A retreat for war veterans on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is up for sale due to the declining health of its founder, retired Warrant Officer Class One John, who has vowed to continue supporting fellow soldiers even if the property changes hands.
John, a former sniper with 17 years of military service in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Russia, and Crete, established The Unknown Soldier retreat near Foul Bay with his wife Lisa seven years ago.
The 43-hectare farm stay offers free accommodation to veterans and their families, with access to nature, animals, fresh produce, a gym, and the coastline.
“I would love to stay here until I die but I need to be closer to hospital,” said John, 63, who suffers from heart issues, stroke-related complications, and radiation poisoning.
“If someone else is not going to run this then I will get a smaller place closer to the city and set it up exactly like this.”
Photo: The Unknown Soldier SA / Facebook.
John said the retreat was inspired by a pact made with fellow soldiers on his last tour. “That’s a promise made in blood,” he told Real Estate.
The property, featuring a three-bedroom sandstone home and guest accommodations, is listed with Urban and Rural Partners for $1.75 million to $2 million.
If a buyer chooses not to continue the veteran-focused mission, John plans to open a similar retreat closer to medical facilities.
“You can keep busy here,” he said of the retreat’s benefits for mental health. “When you stay busy, you don’t think about the hardships… But it’s also very secluded… sometimes that’s what you need to capture your thoughts.”
A state of emergency has been declared in the village of Voutes, in Heraklion, Crete, following intense landslides that caused significant ground fissures over the past 24 hours.
The declaration, issued by Greece’s General Secretariat for Civil Protection, is aimed at managing the consequences of the sudden geological activity and will remain in effect for one month.
Cracks have appeared in at least 15 houses, roads, the local church, and the village playground—spanning a stretch of approximately 150 metres—prompting on-site inspections and evacuations.
Nine homes were classified as “yellow” by disaster recovery officials, meaning they pose a moderate risk and residents have been urged to find alternative accommodation.
Seismologist Efthimios Lekkas, head of the Earthquake Risk Assessment Committee, said a clearer assessment of the causes and extent of the fissures will be available soon.
Photo: InTime News.
Investigators are examining whether a leak from an underground water pipeline, first detected on April 23, may be linked to the landslides, though it remains unclear if it was the cause or a result of ongoing soil movement.
Geology expert Dimitris Papanikolaou attributed the fissures to slow-moving rotational landslides caused by the area’s steep slopes and unstable clay-rich soil.
“It is not sudden,” he said, warning the village’s location on a hillside above a valley makes it persistently vulnerable to such incidents.
While the church and cultural centre remain open, the playground has been closed for safety. Experts recommend deploying specialised monitoring equipment to track further movement and assess risk levels.
Greece will equip its entire rail network with automatic remote braking and train control systems by September, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Monday, April 28, in a push to improve railway safety following the country’s deadliest train disaster in 2023, which killed 57 people—mostly students.
During a cabinet meeting, Mitsotakis also said real-time train tracking will be added as a secondary safety measure to prevent future collisions.
Investigators had previously found that remote control systems could have prevented the February 28, 2023, head-on crash between a passenger and a freight train.
The tragic incident, which sparked mass protests demanding accountability and reform, has come to symbolise chronic neglect of Greece’s railway system.
Η σημερινή συνεδρίαση του Υπουργικού Συμβουλίου επικεντρώνεται σε μία από τις πιο κρίσιμες κυβερνητικές προτεραιότητες: τη δραστική αναβάθμιση του επιπέδου ασφάλειας και ποιότητας του σιδηροδρόμου στη χώρα. https://t.co/Xd9yqwl9scpic.twitter.com/iOrkprFwkx
The government had repeatedly delayed a 2014 EU co-funded project to install the European Train Control System (ETCS), and several Greek officials now face EU charges over mismanagement of that contract.
Mitsotakis pledged to fully modernise the country’s 2,400 km (1,500-mile) railway network by 2027.
In addition to a national action plan, Greece’s accident investigation authority issued recommendations in February for the railway regulator, Hellenic Train (a subsidiary of Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato), the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE), and the transport ministry.
The PM also committed to overhauling OSE by improving wages, increasing hiring, and implementing staff performance monitoring.
The Vatican has confirmed that the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7, with 135 eligible cardinals expected to gather beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
The secretive process follows the funeral of Pope Francis and will see cardinals sequestered between the chapel and Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse where Francis resided during his papacy.
Though two cardinals may be unable to attend, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx said he expects the conclave to last “just a few days”. However, Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius, a possible contender, suggested voting could take longer, noting, “we don’t know each other.”
Pope Francis appointed 80% of the electors, including 20 made cardinals as recently as December, many from countries new to the College of Cardinals, such as Myanmar, Haiti, and Rwanda.
Photo: AP File.
Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti described a “good atmosphere” and “strong feeling of cohesion” among participants, saying, “the conclave can offer a beautiful testimony in this world full of war, division and rancour.”
Cardinals visited Francis’s tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore on Sunday. Bassetti described the return bus ride as having a “beautiful, fraternal atmosphere.”
Europe leads in representation with 53 voting cardinals, followed by Asia (23), Africa (18), South America (17), North America (16), and smaller groups from Central America and Oceania.
There is no clear frontrunner, though early speculation includes reformist Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
A widespread blackout struck Spain and Portugal around midday Monday, April 28, halting trains, grounding flights, disabling ATMs, and cutting off phone services and traffic lights for millions across the Iberian Peninsula. The outage impacted major cities including Madrid, Lisbon and Barcelona.
Spain’s Interior Ministry declared a national emergency, and both countries held emergency cabinet meetings.
Spanish power distributor Red Eléctrica estimated that full power restoration could take six to ten hours. Electricity returned to parts of Spain and Portugal, including Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon, by Monday evening.
Hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia operated on generators, suspending non-critical services.
Photo: AP Photo / Miguel Oses.
Airports ran on backup power, causing delays, while courts, gas stations, and public transit systems were shut down or heavily disrupted. Citizens improvised—directing traffic, searching for radios, and queuing for generators.
The cause of the blackout remains unclear. Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said there was “no indication” of a cyberattack.
A REN board member suggested the disruption may have been caused by a “very large oscillation in electrical voltage” originating in Spain and spreading to Portugal. Eduardo Prieto of Red Eléctrica called the event “exceptional and extraordinary.”
European Commission vice president Teresa Ribera said the outage was “one of the most serious episodes recorded in Europe in recent times” but confirmed there were no signs of a cyberattack.
A spirit of pride and reverence filled the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Monday, April 28, as Sydney warmly welcomed the arrival of the Evzones – the elite Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic – with a solemn Doxology Service.
The arrival of the Evzones at Redfern. *All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos (unless specified otherwise).The Consul General of Greece in Sydney Ioannis Mallikourtis (left) with Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos.His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia (left) welcomes NSW Premiere Chris Minns.The Evzones were welcomed with open arms and fanfare.
The service, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, marked the official opening of the Evzones’ Sydney visit during the ANZAC Day period. The powerful ceremony reflected the deep bonds forged between Greece and Australia across generations of shared sacrifice.
In the spirit of Pascha, the congregation joyously chanted “Christ is Risen” (Christos Anesti), filling the cathedral with a profound sense of renewal and hope.
The congregation was filled with official guests, parish priests and their families.
The service was attended by the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Chris Minns, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, both of whom addressed the congregation alongside Archbishop Makarios.
The Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Chris Minns, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, both addressed the congregation.
In his heartfelt address, Archbishop Makarios said: “The presence [of the Evzones] in Australia, especially during the sacred commemoration of ANZAC Day, touches deeply the soul of our people.”
“It reminds us of the unbreakable bond forged between Greece and Australia – two nations separated by oceans yet united in spirit through shared sacrifices, common ideals and the steadfast commitment to liberty, democracy and the dignity of the human person,” the Archbishop added.
“This year, we joyfully commemorate 125 years of shared ideals and values between Australia and Greece. It is a tribute to all who stood and continue to stand in defence of freedom and homeland.”
Archbishop Makarios gave a heartfelt address.
He also praised the Evzones as living symbols of resilience: “Today, the Evzones, in their romantic uniform, stand as living symbols of the Greek spirit, a spirit which has inspired countless generations to defend faith, family, Church and homeland with courage and selflessness.”
The Archbishop praised the Evzones as living symbols of resilience.
Premier Minns, visibly moved by the occasion, spoke of the enduring friendship between the two nations, forged in both war and peace.
“Despite being separated by great distances, our people, our histories and, I think, our values, remain closely connected,” he said.
“In World War One, the Greek island of Lemnos served as the main base for more than 50,000 Australian soldiers, sailors and nurses… The story of Lemnos is, sadly, an overlooked but crucial chapter in Australia’s military history.”
The NSW Premier praised the enduring bond between Greece and Australia.
Reflecting on the historic Battle of Crete, Premier Minns added: “Through the horrors of the war, our people forged a bond that remains unbreakable today… A friendship that was forged on the battlefields and through waves of migration, has strengthened by the ties with our people. As we reflect on the past 125 years, we have so much to look forward to in the next 125. Australia has a good friend in Greece, and you have a good friend in us.”
The Consul General also gave a speech.
The Consul General of Greece, Mr Mallikourtis, spoke with pride of the Evzones’ historic significance.
“Their costume is linked to the history of our nation, and they are a symbol of valour and self-sacrifice for all Greeks. That’s why they are recognised all over the world,” he said.
Mr Mallikourtis also emphasised the timely symbolism of their presence: “What better time for them to be here to celebrate together with our Australian brothers, ANZAC Day… Our bonds are unbreakable. We were brothers-in-arms for two world wars and we share the same values.”
As the service concluded, there was a palpable sense of unity and shared purpose among all present.
The arrival of the Evzones to Sydney – during the period of national remembrance of ANZAC Day – served as a powerful reminder of the courage, faith, and enduring friendship that binds Greece and Australia across oceans and generations.
A sombre crowd gathered at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial near Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday, April 27, to honour the ANZACs and Allied soldiers who fought and fell in the Battle of Kalamata 84 years ago.
The commemorative service and wreath-laying ceremony, organised by the Society of Kalamata ’23 March’, paid tribute to the thousands who served during the German invasion of Greece in 1941. The event was emceed by Peter Andrinopoulos, Vice President of the Society, who acknowledged the descendants of soldiers amongst the crowd.
Sam Vlachos, President of the organising committee, described the Battle of Kalamata as “a deeply significant chapter in our shared history.”
The Battle of Kalamata, fought on April 28, 1941, marked one of the final moments of the Greek Campaign in World War II. About 10,000 Allied soldiers were captured, enduring horrific conditions as Prisoners of War. The resilience and camaraderie they showed left a legacy.
Jim Grivokostopoulos (Grivas), President of the Federation of Messinia, spoke of the personal connection many still feel.
“Knowing our history and listening to the stories is important. Our parents are of the age that they can’t come here anymore, and that’s how I got involved in the Pantrifilian Association,” Mr Grivokostopoulos told The Greek Herald, referring to his involvement in supporting Greek regional communities in Australia.
Jim Grivokostopoulos (left) and John Pantazopoulos.
Longtime advocate John Pantazopoulos, patron of the Australian Hellenic War Memorial, reflected on childhood memories of hearing wartime stories from his family.
“Many Allied soldiers escaped to the mountains around Trifilia. Some surrendered out of fear that locals would suffer reprisals if they stayed,” he said.
“Growing up, we heard about the Angloi — everyone called them that though they were ANZACs — and later I realised there was much more to the story than just the Battle of Crete. These battles across the mainland are all linked; one would not have happened without the other.”
The service also paid special tribute to descendants of those who fought. Shirley Devery, whose father Tom served in the Second and Sixth Battalions; Peter Ford, whose father served with the New Zealand Second Division; and Aron Segal, whose uncle was taken captive at Kalamata, were among those acknowledged.
Malcolm Fallon, president of the 2nd Field Regiment Association, expressed his gratitude to the community, saying, “It is wonderful to be here once again. We look forward to continued support of you to us and us to you.”
Politicians and community leaders highlighted the enduring ties between Greece and Australia. Member of Parliament David Davis warned, “The world is a very dangerous place. We should learn lessons from what happened through that period in the 1930s and 1940s where democracies stood together and made sacrifices for the greater good.”
Wreath laying by official guests.
Merri-bek City Council Cr Katherine Theodosis spoke of the deep relationship between the two nations, adding, “Greeks and Australians have had a partnership that runs very deep, even back to WWII. My own grandparents were from Exochori in Mani and fought at Kalamata. That connection continues today, as seen through community initiatives like the Sparta Place in Brunswick.”
As wreaths were laid and prayers offered, those present – including the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou – honoured the enduring friendship forged in times of hardship — a bond that remains unbreakable across generations.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
The rain held off in Melbourne on Friday, April 25, as large crowds gathered for traditional ANZAC Day Dawn Service and parades. Among them, members of the Hellenic Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch in South Melbourne came together, reflecting the enduring spirit of Greek Australians who served in the Greek and Australian armies during various conflicts.
For the Greek Australian veterans and their families, the Hellenic RSL is a “hub” of memory, camaraderie, and community. As every year, the clubhouse was abuzz with a flurry of activity.
Hellenic RSL President Manolis (Manny) Karvelas herded members to the coach taking them to the parade where they march with allies of Australia from different countries along with a platoon of cadets from the Sunshine unit.
Among the attendees were father-daughter duo Kostas and Ourania Katsambanis, who reflected on the importance of preserving traditions.
“Dad used to come alone, but since I became a member, we come together,” Ourania said. “I became a member because of Dad. He has worked so hard with others to create the Hellenic RSL here. If I can’t bring him, he’ll use public transport.”
97-year-old Kostas, who joined the RSL in 1961 and later helped establish the Hellenic sub-branch in 1978, beamed with pride.
“With Ourania being here, it means the tradition continues. I won’t live forever, but it is good to know that after us, we have a source to continue this,” he said.
Kostas served during Greece’s turbulent post-war period, joining the army in 1949.
“I was struck twice by Greek rebels that ambushed us during the Civil War,” he recalled, his memories still vivid.
Also marching were Odysseas Tyris and his partner Jojo Deeker, representing a more recent generation of veterans. With a career spanning over 40 years in the Air Force, including five tours, one in Afghanistan, Odysseas spoke about his Greek roots and his path to military life.
“My dad is from Soufli and my mum from Lipsi. As a kid, I’d listen to stories about my dad guarding sheep with a karabina across the Turkish border. He’d swim to the middle of the river with a Turkish lad — sometimes relations between Turks and Greeks was amicable,” he shared.
Odysseas’ journey into the Air Force was sparked by attending Avalon air shows with his father. Though initially limited by wearing glasses, he forged a long career as an armament specialist.
“Greeks have a strict upbringing — we were seen and not heard — and that set me up to succeed in the military,” he said. “The Defence Force is so multicultural now that you rarely see racism.”
Marching in the ANZAC Day parade.
His partner Jojo, who has spent over a decade moving around the country with Odysseas, added, “The most difficult thing as a defence partner is that you don’t have control over where you are going. You have to reestablish community and connections each time.”
Despite the challenges, the bonds of family, culture, and service were on full display at the Hellenic RSL, especially during the ANZAC Day lunch following the parade — ensuring that the sacrifices of past and present generations continue to be honoured.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
This year’s ANZAC Day parade in the heart of Sydney was truly impressive. Tens of thousands of people lined Pitt, Bridge, Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets, waving flags, banners, and holding moving “THANK YOU” signs to pay tribute and honour to Australia’s veterans, their descendants, and other allied forces.
The Greek contingent always receives a particularly warm welcome and appreciation from the public, earning resounding applause every year. However, this year, for some inexplicable reason, the reception was even more emotional.
Leading the Greek group was the Greek Returned Servicemen’s League (Greek RSL) of New South Wales, headed by President Panagiotis Tsigounis. They were followed by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, and the Greek Australian Society (GAS).
A large group of more than sixty proud Greek Australians marched together.
The Greek Australian Minister for Small Business, Steve Kamper, was represented at the parade by Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, Mark Buttigieg.
Luncheon at ‘Diethnes.’
Following the parade, participants gathered for a luncheon at the well-known “Diethnes” restaurant, generously hosted by the GAS.
The Greek Orthodox Church of Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene at Liverpool, Sydney has received a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities scheme.
The cheque was formally presented by Labor Party representative Charishma Kaliyanda.
The funds will be used to upgrade security infrastructure around the church and its facilities.
“Thank you Charishma for your support of our community,” the church said in a public statement.
The Safe Places initiative aims to support faith communities across NSW by improving safety and reducing the risk of vandalism, theft, and harm.
