s most experienced jurists, he retired in February 2026 after more than 40 years in law.
The son of Greek migrants from Ikaria to the Eyre Peninsula, he was admitted in 1982, made silk in 1997, served five years as Solicitor-General and became the state’s ninth Chief Justice, overseeing judicial administration and acting as the court’s spokesman.
His long-held ambition for a major court upgrade, however, remained unfulfilled.
Kayla Itsines
Fitness entrepreneur Kayla Itsines placed 72. The Sweat co-founder and head trainer commands nearly 16 million Instagram followers, has endorsements including Powerade, and has grown the app into more than 50 programs featuring 13,000 workouts.
Theo and Steve Maras
Property leaders Theo Maras and Steve Maras ranked 64. Through the Maras Group, they own significant property in Adelaide’s east end.
Theo chairs the Central Market Authority, while Steve chairs the Adelaide Economic Development Agency and serves on several boards.
Tom Koutsantonis
In politics, Tom Koutsantonis rose to No. 6 after returning as Treasurer in September following Stephen Mullighan’s retirement.
Described by Premier Peter Malinauskas in 2022 as “a loyal Labor lion,” he remains highly regarded in business circles, particularly for his Energy and Mining expertise, despite controversy over the shelved $593 million hydrogen power plant at Whyalla.
From 6 to 9 May 2026, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum returns to Limassol, Cyprus – not simply as another event on the international calendar, but as a defining moment in Cyprus’ evolving global story.
Now in its third edition, the Forum builds on the powerful legacy of its predecessors, continuing to position Cyprus as a dynamic centre for investment, innovation, and international collaboration.
What began as an ambitious initiative has rapidly matured into one of the most strategic and comprehensive gatherings connected to the island – a place where influence converges and futures are shaped – and this year, Australia is taking centre stage in shaping its global impact.
What began as an ambitious initiative has rapidly matured into one of the most strategic gatherings connected to the island.
According to Filli Kaoullas, Vice President of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Australian participation has expanded significantly in both scale and substance.
“The participation level from Australians has grown from strength to strength, and we have seen positive results come out of it, not only from the repatriation point of view, but meaningful strategic alliances such as the Cyprus–Australia chambers forging new pathways to boost business, innovation and diaspora ties,” she said.
“This growing engagement reflects a broader strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Australia – particularly in trade, investment, and innovation.”
A major milestone came in August 2025, when the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to deepen commercial relations and create new pathways for cross-border collaboration in emerging sectors.
The first official initiative under the MoU followed swiftly: an innovation and technology event held in Melbourne on September 4. Hosted in collaboration with Madgwicks Lawyers, the event featured keynote speaker Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, who presented the country’s strategic vision for research, innovation, and technological development.
This momentum is clearly reflected in the impressive delegation of Australian participants attending the Forum this year. Among them are:
Peter Abraam, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
George Georgiou, Co-founder and CEO of the CCCI in Australia
James Demetriou AM, Executive Chair, Innovator, Director
Chris Christofi, Founder and CEO of Reventon
Marina Papas, Head of Corporate and Commercial Team at Madgwicks Lawyers
Dr Steven Petratos, Senior Research Fellow and Laboratory Head, Regenerative Neuroscience & Development Group
George Fokas, Global Stock Market Educator and Investing Strategist
Effie Athanassiou and Costas Athanassiou of Cyprusays®
Prof. Dr. Maria Krambia-Kapardis, Professor of Forensic Accounting at the Cyprus University of Technology
Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, Founder, author, educator, and HR professional
Costa Constanti, Director of CONSTANTi.org, Assistant Director, Diplomatic Academy Cyprus
Elly Symons, Vice President, Australian Parthenon Committee, Cultural Heritage Activist
“As participation continues to expand and collaboration deepens across sectors, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum stands as a powerful catalyst for international partnership – with Australia emerging as one of its most dynamic and influential contributors,” Kaoullas stated.
“This year’s gathering not only reflects the strength of diaspora engagement but also demonstrates how strategic global connections can translate into real-world outcomes in business, research, innovation, and community development.”
Chris Christofi.Marina Pappas.Some of the Australian contingent this year.
Where opportunity becomes reality
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum offers a rare 360-degree view of the country’s economic, cultural, and technological landscape. It is where leading professionals, global investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and institutions meet with a shared purpose: to transform connection into action.
The Forum is attracting serious international attention – and not merely symbolic interest. Investors are arriving with intent. Many are exploring relocation to Cyprus, identifying opportunities within local businesses and franchises, forming cross-border partnerships, and integrating advanced technologies into financial and operational systems.
Participation is not just about presence – it is about positioning. For organisations and individuals alike, the Forum represents direct access to high-value networks, strategic partnerships, and tangible business growth.
The Forum is where leading professionals, global investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and institutions meet with a shared purpose.
A programme that reflects global influence
“The 2026 programme promises to be one of the most ambitious yet. Across four immersive days, participants will engage with an extraordinary range of global voices – from internationally recognised entrepreneurs and industry pioneers to leading thinkers in artificial intelligence, finance, medicine, energy, education, and digital innovation,” Kaoullas explained.
“High-level keynotes, fireside discussions, and specialised masterclasses will explore the forces reshaping economies and societies – including AI, fintech, medtech, cybersecurity, e-commerce, culture, and sustainable development. A dedicated masterclass will examine Cyprus’ growing role as an EU gateway for technological excellence, offering practical insight into the island’s expanding innovation ecosystem.”
Repatriation and talent return will also feature prominently through collaboration with the government’s Minds in Cyprus programme – a strategic effort to encourage highly skilled Cypriots abroad to return and contribute to the country’s future.
Recognition, Celebration, and Global Visibility
The experience begins with an opening ceremony and VIP cocktail reception at the iconic AMARA Hotel, setting the stage for days of high-level engagement.
The CYDIA Awards are a hit.
It concludes with one of the most anticipated highlights of the international diaspora calendar – the prestigious CYDIA Awards Gala Dinner. This landmark event honours exceptional individuals of Cypriot heritage whose work has made a profound global impact across business, science, culture, and society.
Nominations remain open until 31 March 2026, with the celebration culminating in an elegant evening of recognition, entertainment, and world-class performances.
More than an event – A defining global platform
Founded by Paul Lambis, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum has grown into far more than a networking platform. It is a catalyst for long-term investment, innovation, and sustainable growth. It aligns diaspora knowledge, influence, and capital with Cyprus’ strategic sectors – from energy and tourism to fintech, research, health sciences, and green technologies.
Paul Lambis, Founder and CEO of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum.Filli Kaoullas, Vice President of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum.
“It is where entrepreneurs find investors, where ideas become ventures, and where global ambition meets national opportunity,” Kaoullas concluded.
For those seeking to engage with Cyprus’ future – not from the sidelines, but at the centre – the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 is an unmissable moment.
Educators who teach the Greek language in Melbourne schools were formally recognised at a special awards ceremony held on Sunday, February 23, at Axion Esti in Northcote.
The event was organised by the Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria and brought together teachers, academics and community members to acknowledge the vital role educators play in preserving Greek language and culture.
Addressing those present, Association President Despina Saranti praised all Greek language teachers for their dedication, noting that many work under challenging conditions. She emphasised that their efforts contribute significantly to the maintenance of the Greek language, traditions and broader cultural heritage.
She explained, however, that the distinctions were awarded to educators who go “something more” beyond their teaching duties – a criterion that formed the basis for this year’s selections.
The awards were presented by Dr Stavroula Nikoloudi of La Trobe University, who congratulated the recipients and commended their commitment to Greek language education.
The ceremony was accompanied by a musical programme by musician Mr Kapralos, adding warmth to the evening. Literary contributions also featured, with Chrysoula Stamopoulou reading an excerpt from Report to Greco by Nikos Kazantzakis, while Niki Farfara Paschou reflected on the poem To the Teacher by Kostis Palamas.
The educators recognised on the evening were:
Loukia Andreou
Koula Antoniou
Amalia Vasiliadi
Christina Gliogou
Eleni Dimitriou
Dionysia Diakodimitriou
Connie Diakodimitriou
Marianna Theodosi
Voula Imbrizimi
Maria Kefalidou
Stella Lamprou
Effie Bintevi
Ourania Papageorgiou
Androula Papakonstantinou
Christina Soumi
Natasa Spanos
Giota Stavridou
Toula Terazaki
Niki Farfara Paschou
Mary Christofidi.
The ceremony highlighted not only individual excellence but also the collective impact of Greek language educators in sustaining linguistic and cultural continuity for future generations in Melbourne’s Greek community.
The Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki “Aristotelis” of NSW held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, February 22 with a Vasilopita cutting and committee elections.
The day was described as a success despite “mixed emotions” following the departure of long-serving committee member Vicky Stamatiou.
Organisers said Ms Stamatiou had contributed to the association for decades and thanked her for giving “so much to our association,” adding she and her husband Mimi would continue to offer their support.
Katherine Theofanopoulos was welcomed to the committee, recognised for her years of membership and “great knowledge on many things that will be worthy to our association.”
The committee remains unchanged otherwise: President Costa Dantos, Vice President Jenny Kaporis, Secretary Alexandra Poulos, Treasurer John Tratselas, and committee members Artemis Kelezis, Bill Dantos, Carol Stavropoulos, George Tratselas, Joanna Arnis, Katherine Theofanopoulos and Vicky Tsakirou. George Tratselas won the flouri and a $50 gift voucher.
The Brotherhood also thanked the Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas for hosting the event at its Earlwood hall and for an “insightful lecture on the Akrites of Pontos,” as well as members who attended “for the food, coffee and parea in the huge heat,” and Alexandra Poulos for preparing the Vasilopita.
Meanwhile, the group’s Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury bus trip on Sunday, March 15, is expected to sell out imminently, with members urged to book urgently.
The vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of Greece took centre stage at the Adelaide Fringe as the Garden Feast, in partnership with the Hellenic Studies Foundation, hosted a spectacular one-night-only celebration marking World Greek Language Day.
Officially recognised by UNESCO in 2025, World Greek Language Day acknowledges Greek as a foundational language of civilisation and education, celebrated globally each year on February 9.
The Greek Table Feast brought together food, performance, language and culture in a high-profile Fringe event celebrating the enduring legacy of the Greek language in Australia.
The evening featured acclaimed celebrity chef George Calombaris, who showcased his passion for Greek cuisine, alongside beloved comedian and cultural icon Mary Coustas, who served as Master of Ceremonies in her iconic role as Effie, and entertaining the 500 guests with her beloved character.
To further honour World Greek Language Day, the Hellenic Studies Foundation, in partnership with the Greek Consulate General in Adelaide, proudly commissioned and facilitated the statewide student video competition, “You Speak Greek, Did You Know?”.
The competition invited students across South Australia to demonstrate how Greek is used in everyday life — at home, at school, with friends and within the broader community — while highlighting the language’s profound influence on English and its global impact.
First prize winners were formally presented with their awards at the Greek Table Feast.
In the Primary School Category, congratulations were extended to Prophet Elias Greek School students — Billy, Leonidas, Peter, Rafael, Anastasia and Rosaria — under the guidance of their teacher, Aleka Papakostas.
Their creative and engaging video offered an entertaining and insightful demonstration of how Greek words extend far beyond borders and continue to shape everyday language around the world.
Taking out First Prize in the High School Category was Norwood International High School, led by teacher Maria Batzavalis. Congratulations to Adam, Aayan, Anna and Stefan, whose thoughtful and well-researched presentation showcased impressive linguistic skill and a deep appreciation for Greek heritage.
The competition not only celebrated language learning, but also honoured the extraordinary cultural legacy of Greek — a language that has shaped philosophy, science, medicine, democracy and the arts for thousands of years — ensuring its continued vibrancy for generations to come.
This one-night celebration delivered exceptional food, live entertainment and meaningful cultural connection — a true feast for the senses at the heart of Adelaide Fringe.
A joint ceremonial session of the Hellenic Parliament has formally recognised the decisive role played by the Greek diaspora and academic community in securing UNESCO’s historic recognition of World Greek Language Day.
Held in the Senate Chamber at the invitation of the President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, the session brought together senior government officials, MPs from across the political spectrum, diplomats and leading scholars from Greece and the global Diaspora.
The event marked UNESCO’s unanimous decision on 12 November 2025 to designate February 9 – the anniversary of the death of national poet Dionysios Solomos – as World Greek Language Day, recognising the enduring contribution of the Greek language to global civilisation.
Among those present were Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs responsible for Diaspora Ioannis–Michail Loverdos, Deputy Minister for Education Konstantinos Vlasis, and Greece’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Georgios Koumoutsakos, who played a central diplomatic role in advancing the initiative internationally.
The session was jointly organised by the Special Standing Committee on Hellenism of the Diaspora and the Standing Committee on Cultural and Educational Affairs.
Addressing the chamber, Ambassador Koumoutsakos called on Greek communities, the Church and the business sector worldwide to actively and financially support the global promotion of the Greek language.
Particular emphasis was placed on the contribution of diaspora academics who, over recent years, prepared studies, research and documentation that underpinned Greece’s diplomatic campaign at UNESCO. These efforts, speakers noted, were instrumental in mobilising international consensus.
From Australia, Anastasios Tamis, Professor of Social Linguistics and History of the Greek Diaspora, was singled out for his pivotal role. According to Ambassador Koumoutsakos and fellow academics, Professor Tamis’ sustained advocacy proved decisive during the final stages of the campaign.
During the session, reference was also made to Professor Tamis’ earlier public criticism of the Australian Government after it abstained from a key UNESCO vote in April 2015 relating to the Greek language – a stance that was later reversed in November of the same year.
In an excerpt from his address to Parliament, Professor Tamis described UNESCO’s recognition as a milestone with far-reaching implications, noting that Greek is the only language of the Western world with an uninterrupted written and spoken history of more than 3,500 years and the sole ancient language still in continuous use today.
He argued that the recognition should serve as a catalyst for a coordinated global effort to revitalise and promote Greek as a living, creative language, particularly in the formation of new scientific and technological concepts. He also underscored that Greek is the only language to have received global institutional recognition specifically for its contribution to humanity.
Speakers further highlighted that the original idea for a World Greek Language Day emerged from the diaspora in 2014, before being formally recognised by the Hellenic Parliament in 2017 and ultimately elevated to global status through UNESCO.
The session concluded with a clear message: while the international recognition of the Greek language marks a historic achievement, its long-term impact will depend on sustained action by the Greek state and the global diaspora to ensure that Greek remains relevant, taught and actively used in the modern world.
Pharmaceutical billionaire Dennis Bastas has lodged plans for a $38.5 million renovation of Coonac, Melbourne’s most expensive house, which sold last year for more than $100 million.
The heritage-listed Italianate mansion in Toorak – dating to the 1860s and built for pastoralist and financier Robert Bruce Ronald – would be partially demolished under the proposal, with a double-storey rear extension, basement expansion for car parking and amenities, and a modification to the front fence to allow an extra vehicle access point.
The demolition would remove the tennis court, pool and pool house, parts of the masonry fence, gardens to the south and west of the service wing, and a series of non-original additions including the conservatory, first-floor balcony and alterations to facades.
The proposal states the demolition would be limited to non-original additions and that the original fabric of Coonac would be retained.
The new extension, rising 10.6 metres and designed to sit lower than the main eastern building so as not to dominate the heritage dwelling, would feature stone finishes in light tones and limestone solid blocks.
Plans include multiple living areas, dining and lounge rooms, a family room, study/library and kitchen opening to a terrace, with five bedrooms, bathrooms, a sitting room, mezzanine and retreat upstairs.
The home was sold by logistics boss Paul Little and Jane Hansen, chancellor of the University of Melbourne, in a deal tipped at between $115 million and $135 million, though the price will be confirmed at settlement.
While Bastas initially denied knowledge of the transaction, planning documents list Gina Bastas as the permit applicant and name Dennis Bastas as a client on landscape drawings.
Greek Australians have renewed calls for Greece to entrench postal voting and establish a dedicated overseas electorate, arguing that the reform is long overdue for a diaspora that has been sustained for decades by Australian institutions rather than its ancestral homeland.
Appearing before a parliamentary committee in Athens, representatives of Greek communities from across the world overwhelmingly backed the Interior Ministry’s bill, which provides for postal voting and the creation of a three-seat overseas constituency.
Among them was President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Bill Papastergiadis OAM, who described the proposal as a positive and necessary step toward restoring democratic equity for Greeks abroad.
Mr Papastergiadis stressed that Greek Australians, in particular, have long demonstrated loyalty to Greece despite receiving little institutional recognition in return.
“When Australian governments support and nurture our community through grants for schools and cultural events, the least Greece can do is embrace its citizens with basic rights,” he said.
He also rejected narratives that frame overseas Greeks as detached or privileged voters, noting the historical reality of migration to Australia.
“Greece’s citizens didn’t leave in the 1950s and 1960s because they wanted to or needed a holiday. They left out of sheer necessity to survive. All of them left with the dream to return to their homeland,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“Greece must now, by allowing its citizens to vote, extend its hand and welcome them back.
“It’s paradoxical for us in the diaspora to have the Victorian Government fund the construction of replicas of the Parthenon Marbles adorning our 15-storey cultural centre, whilst our homeland fails to support basic democratic principles such as the right to vote.”
Support for the bill was echoed by diaspora leaders from Europe and beyond, including representatives from Germany, France, Sweden, Belgium and Argentina, all of whom described postal voting and an overseas electorate as long-standing and justified demands.
Interior Minister Thodoris Livanios urged all parliamentary parties to approve the legislation swiftly, arguing that it would allow the new arrangements to apply at the next national election rather than being delayed further. He dismissed claims that overseas Greeks would not bear the consequences of their vote, stressing that every citizen has an equal right to participate in democratic decision-making.
While some reservations were raised – including concerns about proportionality and the structure of overseas constituencies – Livanios emphasised that the three-seat model was an initial framework and did not prevent parties from expanding diaspora representation in the future.
For Greek Australians, however, the issue is less about technical detail and more about recognition.
After generations of preserving language, culture and national identity thousands of kilometres from Athens, community leaders argue that Greece now faces a clear choice: either fully embrace its global citizenry or continue to leave millions of Greeks abroad on the margins of its democracy.
ICAC Commissioner John Hatzistergos has renewed his push for permanent powers to investigate illegally recorded private conversations, raising the issue in a meeting last week with NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane.
ICAC was granted temporary powers in 2023 during “Operation Rosny” into fugitive developer Jean Nassif, but those powers expire on June 30.
The Minns government has since introduced fresh legislation to make them permanent, including provisions allowing police and ICAC to use hidden body-worn camera footage and to protect individuals who hand over illegal recordings, provided they were not involved in making them.
The Coalition and Greens previously voted down similar legislation, with Liberal Susan Carter stating: “In a free society, surely we should be able to assert limits on surveillance and protect our privacy.”
While Sloane would not comment on her meeting with Hatzistergos, her spokeswoman said the bill remains “too wide” but the Coalition is open to negotiating reforms that give ICAC “appropriate powers to tackle and eliminate corruption in NSW.”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has officially locked in his trip to Australia, with visits to Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra to coincide with the March 25 Greek Independence Day celebrations.
According to ieidiseis.gr, the schedule has now been finalised after earlier uncertainty in Athens, where officials at the Maximos Mansion had been awaiting developments regarding a potential meeting between Mitsotakis and the President of the United States Donald Trump.
That meeting is now expected to take place at a later date, clearing the way for the Prime Minister to commit fully to Australia and attend major national day events with the Greek diaspora.
The visit is expected to carry both symbolic and political weight. Alongside his participation in commemorations marking the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, Mitsotakis will use the trip to highlight his government’s flagship initiative granting voting rights to Greeks living abroad – a reform in which the government continues to invest significant political capital.
According to reports in Greece, the Prime Minister’s office is already actively identifying prominent members of the diaspora with strong public profiles, as part of broader efforts linked to the formation of a New Democracy-affiliated diaspora ticket.
First revealed by The Greek Herald
The Greek Herald was the first to report on Mitsotakis’ intention to travel to Australia around March 25, following an informal exchange with members of the Greek diaspora in central Athens earlier this year.
During a walk through the city, the Prime Minister extended New Year wishes to expatriates and revealed plans to align a visit to Australia with the national celebrations. The comments came after he attended the official New Year doxology, before meeting with senior state figures at a café in Kolonaki.
The proposed visit follows a long-standing invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has previously invited Mitsotakis to Australia as an official guest, underscoring the close bilateral relationship between the two countries and Australia’s deep ties with the Greek diaspora.
With the itinerary now confirmed, Mitsotakis’ presence is expected to attract significant interest and attendance across Australia’s major Greek community centres, as he joins one of the most important annual commemorations on the Hellenic calendar.
