The winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2024 will be revealed digitally on Tuesday, December 17 during a special event to be broadcast live from Doha, Qatar.
On the eve of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024™ final between Real Madrid C.F. and CF Pachuca, and the second anniversary of the greatest-ever FIFA World Cup™ final, the world’s best players, coaches and fans for 2024 – as well as the best goals – will be revealed at 20:00 local Doha time during a gala dinner at the renowned Aspire Academy.
The dinner, which is taking place to celebrate Aspire Academy’s 20-year anniversary, will be attended by dignitaries including the FIFA President, FIFA Council members, FIFA Legends and other local and regional ambassadors and trailblazers of the beautiful game.
Terry Antonis has plays with Melbourne City FC.
As ever, fans have played a key role in choosing the winners by having a say in the destiny of several awards, including The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper. All of these award winners have been decided by an equally weighted voting system between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams and media representatives.
In addition, this year, for the first time, fans have also participated in the vote for The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11. For each of these two selections, fans chose from a list of 77 nominated players and slotted them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team, with the outcome weighted equally between them and an expert panel.
Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award – for the best goals in women’s and men’s football – has been split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends, while the FIFA Fan Award has been chosen entirely by fans, and the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award has been selected by an expert panel.
Moray & Agnew Lawyers Melbourne, headed by Melbourne Managing Partner Bill Papastergiadis, recently held its highly anticipated End-of-Year client celebration. This marked a successful conclusion to the year for this preeminent law firm.
The event also marked Mr Papastergiadis’ recent appointment as Chairman of the firm’s National Executive which involves him, along with other members of the National Executive, leading the strategic vision and direction of the national firm’s future. The firm now boasts over 800 employees nationally across seven offices throughout the country.
Held at Alto Event Space at Melbourne’s historic GPO building, the event was attended by distinguished clients, legal professionals, and industry leaders. This year’s event also featured two high profile guest speakers, Bill Shorten MP and Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts and Minister for Creative Industries.
In his engaging and insightful speech, Mr Shorten spoke on a range of topics from the beginnings of his political career through to his recent appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra, as well as how the recent US election may impact the political landscape in Australia.
Mr Shorten, who has held prominent roles in the past, including leader of the Australian Labor Party and the Leader of the Opposition, also proudly spoke about his personal connection to the local Greek community, acknowledging its contributions to Australia, especially in areas including business, culture, and the economy. Mr Shorten noted that he regularly attends events where Mr Papastergiadis is also present in his role as the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne.
“Bill is an enthusiastic and articulate leader in our State wearing a number of hats which include law, football, and Community matters. Our exchanges are always constructive and productive,” Mr Shorten noted.
In an equally thoughtful and dynamic speech, Mr Brooks shared his insights from his experience in his current portfolios in areas including community services, housing, and social policy. He noted that he met Mr Papastergiadis in his role as the Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and stated “that investing in multiculturalism is a fundamental building block for Victoria’s continued prosperity.”
Mr Brooks added, “It is the concerted effort and diligence of persons such as Bill Papastergiadis in their community work that helps solidify the social fabric of our society.”
Mr Brooks went on to talk through the strategy of the current Housing Platform of the Allan State Government. He discussed how the government is encouraging the construction of more housing in the areas where people grew up in. The Minister emphasised the importance of policies that take into account the intrinsic value to society of different generations living in the same neighbourhood, and the cohesion this brings to society and families.
On the night, Mr Papastergiadis expressed heartfelt thanks to Moray & Agnew’s clients for their continued support throughout the year.
“This event is a chance for us to express our appreciation for our clients and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you,” he said.
“We are also proud to have had Mr Shorten and Mr Brooks attend this event and for sharing their insights with us. This event not only allows us to show our appreciation, but it also provides us all with an invaluable opportunity to hear from leading voices in Australia.”
As part of the celebration, Mr Papastergiadis highlighted some key achievements of the firm over the past year, including its significant growth. The firm’s Melbourne office now boasts over 200 staff including 30 partners and has been rated as one of the fastest growing law firms in Victoria for a number of years.
The appointment of eight new partners and their teams in the past 18 months alone extended the firm’s services to include mining, renewable energy, marine insurance, and franchising and opens up a number of new jurisdictions for its practices.
Mr Papastergiadis concluded by emphasising that connections across one’s personal life and in commerce are critical to success, stating “Moray & Agnew brings together our clients with the aim of forging stronger relationships at all levels of our interactions such that outcomes are achieved to the clients’ satisfaction.”
Nick Pappas, chairman of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and president of the Hellenic Initiative Australia, has been appointed as a non-executive director of the SBS board for a five-year term. He takes over from Peeyush Gupta, who departed in October.
Pappas holds prominent positions across various sectors, including as chair and director of the Bank of Sydney. He is also a director of Sydney’s Hellenic Club and Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum and previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Powerhouse Museum.
A commercial litigation lawyer for four decades, Pappas is well-regarded for his contributions to the legal, cultural, and sporting communities.
In 2013, Pappas was named a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the arts, rugby league, and the Greek Australian community.
In 2013, Nick Pappas was named a Member of the Order of Australia.
His appointment to the SBS board was recommended through a merit-based process led by the independent Nomination Panel.
Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland welcomed Pappas’ appointment, saying she looked forward to working with him to maintain SBS’s role in “producing and broadcasting content that is informative and entertaining and reflects a modern, multicultural Australia.”
Ms Rowlands highlighted the importance of the board’s role in supporting SBS’s charter to promote cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity in Australian media.
The SBS board is chaired by George Savvides and includes non-executive directors Cassandra Wilkinson, Katrina Rathie, Aaron Fa’Aoso, Andrew Lu, Vic Alhadeff, and deputy chair Christine Zeitz, alongside SBS managing director James Taylor.
With nearly 16,000 students completing their South Australian Certificate of Excellence (SACE) qualification this year, 11 managed to receive a perfect 99.95 ATAR result.
Among the 11 high achievers was Wilderness School graduate Lilianna Pourgiezis. The 17-year-old told The Advertiserthat Year 12 was “the hardest year of my life but also the best year.”
“It’s stressful because it’s the first time it matters… your whole future kind of rides on it,” she said, while adding that a balanced life was the key to her success.
“Don’t get caught in the weird understanding that it’s just study, study, study.”
With nearly 16,000 students completing their SACE qualification this year, 11 managed to receive a perfect 99.95 ATAR result.
Lilianna said she hopes to study medicine at The University of Adelaide as both of her parents studied it there. Ever since she dissected a heart in Year 10 Biology, she has had her own heart set on a career in medicine.
“It would be nice to keep it in the family,” she said.
Lilianna received the Governor of South Australia Commendations for Excellence in SACE award on Monday, December 16.
Two more Greek Australian artists, Maree Mamalis and Vassy, have submitted entries to represent Greece at Eurovision 2025.
They join Leea Nanos as part of the top 60 contenders for Greece’s national final, which will be held on 29 January 2025. The winner will be selected through a combination of public voting (50%), a Greek jury (25%), and an international jury (25%).
Maree Mamalis, an 18-year-old Melbourne-based singer, gained recognition as a top 7 contestant on The Voice Australia in 2023 and performed at the AFL Grand Final with the Kiss Choir. Her entry for Eurovision features a contemporary sound infused with Greek elements, including the bouzouki.
Vassy (Vasiliki Karagiorgos), a globally successful singer-songwriter from Darwin in the Northern Territory, has collaborated with music heavyweights like David Guetta, Tiësto, and KSHMR, with her songs amassing billions of streams. She became the first woman to win an ICON Award at the 2023 Electronic Dance Music Awards.
Australia has a strong track record of Cypriot Australian artists participating in Eurovision, with Andrew Lambrou and Silia Kapsis representing Cyprus in recent years.
Greek broadcaster ERT will select up to 12 finalists for the January show, with broadcast details to be announced later.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut on Monday, December 16. Mitsotakis was the first European leader to visit Lebanon since the November 27 ceasefire was announced.
During the talks, Mitsotakis expressed Greece’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s peace and stability. He emphasised the need to implement the ceasefire, which he described as crucial for regional security.
Greece pledged to support Lebanon’s state institutions and its armed forces, which are responsible for enforcing the ceasefire.
Ευχαριστώ τον Πρωθυπουργό Najib Mikati για τη θερμή υποδοχή στον Λίβανο, μια χώρα με την οποία μοιραζόμαστε ισχυρούς δεσμούς φιλίας. H Ελλάδα θα συνεχίσει να είναι εταίρος στην επιδίωξη ειρήνης, σταθερότητας και ενός μέλλοντος ελπίδας για τον Λίβανο και για ολόκληρη την περιοχή. pic.twitter.com/jDdOR2cbdE
Mitsotakis praised international mediation efforts by the United States and France, calling the ceasefire “a significant step forward” for the region.
“It is crucial to ensure that people on both sides of the border have the right to live in peace without the threat of bombs and rockets destroying their lives,” he said.
He also called for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which supports Lebanon’s sovereignty and aims to secure lasting peace.
The Greek Prime Minister discussed the broader regional impact of the Syria conflict, stressing the need to protect Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and cultural heritage. He highlighted the importance of supporting displaced Syrians, many of whom have taken refuge in Lebanon. Mitsotakis said Greece is committed to helping Lebanon manage the migration challenges linked to the conflict.
During his visit, Mitsotakis also met with religious leaders, including Patriarch John I of Antioch and Metropolitan Elias of Beirut, as well as members of the Greek community in Beirut. He reiterated Greece’s longstanding friendship with Lebanon, underscoring the historical ties and shared values between the two nations.
Mitsotakis noted that Greece had facilitated the evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon during the conflict and stands ready to offer further assistance.
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Greek heritage, football, and community spirit as The Greek Herald Cup makes its highly anticipated return, this time to Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium in 2025. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 18, as this iconic event promises a day filled with excitement, culture, and sporting excellence—and best of all, entry is free.
Following the incredible success of the inaugural Greek Herald Cup earlier this year, which saw thousands of fans gather at Sydney’s Netstrata Jubilee Stadium to celebrate the Blue and White clash of two legendary Hellenic heritage clubs, expectations are even higher for 2025. This year’s event will commemorate the historic achievements of South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic, as both clubs prepare to take their place in the National Second Tier (NST) competition, launching in 2025.
Sydney Olympic FC emerged victorious in the inaugural Greek Herald Cup, held in Sydney in January 2024.
South Melbourne FC President Nick Maikousis said, “We are ready to host our respected friends—and historic rivals—this January as we formally launch our football campaign for 2025.”
“The day will honour legendary players from both clubs, with their contributions recognised in front of our passionate supporters. This clash will set the tone and ignite anticipation for the upcoming National Second Tier, which kicks off next October. The Greek Herald Cup is a chance to showcase our ambition and strengthen our position as leaders in the next chapter of Australian football,” Maikousis added.
From day to night, Lakeside Stadium will come alive with activities for fans of all ages. Friendly mini matches will kick off the day, featuring South Melbourne Miniroos taking on community partner clubs, including South Springvale, Malvern, Darebin, Yarraville, and Middle Park. Families can look forward to meet-and-greet opportunities with players and legends, as well as savouring mouthwatering souvlakia and other delicious treats from a variety of food stalls.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Dance Groups will perform traditional dances, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Greek Australian community.
The pre-match entertainment will feature a special Legends Panel, where icons from South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic will share cherished memories of their storied rivalry. Fans will also have the chance to engage in an open Q&A session, making this a unique opportunity to connect with the history and passion of these two clubs.
The Greek Herald Cup will commemorate the historic achievements of South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic.
At 6:30 PM, the much-anticipated main event, The Greek Herald Cup, will kick off. South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic will reignite their fierce rivalry in a thrilling match that promises to be a showcase of skill, passion, and determination. With the backdrop of their shared Hellenic heritage and the excitement of their forthcoming NST participation, this clash is set to be a highlight of the football calendar.
Sydney Olympic FC President Damon Hanlin said, “We are excited for the return leg of this feature match. It’s a great opportunity to show what the B League will bring to the football community.”
“We are excited to showcase our new squad in action, and we’re confident in the work we’ve put in— the season ahead looks promising. We’re ready to take on South Melbourne on their home turf and look forward to their hospitality. The Greek Herald Cup is another step in solidifying the competitive respect and rivalry between our two clubs,” Hanlin added.
To round off this incredible day, fans can attend an exclusive Post-Match VIP Dinner Event. This will be a perfect opportunity to mingle with players, legends, and fans alike, while celebrating the unity and vibrancy of the Greek Australian community.
The Greek Herald Cup will be held at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday, January 18.
The Greek Herald Cup is more than just a football match—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and camaraderie. The inaugural event set a high benchmark, with thousands of passionate supporters turning out to create an electric atmosphere. With even bigger crowds expected next year, the 2025 Greek Herald Cup promises to be an event to remember.
Save the date and join us on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at Lakeside Stadium. Let’s make this a day to honour the legacy of two legendary clubs, celebrate their future in the National Second Tier, and showcase the vibrant Greek Australian heritage.
The annual Pontoxeniteas NSW Christmas Party on Sunday, December 15, brought together three generations of community members for a festive celebration overlooking the scenic Bexley Golf Course in Sydney.
The event featured a full house of attendees who enjoyed a traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
A highlight of the day was a special visit from Santa Claus, who brought joy to the children and youth with Christmas gifts.
The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by a lively Pontian performance of the Momogeri, a traditional dance performed only by men, which brought laughter and cheer to the audience. The Momogeri, which is typically performed from December 15 to January 15, features various colourful characters adding a playful touch to the event.
In addition to the dance performances, attendees were treated to lively music by young local musicians, keeping the energy high throughout the event.
Children and youth participated in a range of activities, including writing letters to Santa, colouring Christmas trees and solving Christmas-themed puzzles.
The event was a wonderful display of the vibrant Pontian culture, with members of the community actively engaged in celebrating the holiday season.
The Pontoxeniteas NSW committee took a moment to express their gratitude to everyone who volunteered throughout the year, emphasising the importance of promoting their cultural heritage. They also presented gifts to dance teachers, young musicians, and the youth committee for their contributions.
A touching moment of goodwill and faith unfolded this month at one of Christianity’s holiest sites, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A special icon gift from the St George Greek Orthodox Church in Rose Bay, Sydney was presented to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Federal Liberal candidate for Wentworth, Ro Knox.
The icon, which depicted the Birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, was given to Ms Knox by Father Gerasimos Koutsouras, parish priest at St George Rose Bay. She was asked to deliver it to the Jerusalem church during her recent visit.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built in 326 CE by Emperor Constantine the Great, marks the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. The Greek Orthodox section of the church, situated at the 12th station of the cross, is particularly significant to Orthodox Christians.
The small chapel inside is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian communities. The chapel also houses the Angel’s Stone, believed to have sealed Jesus’ tomb, making the site a profound symbol of Christian faith.
In a post on Instagram, Ms Ro said that despite the absence of large crowds due to current travel restrictions to Israel, her visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was deeply moving.
“It is impossible not to feel awed by the significance and history of the site to all Christians,” she wrote.
Ms Ro added that the priest at the Holy Sepulchre expressed heartfelt gratitude for the special gift, and offered blessings to the Greek community in Wentworth as they approached the holiday season.
While the handover of the gift was not filmed out of respect for the sacredness of the location, the exchange was a powerful reminder of the bond between the Greek Orthodox Church and the faithful abroad.
Come Christmas, there are celebrations galore. And yes, while you might have friendsmas at a quaint restaurant that serves martinis and kingfish, or your work parties might be held on boats serving caviar and bubbly, let me be the first to tell you – there ain’t no Christmas party like a Hellenic RSL Christmas party.
When I walked into the RSL Hall in South Melbourne, Victoria on Sunday, December 15, I was struck by a warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia and familiarity, and a passionate group of elderly that personify the spirit and soul of Greece.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Stamatina Notaras.
“I hope you know that as soon as the bouzouki begins, the dance floor will be full and they won’t stop dancing for hours,” someone warned me on the day.
I’ve never heard a sentence truer than that. With the first strum of the bouzouki, played by the talented and iconic Spiros Vitsentzatos, bodies flooded the dance floor and tea towels went straight above heads. Dancing tsifteteli and weaving in and out of each other as if gliding through water, rhythm took over as the elderly danced like nobody was watching.
One thing us Greeks have nailed is the ability to hold on to our youth with two hands, gripping on tight in hopes of never letting go.
In a room of people who have lived many lives, I felt more youthfulness than I have with those who are decades their junior. Looking around the room, it was quite obvious to me that at the end of the day, they’re just a group of pals who feel like they’re in their early 20s, cracking jokes at each other’s expense and living life the best they know how – with good food, enviable company, and that “I’m Greek” glow that we all know and love (and that all our grandparents possess).
Now what’s a Greek Christmas without the star of the show? As you would expect at a Greek function, I didn’t merely attend – I was offered a plate of food and a seat. La Cantina Catering was on feast duties, while my new friend Vicky – everyone’s yiayia, sister, aunty, and best friend – was there to make sure the show ran smoothly. With Vicky around, consider your thirst quenched and your vibes sky-high.
As it turns out, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and lemon-drenched potatoes with salad are the way to my heart. And lucky for me, they were offered in abundance. If I listed everything on offer, we might be here for a while (and I might get the names of a dish or two wrong), but what I did see were tables filled and mouths, even more so. With smiles on their faces as they made conversation and yelled across tables, they dug into the food they grew up on with the friends they call family.
While there were many ‘favourite parts of the day’ moments, there’s one visual, I fear, that I might never forget. At auction time, when they were bartering for bottles of grazi and the usual culprits, up comes a man holding a frozen snapper, parading it around the room like a boxing match girl would with a WWE belt.
And with that, I walked home with an aluminium-foiled plate of home-made sweets and a joyous heart, thumping with pride.
Side note – if you’re ever feeling down and out about life, just pay the Greek ladies a visit. I left the room with a big head filled with compliments, a squeezed cheek or two, and the assurance that I was young and have “still got time.” Phew!
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Stamatina Notaras.
