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Drug cartels use mini whale submarines to smuggle cocaine into Australia via Cyprus

The Greek Herald
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Drug cartels use mini whale submarines to smuggle cocaine into Australia via Cyprus

International drug traffickers are reportedly using sophisticated, whale-shaped submarines to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia.

According to The Australian, criminal syndicates, including Italian mafia, South American cartels and bikie gangs, are employing advanced underwater technology to bypass detection.

The so-called “whale vessels” are designed to look like real marine animals and can carry large quantities of drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl.

Photo: Tom Huntley.

These vessels are transported on cargo ships and dropped off in international waters before smaller boats retrieve them to deliver the drugs onshore. Authorities say successful tests of these vessels have already taken place off the coasts of New South Wales and Western Australia.

The vessels originating from a number of ports in Europe and South America, including Cyprus, are part of a new wave of drug smuggling techniques that aim to evade traditional detection methods.

Australian law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), are actively monitoring these emerging threats.

Source: The Advertiser.

Andrew Liveris takes possession of high-profile salt asset in WA

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Andrew Liveris takes possession of high-profile salt asset in WA

Brisbane Olympic Games chairman Andrew Liveris has secured significant backing for his $375 million push into industrial salt production through his company, Leichhardt Industrials Group.

The company acquired Rio Tinto’s Lake MacLeod salt asset in Western Australia on December 2, attracting high-profile investors, including South Sydney Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas and several wealthy Australian families including the Bardas’.

Photo: Rio Tinto.

Corporate filings reveal that $242 million in new shares were issued in Leichhardt on the same day, with notable investors including members of the Kailis family, known for their seafood empire, and heirs to the late Victor Smorgon’s fortune.

Pappas himself subscribed for over $1.5 million in shares, while partners from law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler and financial firm Global Credit Investments also participated.

Lake MacLeod, located nearly 1,000km north of Perth, produces salt and gypsum through natural evaporation processes. The salt produced is in high demand, particularly for industries like battery manufacturing.

Source: The Financial Review.

Samaras Group propose new apartment building in Adelaide’s Hyde Park

The Greek Herald
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Samaras Group propose new apartment building in Adelaide’s Hyde Park

A five-storey residential building has been proposed for 290 Unley Rd in Hyde Park, offering 10 high-end apartments, including a spacious penthouse with views of the CBD and inner-south suburbs.

The project, planned by Samaras Group, is set to replace the bike shop, chiropractor and shoe store currently on the site.

The building will feature one, two and three-bedroom units ranging from 73 to 141sqm, with expansive private balconies exceeding minimum requirements.

The top-level penthouse, spanning 213sqm, will include three bedrooms, a wine cellar, media room and three balconies. The ground floor will house a cafe and undercover carpark, with 15 carparks and bicycle storage.

Artist impression for proposed five-storey residential building for 290 Unley Road at Hyde Park. Photo: SMFA.

As part of the development, three trees in the current rear carpark would be removed, as they are deemed to have no “important” contribution to the site.

The project will also include alternative greening methods like green walls due to limited space for landscaping in the compact, urban location.

This proposal is the second apartment project on Unley Rd in just weeks, following plans for a seven-storey, 15-unit building closer to the CBD.

The public has until January 17 to submit feedback on the new development.

Source: The Advertiser.

Pressure on Victorian ALP’s Steve Staikos after Peter Dutton meme backlash

The Greek Herald
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Pressure on Victorian ALP’s Steve Staikos after Peter Dutton meme backlash

The Coalition has demanded consequences for Victoria’s ALP state secretary, Steve Staikos, after a personal meme targeting Peter Dutton and his wife was posted on social media.

According to The Australian, Staikos is believed to have approved the post, which quickly sparked outrage and was removed following intervention by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The meme, which featured a manipulated newspaper image from 2019 with a quote from Ms Dutton saying, “He is not a monster,” was criticised for crossing a line in political discourse.

Opposition Home Affairs spokesman James Paterson has called for Staikos to face consequences, questioning why Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Albanese have not acted more decisively.

Source: The Australian.

Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chora celebrates New Year with Vasilopita cutting

The Greek Herald
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Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chora celebrates New Year with Vasilopita cutting

The Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chora hosted its traditional Vasilopita cutting at the Holy Monastery of “Axion Esti” on Friday, January 3.

The event was attended by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora and His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, as well as distinguished guests including Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou MP and Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis.

Representatives from St. John’s College in Preston and Aetolian College of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia were also present.

During the ceremony, the New Year’s message of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was read aloud, with his well wishes extended to all attendees.

Following the service, food and refreshments were served in the church courtyard, providing an opportunity for guests to share well wishes and reinforce the spirit of unity within the Orthodox community.

The Vasilopita coin was found by Marina Katsantonis.

India slams Australia for being ‘soft’ over Sam Konstas incident

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India slams Australia for being ‘soft’ over Sam Konstas incident

Indian coach Gautam Gambhir has hit back at suggestions that his team intimidated Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches.

Gambhir criticised the Australian camp for describing the confrontation as “intimidating,” calling it an example of Australia being “soft.”

The tension flared on day one of the decisive SCG Test when Konstas, trying to waste time late in the day, was involved in a heated exchange with Jasprit Bumrah after Usman Khawaja’s dismissal.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed concern for the 19-year-old’s welfare following the incident, but Gambhir dismissed the claims.

“It’s a tough sport played by tough men. You can’t be that soft,” Gambhir said, adding that Konstas had “no right” to engage with Bumrah. “He had no business to be involved with Jasprit Bumrah, that was a job for the umpire.”

Photo:  David Gray / AFP.

Gambhir also played down the physical confrontation between Virat Kohli and Konstas at the MCG, noting, “Whatever happened, happened,” and suggesting such incidents were nothing new in cricket.

While Gambhir acknowledged Konstas’ potential, he advised the teenager to adjust his aggressive style to the demands of Test cricket.

“Test cricket is all about improving every day,” Gambhir remarked. “Sometimes you can’t just go out there and keep smashing from ball one. You’ve got to respect red-ball cricket.”

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, defended Konstas, praising his confidence and resilience.

“You’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play a few cricket shots,” Cummins said. “He’s been really good this series. He’s stood up for himself when he needed to.”

Despite the ongoing tensions, Gambhir noted that Konstas’ early performances, including a promising half-century at the MCG, showed his potential. “That’s why he’s playing Test cricket,” Gambhir concluded.

Source: ABC News.

Rain fails to dampen spirits at Rosebud’s Blessing of the Waters

The Greek Herald
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Rain fails to dampen spirits at Rosebud’s Blessing of the Waters

Despite rainy conditions, hundreds gathered at Rosebud Pier in Victoria on Monday, January 6, for the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by Papa Lefteris.

papa lefteris rosebud epiphany

Papa Lefteris has continued to perform the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony every year, despite being defrocked by the Ecumenical Patriarchate due to “a series of ecclesiastical and canonical offenses he committed.”

papa lefteris rosebud epiphany
Panagiotis Vasilopoulos from Brunswick successfully retrieved the cross.
papa lefteris rosebud epiphany
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis.

This year’s Blessing of the Waters ceremony commenced at noon, with Papa Lefteris leading prayers and blessings, before the traditional dive to retrieve the Holy Cross. This year, Panagiotis Vasilopoulos from Brunswick successfully retrieved the cross.

papa lefteris rosebud epiphany
papa lefteris rosebud epiphany

Following the ceremony, festivities commenced including music by DJ Chris and a spirited performance by the Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture, which showcased traditional Greek dances.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis

‘Angriest I’ve ever been’: Ange Postecoglou says after Tottenham loses again

The Greek Herald
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‘Angriest I’ve ever been’: Ange Postecoglou says after Tottenham loses again

Newcastle extended their winning streak to five Premier League games with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, further deepening the struggles of Ange Postecoglou‘s injury-hit side.

Spurs took the lead in the fourth minute through Dominic Solanke, but Newcastle responded swiftly, with Antony Gordon curling a shot into the bottom corner just two minutes later.

Tottenham were furious when Joelinton appeared to handle the ball in the build-up to the goal, but VAR upheld the decision, deeming the handball accidental.

The controversy continued when Dan Burn, already on a yellow card, avoided a second booking for a handball in the centre circle, igniting further protests from the Tottenham bench.

Photo: Getty Images.

Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead just before halftime, scoring what would prove to be the winner.

The victory leaves Newcastle in fifth place, with a potential Champions League spot in sight, while Spurs have slumped to 12th after five defeats in their last seven matches.

A visibly frustrated Postecoglou said, “I’m the angriest I think I have ever been in my career,” adding, “On any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game. Simple as that.”

Source: The Advertiser.

Blessing of the Waters ceremony marks Epiphany in Darwin

Andriana Simos
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Blessing of the Waters ceremony marks Epiphany in Darwin

The Greek Orthodox community of Darwin in the Northern Territory gathered at the city’s Waterfront on Sunday, January 5, to mark the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony as part of Epiphany celebrations.

Presided over by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, the ceremony honoured the baptism of Christ and the sanctification of the waters, a significant tradition in the Orthodox Christian faith.

A highlight of the day was the traditional dive to retrieve the Holy Cross. This year, Chris Townsend, a member of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, successfully retrieved the cross, earning congratulations and applause from the gathered crowd.

The ceremony was organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, and was attended by a number of officials including NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill; NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby; Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling MP; and the Country Liberal Party candidate for Solomon, Lisa Bayliss.

Large delegations from Cretan organisations across Australia and New Zealand were also in attendance as they were in Darwin for their annual convention. Organisations included the World Council of Cretans, the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, the Cretan Association of Northern Territory, the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, and the Cretan Association of Tasmania.

As the weekend drew to a close, attendees departed with a sense of unity and pride in their shared heritage, strengthened by the spiritual and cultural significance of the cherished annual event.

Albanian Orthodox archbishop in critical condition in Athens hospital

The Greek Herald
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Albanian Orthodox archbishop in critical condition in Athens hospital

Archbishop Anastasios, the 95-year-old head of the Albanian Orthodox Church, remains in critical condition after being airlifted to a hospital in Athens, Greece for treatment, Evangelismos Hospital confirmed on Sunday, January 5.

The Archbishop, who was initially admitted to a hospital in Tirana with a “seasonal virus” on Tuesday, December 31, was transferred to Greece on Friday evening due to complications.

According to the hospital’s medical report, “His Beatitude’s condition is assessed as critical by the attending physicians.” However, his condition was described as “stable despite his already complicated medical history” on Saturday, January 4.

It was later reported that he was also suffering from gastric bleeding.

Anastasios, who has led the Albanian Orthodox Church for over three decades, is credited with revitalising the Orthodox Church in predominantly Muslim Albania. His airlift to Athens was carried out on a C-27 Greek Air Force plane following a request from Greek emergency services.

In an expression of solidarity, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the hospital on Sunday, January 5, to receive an update on the Archbishop’s health.

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