Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intervened after a controversial social media post by the Victorian ALP targeting Peter Dutton and his wife, Kirilly, was deemed inappropriate.
The post, which featured a manipulated newspaper image from 2019 with a quote from Ms Dutton saying, “He is not a monster,” was criticised as a personal attack.
The post, shared by the Victorian ALP’s social media at around 11am on Monday, December 30, was accompanied by the caption, “We all know that one couple,” making light of Ms Dutton’s comments about her husband.
The post sparked outrage, with Mr Dutton calling on Albanese and the Labor Party to respect his family and avoid personal attacks.
“I can assure you: the Liberal Party I lead will not be targeting Jodie Haydon,” Mr Dutton said in a statement, referring to Albanese’s fiancée. “I respect and like Jodie, but she is not an elected official and will not be the subject of humiliation, attack ads or public smear by the Liberal Party.”
In response to the backlash, Albanese’s office quickly ordered the post to be removed, with a spokesperson stating, “When the tweet was drawn to his attention, the Prime Minister demanded it be taken down. Families should be off-limits.”
Victorian ALP secretary Steve Staikos defended the post, insisting it was “not a personal attack at all,” but rather a “comedic meme.” When questioned about whether the image had been altered, Staikos disagreed, saying he did not believe it had been doctored.
However, the post was widely criticised by opposition members. Senator James Paterson, the opposition’s home affairs spokesman, labelled the post as “grubby gutter politics from a desperate government slipping in the polls.”
The incident comes amid plummeting poll numbers for Labor in Victoria, where recent figures show the Coalition has drawn level with Labor for the first time. Labor’s primary vote in the state has fallen to 30%, reflecting a nearly 5% swing against the government since the 2022 federal election.
With tensions running high ahead of the 2025 federal election, the controversy highlights the increasingly personal nature of the campaign.
Dancing the Labyrinth author Karen Martin woke up on Tuesday, December 31, to a tag on Facebook. She clicked on the Eyeland Book Awards page to the news that she had won in her category.
“If it’s on Facebook then it must be true,” she joked during an interview with The Greek Herald, adding that she “had a flush of happiness” after realising that she had won the prestigious international prize.
“Being a finalist was fantastic, and it felt good just to be shortlisted. More importantly, I am so pleased to have been acknowledged by the Greek community because that is my inspiration.”
Karen was just 14 years old when she found out that you could actually live on a Greek island, and she did this 40 years later. She picked Crete after sampling raki at a Greek taverna in Echuca while cycling through rural Victoria. Later she met Cretan restaurateur John Rerakis, and her fate was sealed.
“I am a true Philhellene,” she said.
As a self-published author, she says the award vindicates her.
“Initially, I was stuck on the traditional perspective that it would not be good enough unless traditionally published,” she said.
After a meeting with English-born, Greek-inspired bestselling author Kathryn Gauci, she saw the benefits of independent publishing and self-published Dancing the Labyrinth. She has followed the same route with its recently-published sequel, Delphi.
“I invest in myself and answer to myself. I employ editors, proofreaders, and cover designers and follow the direction I want. Also, my projects take two to three years to complete. I don’t need to push myself and can enjoy the process,” she said, adding that she views herself as an “indy author.”
While self-publishing has changed, Karen says that government funding has yet to catch up with what is happening on the street and is discriminatory for self-published authors.
“I hope self-published authors winning international awards such as this one can help turn that around,” she said, looking forward to a hopeful and abundant 2025.
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli found himself in the spotlight following an altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG. Kohli, who was seen intentionally bumping shoulders with Konstas, faced criticism from several former cricketers.
The clash occurred when Kohli, walking towards the other end of the pitch, collided with the 19-year-old Australian debutant after the 10th over of the opening session. The two exchanged words before the umpire intervened.
Kohli was subsequently fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct. However, Konstas and his family appeared to take the incident in stride.
In a light-hearted moment, Konstas was seen imitating the shoulder bump in front of fans at the MCG, with his brother, Billy, addressing the controversy during the match.
“I didn’t mind it – it added a bit of a spectacle to cricket, a bit of rugby league action going on in the cricket space,” Billy said. “Out on the field, Sam has got such a hard exterior, but off the field, he’s such a humble guy.”
The situation further seemed to be forgotten by both parties, as Kohli posed for photographs with Konstas’ brothers at a charity event hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on New Year’s Day.
The event, held at Kirribilli House in Sydney, was part of the Glenn McGrath Foundation’s celebrations, ahead of the fifth and final Test match of the series in Sydney.
Billy Konstas shared a picture of him and Kohli, both smiling and holding their thumbs up, with the caption: “Happy New Year! Thanks to Prime Minister Mr Albanese for his hospitality as well as celebrating the McGrath Foundation.”
Kohli and the Konstas brothers were also joined by Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for another photo.
The fifth Test of the series, scheduled for January 3-7 at the SCG, remains crucial for both teams, with India needing a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Australia only requires a draw to claim the title.
Football Australia has confirmed the appointment of 31 Australian match officials to the 2025 FIFA International Referee Lists.
Among the list are three Australians of Greek heritage including Joanna Charaktis, George Lakrindis, and Andrew Meimarakis.
The 2025 list reflects the retirement of long-standing, internationally respected Match Officials and includes two additional Australian Match Officials compared to last year. The minimal changes from the 2024 list highlights a period of stability for Australian Match Officials while also demonstrating continued international growth.
George Lakrindis. Photo: PFRA.
Key Retirements:
Ryan Gallagher:
Ryan,a distinguished figure in Australian refereeing, is set to officiate his final match as a Football Australia Match Official on Saturday, 4 January 2025 in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men clash between Newcastle Jets FC and Sydney FC.
Gallagher’s career highlights include serving as an A-League Men Assistant Referee from 2009 to 2025 and accumulating 201 matches. He is notably the fourth match official—whether as a referee, fourth official, or assistant referee—to reach 200 matches in the A-League Men competition.
His accomplishments extend internationally, having been a FIFA Assistant Referee from 2016 to 2024 and an AFC Elite Assistant Referee from 2017 to 2024. Gallagher also served as Reserve Assistant Referee for the 2022 AFC Cup Final.
Ryan Shepheard:
Australia’s most decorated Futsal Referee, has officially called time on his illustrious officiating career. His achievements include refereeing in three AFC Futsal Asian Cups (2010, 2022, 2024), where he served as an Assistant Referee in the 2010 Final and Referee in the 2022 Final. Shepheard also officiated the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2015, taking charge of the 3rd Place Play-Off as Second Referee.
On the world stage, Shepheard represented Australia in two FIFA Futsal World Cups (2021, 2024), officiating a Quarter-Final and a Semi-Final both as an Assistant Referee in 2021 and as Referee in 2024. He made history as the first Australian futsal referee to officiate a Semi-Final at a FIFA Futsal World Cup.
Shepheard’s legacy also includes being the first Australian futsal referee to officiate a Final at an AFC Futsal Asian Cup and the third Australian to referee an AFC Futsal Asian Cup Final on the pitch.
Joanna Charaktis.
New Appointees
Alongside these retirements, Football Australia announced the addition of new referees and assistant referees to the international list. This fresh talent promises to continue the legacy of excellence which has been long associated with Australian Match Officials.
Long-serving A-League Assistant Referee Arvin Shanmuganathan has been elevated to the FIFA International Referee list, alongside Dion Bradley, who has been confirmed as a FIFA Futsal Referee.
John Moss, Head of Referees at Football Australia, said: “The retirement of these outstanding match officials marks the end of a significant chapter in Australian football. Their dedication and professionalism have set a high standard and inspired a new generation of referees.”
“We are deeply grateful for their contribution to the game. Both have paved the way for Australian match officials on the field and we are looking forward to retaining their knowledge and experience as we shape a new generation of match officials,” Moss added.
“We are excited to introduce Arvin and Dion to the FIFA International Referee List who have both shown exceptional promise, and their new appointments signal Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to fostering talent and maintaining the high standards that Australian refereeing is known for.”
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, added: “These officials have represented Australian football with distinction on the world stage. Their dedication has played a key role in elevating the global standing of Australian refereeing. As they move on to new opportunities, we extend our best wishes and look forward to supporting the next generation of referees who will carry on this proud tradition, including those stepping onto the international scene for the first time.”
Andrew Meimarakis. Photo: Getty Images.
Australian Match Officials on the FIFA List of International Match Officials 2025
From visiting their local Greek Orthodox church to cutting the traditional Vasilopita surrounded by family and friends, here’s how some Greeks around Australia celebrated New Year’s Day in 2025.
New South Wales
On New Year’s Day, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Greek Orthodox parish of St Nicholas in Marrickville, Sydney, to exchange New Year’s wishes with the faithful in attendance.
Accompanied by the parish priest, Father Michael Tsolakis, and Father Socrates Dokos from the Resurrection of Christ Parish in Kogarah, Archbishop Makarios officiated the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ and the Feast of St. Basil the Great.
After the service, he led a prayer for the New Year and cut the traditional vasilopita for the parish. The congregation also sang the traditional New Year’s carols with great enthusiasm.
In his brief address, Archbishop Makarios wished everyone an abundance of God’s blessings for the New Year and strength to face the challenges ahead. He encouraged the faithful to set spiritual goals alongside their worldly aspirations.
Among those present were the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a Criminologist from Greece, Athanasios Kehagioglou. The Consul General delivered a short greeting, urging the congregation to “always keep the flag of Greece high, as you already do.”
Other parishes such as the Church of the Resurrection of Christ at Kogarah and St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church at Burwood also held Divine Liturgy services, followed by the annual cutting of the Vasilopita.
Victoria:
In Melbourne, the New Year and the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ were celebrated with reverence at the St Vasilios Greek Orthodox church in Brunswick. The service was presided by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
The celebrations began on the evening of December 31 with the Great Vespers, followed by Matins and the Divine Liturgy on January 1.
After the Liturgy, Bishop Evmenios blessed the vasilopita, wishing the attendees health, prosperity, and spiritual progress for the New Year.
Instead of a sermon, Archbishop Makarios’ New Year message was read aloud, offering words of encouragement, hope and spiritual guidance for the year ahead.
Australia Capital Territory:
In Canberra, Father Petros presided over the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, January 1 to mark the New Year and celebrate the feast of St Basil the Great.
Father Petros also cut the traditional vasilopita and distributed pieces to the congregation.
Nick Kyrgios’ hopes of competing in the Australian Open are uncertain after his wrist injury flared up following his first-round loss at the Brisbane International. The Australian was defeated by Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a thrilling match that went to three tie-breaks, with Kyrgios falling 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3) on Tuesday, December 31.
The 29-year-old, playing just his second singles match in two and a half years after recovering from a wrist injury, then teamed up with Novak Djokovic in doubles. The duo was defeated by top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in a nail-biting super tiebreak.
Despite the setbacks, Kyrgios admitted in a post-match press conference that his wrist injury had worsened, raising concerns about his fitness for the upcoming Australian Open.
Photo: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images.
Kyrgios, who underwent surgery for multiple issues in his hand and arm, said, “Not one tennis player has ever had this surgery and come back and tried to play again.” He described the recovery process as experimental with no clear protocol, adding, “It’s throbbing like sh*t right now. It’s very sore at the moment. We were expecting that. I’m going to do all the right things, and I’ll be playing doubles, for sure.”
Reflecting on his performance in Brisbane, Kyrgios expressed frustration, stating, “I felt I’d been hit by a bus after the doubles. It’s going to be a rough day tomorrow for my wrist. I was really excited for the Aus Open, and after today … the reality set in to be fair. I almost need a miracle and the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a grand slam.”
Despite the pain, Kyrgios emphasised his joy at being back on the court, especially in front of Australian fans. “I’m so happy to be part of the Australian summer again. I don’t take it for granted; going out there again playing a top player like that … smiling to myself knowing I’m right in the heat of the battle.”
A massive vasilopita, fit for the Guinness World Records, was unveiled in Town Hall Square in Peristeri, Athens, weighing in at an impressive 10 tonnes and 400 kilograms. The colossal cake, made up of more than 70,000 pieces, disappeared in just one hour as people eagerly grabbed their share.
The vasilopita was filled with hidden coins, offering gifts to the fortunate finders. To create this giant cake, over 9.5 tonnes of flour, 1,900 kilograms of oil, 5,700 eggs, 600 kilograms of sugar and 600 kilograms of powdered sugar were used.
In a festive celebration, Peristeri Mayor Andreas Pachaturidis, alongside municipal employees, distributed pieces to the crowd. Local bakers and students from the Public School of Bakery and Pastry in Galatsi contributed to the creation of the massive dessert.
A vehicle slammed into a crowd in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day, killing 10 people and injuring 35 others. The attack occurred around 3.15 am on Bourbon Street, in the city’s French Quarter, a major New Year’s Eve destination.
The driver, identified by the FBI as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, was killed in a shootout with police after he opened fire on responding officers. According to A Financial Review, two officers were injured but are in stable condition.
Photo: Gerald Herbert / AP.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan declared, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible.” Investigators also found a handgun, an AR-style rifle and potential explosives in Jabbar’s vehicle and in the French Quarter.
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick called the attack “intentional” and described Jabbar as “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
The incident unfolded as crowds gathered for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame at the nearby Superdome. Despite the tragedy, local authorities emphasised that security would be stepped up for the game.
The annual Charity Football Match is back for its 6th year, and brothers Yianni and Chrisos Mavromoustakos are once again stepping onto the pitch to raise money for children in need across Africa.
Taking place on Sunday, 19 January 2025, from 5pm at Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda, Sydney, the event promises a thrilling football showdown with a heartwarming purpose.
Funds raised during the match will support Paradise 4 Kids, a charity dedicated to aiding the vital missionary work of Greek Australian Bishop Themi Adamopoulos in Africa. The organisation focuses on providing food, clothing, and education to those in need.
Ahead of the big day, The Greek Herald spoke with Chrisos to learn more about the inspiration behind the event and what attendees can look forward to.
“Hosting a Charity Football Match created the perfect platform for bringing people together and making a positive impact while raising money for an amazing cause,” Chrisos said.
“We are deeply inspired by Bishop Themi’s dedication and the significant positive change he has brought to African communities. We are honoured and thrilled to support his efforts. Paradise 4 Kids ensures that almost all funds go directly to their charitable causes, with only a small portion used for administrative costs.”
The day itself promises to be a vibrant community event. Attendees can enjoy free food, free entry, live commentary, performances, and more. The event is open to people of all ages.
“This year we are honoured with the addition of guest and celebrity appearances, both on and off the pitch. With musician Timomatic and former professional footballer George Timotheou joining us, there will also be new, exciting prizes and half-time entertainment from local footballers,” Chrisos added.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this impactful event. Head to Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda on 19 January 2024, and join Yianni, Chrisos, and their teams in making a difference for those who need it most. Find out more here.
We’re coming to the end of 2024 and there have been some fantastic stories by journalists at The Greek Herald which have captured your attention.
From the rise of TikTok yiayia Effie Tzaferis to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia condemning the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, here’s our list of the 15 most read The Greek Herald stories for 2024.
Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Walking down Bay Street in the Sydney suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands on any normal weekday, you would see cars calmly driving past and locals sipping their coffee at nearby cafes. But Sunday, May 26 this year was not any ordinary day.
The festival marked the end of the 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney supported by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) and presented by the Bank of Sydney.
According to the ‘2024 HSC school ranking’ list provided by The Sydney Morning Herald, St Spyridon College at Maroubra ranked in 81st place in NSW. All Saints Grammar at Belmore was not far behind, claiming 91st place.
The pursuit of love has always been a universal thread connecting people, whether through chance encounters or carefully orchestrated arrangements. In generations past, love often intersected with practicality, leading to arranged marriages, or “proxenia marriages,” that secured not only a partner but also stability for families.
For many, arranged marriages were a blend of necessity and hope – sometimes leading to lifelong partnerships filled with harmony, like the enduring union of Katarina and Yianni, whose journey began with a whirlwind three-day courtship and blossomed into 47 years of companionship in rural Australia.
Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
“The Pontian House is a symbol of our Pontian culture, our roots, our heritage and our identity. We can proudly say that it is our second home,” young Pontian, Eleni Lambousis, said in a speech on Saturday, May 25 this year.
The comment drew loud applause from the crowd – which consisted of three generations of proud Pontian women, men and children – who were all there to support Pontoxeniteas NSW‘s ‘Winter Wonderland Fundraising Gala’ for its 45-year-old Pontian House.
Yiayia Effie Tzaferis was born for the camera. Sitting on her couch at home, her daughter Dimitra Mormanis and granddaughter Renee Mormanis conducted a practice run of her interview with The Greek Herald on camera… unbeknownst to us at the time.
Before long, the mock interview found its way to TGH Headquarters and naturally we had to make it a reality.
Having already prepped and primed for our interview, Ms Tzaferis got stuck right into telling The Greek Herald about how she feels so young in her 90s.
That first bite of Patricia K’s famous Gluten Free Lemon Cake will melt in your mouth like no other dessert. The texture of the cake, with the way the lemon melts in with the almond meal and the syrup, will make you want to slow down and savour every bite.
This superior taste is the result of years and years of 3am starts, consistent dedication and a passion for pastry making that began in a home garage more than 20 years ago, with one commercial oven.
The Greek Herald received more than 300 nominations for the Award this year. The nominations were carefully reviewed by an independent panel consisting of the Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou MP, the SA Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and the Arts, Andrea Michaels MP, and the CEO of Settlement Services International, Violet Roumeliotis AM. In the end, 15 finalists were selected.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
More than 9,000 Orthodox faithful filled the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney Theatre on Sunday, October 6 to take part in a historic Patriarchal Divine Liturgy presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The sacred liturgical event was concelebrated with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Assistant Bishops and clergy, and was held to mark the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
The Cyprus Community of NSW was put into administration this year.
Ernst & Young Australia (“EY Australia”) executives, Morgan Kelly and David Kennedy, were appointed Voluntary Administrators of the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd (The Cyprus Club) in September 2024.
Founded in 1929, The Cyprus Club is a social community club located in Stanmore, New South Wales. In addition to operating the Cyprus consular service, it operates a social club, Greek and dancing schools, the Saturday Café and other services. The Cyprus Club owns several real estate assets.
The Church of the Holy Trinity (Aghia Triada) in Surry Hills, Sydney – the oldest Greek Orthodox church in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere – reopened after extensive restoration and renovation. On Sunday, June 2, a large congregation gathered to celebrate the significant milestone.
The church is a heritage-listed building located on Bourke Street in Surry Hills. It was designed by C. R. Summerhayes and built from 1898 to 1931 by J. Noble. It has been given State Heritage Status by the New South Wales Government, and is managed by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW).
The former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA), Emmanuel Alfieris.
Tributes were flowing this year for the former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA), Emmanuel Alfieris who passed away suddenly at the age of 53.
Mr Alfieris passed away in Sydney on Wednesday, July 17 after a heart attack during a soccer match. He is survived by his dad George, wife Louise and two children.
Mr Alfieris was a much-loved member of Sydney’s Greek community, having been President of the KAA from 2018 to 2022. He also served as a volunteer and Board member at All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Belmore for a number of years.
Tension mounted among many members of the Greek diaspora in Australia as the final deadline of 30 November 2024 for registering properties with the Hellenic Cadastre approached.
Numerous Greek expatriates living in Australia expressed concerns over the possibility of losing their properties in Greece if they fail to complete the required procedures in time. The Greek Herald received several calls from its readers, highlighting this critical issue and noting a lack of sufficient information about the upcoming deadline.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia condemned a scene that mocked Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Da Vinci’s painting shows the moment when Jesus Christ declared that an apostle would betray him. The scene displayed on Friday, July 27 at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony featured DJ and producer Barbara Butch – an LGBTQ+ icon – surrounded by drag artists and performers.
In a statement, Archbishop Makarios said the Paris Olympics opening ceremony “featured scenes of irreverence that were offensive to Christianity and the Church.”
Father Nicholas Bozikis, a beloved figure in Sydney’s Greek Orthodox community, passed away this year at 79. Born in Zakynthos, Greece, in 1944, he moved to Australia in 1964 and served the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia for over 50 years. His ministry included roles at Holy Cross Parish in Wollongong, St Spyridon in Kingsford, and St Stephanos in Hurlstone Park.
Despite health challenges, he continued his service until 2018 and was honoured as Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne in 2021. Father Nicholas is remembered for his dedication to faith and family and is survived by his Presbytera, children, and grandchildren.
Vicar General of the Archdiocesan District of Brisbane, Bishop Emilianos of Meloa formally resigned from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) on Monday, June 3 this year.
