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From ancestral threads to contemporary art: Inside Evangeleah Plakias’ ‘Echoes of Hellenes’

Andriana Simos
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From ancestral threads to contemporary art: Inside Evangeleah Plakias’ ‘Echoes of Hellenes’

At just 28, Evangeleah Plakias is presenting her work to the public for the first time – and doing so through a deeply personal exploration of Greek history, memory and identity.

Born and raised in Australia to parents with roots in Epirus and Thessaly, Plakias has long used art as a way to unwind, reflect and connect with her heritage. That lifelong creative instinct now comes to fruition in Echoes of Hellenes, her debut exhibition.

Presented as part of The Greek Herald’s International Women’s Day 2026 event on Sunday, March 8 at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, Echoes of Hellenes is a curated collection that reimagines Greek history and tradition through a contemporary lens.

leah plakias
leah plakias
At just 28, Evangeleah Plakias is presenting her work to the public for the first time.

Drawing on careful research and emotional storytelling, Plakias brings to life pivotal moments from Greece’s past – from Ottoman occupation and the War of Independence to stories of resilience, sacrifice and survival.

At the heart of the exhibition is a handmade traditional dress from Ioannina, a centrepiece that took 14 months to complete. Created using the tools of her late grandfather, a tailor who migrated from Greece in the 1960s, the garment symbolises lineage, craftsmanship and continuity. Though previously worn only for memorial services, it will be publicly displayed for the first time as part of the exhibition.

More than a visual showcase, Echoes of Hellenes invites visitors to engage emotionally and culturally -to feel the stories behind the images and reconnect with ancestral memory. For Plakias, it is both a personal milestone and a contribution to keeping Greek history alive for new generations.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am of descendance from Epirus and Thessaly, Greece, born and raised here in Australia. From a young age, I have always enjoyed creating imagery of all sorts. Trying new and different resources, or new techniques, art has always been a hobby of mine. It’s a way for me to relax and de-stress. Being able to disconnect and create something I’m passionate about.

This exhibition marks your first major showing. How does it feel to be presenting Echoes of Hellenes to the public for the first time?

It’s so exciting to be able to show case this collection of works. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to display not only my images but also the biggest work I have created, my traditional dress from Ioannina. The dress has never been formally out on display before and has only been worn a couple times for memorial services. I’m very excited and can’t wait for this collection to be showcased to the public.

leah plakias

Your work is strongly informed by your Hellenic heritage. How has your Greek background influenced not only what you create, but why you create it?

I have a few passions, one of which is being able to be creative, and the other is learning about our history. I have always been interested and expanding my knowledge of the past. For me, I wanted to create images around the Greek Revolution, bringing the stories to life. There are so much to uncover from Ottoman occupancy to the War of Independence to the Greek genocide of Pontos. My biggest challenge was choosing which story to showcase in this collection.

I wanted to create these images to bring life to the stories we know. Knowing what our ancestors went through, the struggle and pain, making some unthinkable choices during this time, gives me great respect for our ancestors. A sense of pride to be Greek for everything they went through for us to be here today.

One of the most striking elements of the exhibition is your handmade traditional Greek costume – a piece that took over a year to complete. What does this work represent for you, both artistically and personally?

This dress is the traditional dress from Ioannina, and it took me 14 months to complete. I started the process of sewing the dress in January 2024 and I finished it in February 2025.

My dad is from Thessaly, and my mum is from Epirus. Just outside Ioannina, Epirus, my yiayia comes from a small village of Vlounoplogia and my pappou comes from the village of Elliousa. My pappou was a tailor in Greece and moved out to Australia in the 1960s. Being able to make the traditional dress from Ioannina not only brings be closer to my roots, but closer to my pappou. Unfortunately, I was unable to sew this dress with him but using his tools and making it in his sewing room, made it feel like he was with me through the process.

The dress gives me pride. Creating it gives me a close connection to not only my roots, but also my culture. It was not an easy creation and had its challenges, but it was the most exciting and proudest piece of work I have created. 

Even though my dress has not been displayed before, it has been featured in an article for The Greek Herald back in 2025.

leah plakias
leah plakias
Leah’s handmade traditional Greek costume – a piece that took over a year to complete.

Much of Echoes of Hellenes reimagines familiar stories, symbols and traditions from Greek history through a contemporary lens. How do you approach the balance between honouring the past and expressing your own creative voice?

I approach this balance by first finding myself in deep respect for the history and tradition of our ancestors. The Greek heritage carries an emotional weight. So I take my time to understand our history before bringing it to life. This is to make sure I do justice and honour the legacy of those who come before us.

I see myself as an artist to bring the stories to life on paper. From a place, a person or an event that took place, I wanted to capture it using different materials to bring those feelings I had onto paper. Capturing moments from the almost tragic to celebrating our freedom. I’m not trying to replicate history but to keep it alive and to connect the past with the present.

What can visitors expect when they step into the exhibition space – emotionally, visually and culturally?

Visitors can expect to engage in an emotional, visual and cultural level as they move through the exhibition. The collection is to bring a sense of connection, pride, and reflection for the stories being told. There is a balance of strength and weakness throughout the collection, for the viewers to feel the stories not just see them.

The exhibition is to be a bridge between the past and the present. It’s not just about observing history from the distance, but creating an experience for visitors to be able to reconnect with their roots.

Looking back on the process – the long hours, the patience and the physical effort -what has this exhibition taught you about yourself as an artist?

The process of creating these images and doing the research has taught me to be patient and trust my own vision. Even though it was a long process, it showed me how deeply committed I was to put together images that showcase our history. Even though there were times it felt overwhelming, the willingness to bring this collection to the public kept me going. Creating this collection brought me closer to knowing where we come from. To keep learning and researching new stories to create. To keep sharing what we stand for and where we come from. I’m very proud of what I have accomplished. I’m not just creating for myself but contributing to sharing our history with the public.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I’m thrilled for what’s ahead and to finally show the collection to the public. I’m especially excited to debut my dress as part of the exhibition. I want to express my gratitude for the endless support I’ve received throughout this journey, and a special thanks to The Greek Herald for giving me the opportunity to share my work. I hope those who attend will enjoy the collection and experience our ancestral history through a different lens.

Plakias’ exhibition will be on display at The Greek Herald and Greek Festival of Sydney’s International Women’s Day event ‘Restoring Balance: Hellenic Women Leading Change’. The event will be held at The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, on Sunday, March 8, from 3.30pm. 

Event Details

  • When: Sunday, March 8, 2026
  • Arrival: 3:30pm | Start: 4:00pm
  • Venue: The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney
  • Free event | Registrations essential here

Melbourne artist David Kaneen to hold painting exhibition in Athens

The Greek Herald
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Melbourne artist David Kaneen to hold painting exhibition in Athens

The Angelon Vima gallery in Athens is hosting a solo exhibition by Australian artist David W. Kaneen, running from March 1 to April 5, 2026.

The show marks the gallery’s first presentation in Greece of contemporary artistic developments from the “unknown” continent.

Born and trained in Melbourne, Kaneen studied Art & Design alongside music, film, photography, and illustration.

After working as a Senior Art Director and Creative Digital Artist in Australia and Greece, he returned to painting full-time in 2015.

Kaneen has exhibited widely in Melbourne, winning the 1st Contemporary Art Award in 2019, and has held several solo and group exhibitions in Greece.

The exhibition opens on Sunday, March 1 at Angels’ Step, 36 Satovriandou, Omonia, with free admission.

At just six, Maya Konstantinou is shaping the conversation on Type 1 Diabetes

Andriana Simos
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At just six, Maya Konstantinou is shaping the conversation on Type 1 Diabetes

At just six years old, Maya Konstantinou has already faced challenges many adults struggle to comprehend. 

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two, she was introduced early to hospital rooms, needles and the daily realities of a lifelong autoimmune condition that requires constant care. 

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, meaning the body can no longer regulate blood glucose levels on its own. There is currently no cure, and those living with the condition must monitor their blood sugar closely and rely on insulin every day to stay alive.

But rather than allowing fear to define her childhood, Maya has emerged as a courageous young advocate – one who speaks with clarity, honesty and a wisdom well beyond her years.

From standing inside Parliament House in her blue Breakthrough T1D T-shirt to meeting the Prime Minister and senior decision-makers, Maya has helped put a human face to life with type 1 diabetes, reminding adults that children living with the condition are, first and foremost, still children. 

Supported by her parents and inspired by a desire to ensure no child feels alone or frightened by a diagnosis, Maya is using her voice to call for early screening, better support and, ultimately, a cure.

In her own words, Maya shares what it’s like to live with type 1 diabetes, what gives her strength on hard days, and why she believes hope – and community – can change everything.

Maya, do you remember when you found out you had type 1 diabetes, and what do you want other kids to know about living with it?

I remember going to the hospital and feeling really tired. There were lots of doctors and needles, which I didn’t like. I want other kids to know it’s scary at first, but you can still play, laugh, and be happy. You’re still you. I remember receiving Rufus and now he stays with me forever and through everything.

You’ve met the Prime Minister and spoken in Parliament House – how did that make you feel, and what do you like telling grown-ups about diabetes?

Excited, I love going to Parliament house in my blue Breakthrough T1D top. Parliament House is so big! I like telling grown-ups that kids with diabetes are just kids and we need help, talking about what we need and why. And we don’t get diabetes from eating too much sugar. The support of the people in Parliament House is really important, we get our voices heard so change can happen.

What are some of the hardest parts of having type 1 diabetes every day, and what helps you stay brave when things feel tough?

The hardest parts are finger pricks and pod changes. The worst is having to stop when playing to check my blood sugar. I stay brave by holding Mum or Dad’s hand and reminding myself I can do hard things. Mummy and my little brother like to tickle me when I do pod changes which makes it more fun than sad.

Your mum and dad say you’re a big advocate – why do you think it’s important to talk about diabetes and help other families?

Because I don’t want other kids to feel scared or lonely like I did. If we talk about it, families know they’re not alone and it makes it a little bit easier. It is really fun having other friends with type 1 because we can play and talk knowing we are like each other. That’s why Type 1 Diabetes events are important

If you could change one thing for kids who might be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the future, what would you hope for them?

They can be caught early and don’t have to go through the scary part. I hope it won’t be so annoying in the future, but my big hope is there’s a cure. A cure means, me, Baba, Theo, my cousin and my Papou can be cured. Plus, all the other children with Type 1.

When you’re not being a diabetes advocate, what are your favourite things to do, and what makes you feel happy and strong?

I like playing, drawing, soccer, and Greek dancing. I feel happy when I laugh and strong when I try even if things are hard. Creating new things and drawing is my favourite. 

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Kids with diabetes are brave, it’s okay to be scared – you’re still amazing.

My mummy works hard to help others with Type 1. She’s doing another gala. Last time she told me she dressed up like a princess. Daddy wore a fancy outfit too. She told me it was for me and all the children living with Type 1. She is doing it again! 

Alongside President of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, who is also a Director at Macquarie Group, and the Konstantinou family who are hosting the gala, funds raised on the night go to Breakthrough T1D – the leading research, advocacy, and community support organisation for type 1 diabetes (T1D) globally. Striving for a brighter future for everyone living with type 1 diabetes.

Working together in 2024, the Macquarie Group Foundation supported the matching of funds raised, contributing $50,000 to the Gala. Hellenic Club Woden is also a sponsor for the second time in a row and the venue host. 

Type 1 Diabetes Gala Details 

Geelong Greek community mourns business icon John Bourdamis

The Greek Herald
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Geelong Greek community mourns business icon John Bourdamis

Greek Australian entrepreneur John Bourdamis, who migrated to Australia in 1954 and made Geelong his home from 1970, is being remembered as a man of determination, integrity and deep community spirit.

Over the course of his life, Mr Bourdamis built a number of successful businesses in Geelong, including Primrose Fruit Supply, Corio Bay Road House and the Hot Potato eatery.

His entrepreneurial success was shaped by hard work, resilience and a belief in the opportunities Australia offered to migrants willing to take risks and persevere.

Beyond business, he was known for his strong sense of family and service to others. A proud supporter of the Geelong Cats, Mr Bourdamis retired at the age of 51 but remained actively involved in the Hellenic Orthodox Community, regularly driving members to church and helping cater community and social events.

His daughter, Suzy, described him as a man who was proud of his Greek heritage and grateful for the life he built in Australia.

“Fortune favours the brave,” she told The Geelong Advertiser. “Dad never envisaged that he would be his own boss, but he loved being the master of his destiny.”

Mr Bourdamis, who passed away in December last year aged 90, is fondly remembered by his wife Angela, his children Suzy, Greg and Jamie, and his five grandchildren.

Source: Geelong Advertiser.

Shopkeeper recalls alleged Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis decades before arrest

The Greek Herald
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Shopkeeper recalls alleged Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis decades before arrest

Nearly five decades after first seeing him in her Collingwood vintage store, Kate Buck says she instantly recognised Perry Kouroumblis when his face appeared on television as the alleged killer in the Easey Street murders.

Kouroumblis, now 66, has been committed to stand trial for the 1977 stabbing deaths of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett inside their Collingwood home. He has pleaded not guilty.

Buck recalls Kouroumblis visiting her Eccentric Clothing store in the late 1970s or early 1980s, dressed in distinctive “Sharpie” fashion – “connies”, platform shoes, tight jeans, a striped cardigan and T-shirt, and a mullet. Though his style stood out, she remembers him as reserved.

“He walked around like a little bit hunched or something, like he was hiding a little bit or a bit shy,” she said on the Hunting Justice podcast.

When she later saw his image in media coverage following his arrest, she said it was his eyes she recognised.

“I recognised that straight away… that face, the black eyes,” Buck said. “He’s got these hooded eyes and they’re quite black and sparkly.”

Buck said while Sharpie culture in 1970s Melbourne was associated with music, fashion and occasional street fights, it was not linked in her mind to extreme violence.

“They were probably into petty crime – nicking things, stealing cars, things like that … (not) particular murders or anything, it was just petty crime. It was a different world.”

Source: Herald Sun.

Eleni Petinos MP calls for immediate return of the Parthenon Marbles in NSW Parliament

The Greek Herald
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Eleni Petinos MP calls for immediate return of the Parthenon Marbles in NSW Parliament

A motion calling for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece has been formally introduced in the NSW Parliament by Eleni Petinos, Member for Miranda.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Petinos gave notice of her intention to move a motion urging the immediate repatriation of the sculptures, which remain in the British Museum.

“I give notice that I shall move that this House,” Petinos began, outlining the key pillars of the motion.

She stated that the House:

  1. Acknowledges the historic Parthenon Marbles “shamefully remain displaced” in the British Museum, more than 2,000 kilometres from their rightful home.
  2. Notes that between 1801 and 1805, during the Ottoman occupation of Greece, parts of the iconic Parthenon were forcibly removed.
  3. Recognises the marbles as enduring symbols of Athenian democracy, Greece’s Golden Age, and cultural heritage.
  4. Calls for the immediate return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

The sculptures – often referred to as the Elgin Marbles – were stolen from the Parthenon in the early 19th century by agents of Lord Elgin, then British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Greece has long argued that their removal was illegitimate and has formally sought their reunification in Athens for decades.

Today, the majority of the surviving sculptures are housed in London, while complementary sections are displayed in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, where space has long been reserved for their return.

For many within the Greek diaspora – including Australia’s large Hellenic community – the issue remains deeply symbolic. The Parthenon Marbles are not merely artefacts but represent the intellectual and democratic foundations of Western civilisation.

Petinos’ motion adds the voice of the NSW Parliament to international calls for repatriation and reflects growing global momentum around cultural restitution.

While the British Museum has maintained its position that the marbles were acquired legally under the standards of the time, discussions between UK and Greek officials have intensified in recent years regarding potential pathways toward reunification.

The introduction of the motion marks another chapter in the ongoing international dialogue over one of the world’s most contested cultural heritage disputes – and underscores the enduring connection between Greece and its diaspora communities abroad.

Constructive talks held between Sydney’s Greek Consul General and Archbishop Makarios

The Greek Herald
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Constructive talks held between Sydney’s Greek Consul General and Archbishop Makarios

The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, met on Wednesday, February 25 with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia in a meeting focused on strengthening cooperation for the benefit of the Greek diaspora in Australia.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in Redfern, Sydney, and was conducted in a positive and highly constructive atmosphere.

During their discussions, Mr Skemperis and Archbishop Makarios addressed matters of common interest concerning the Greek Australian community, while also exchanging views and proposals aimed at further enhancing collaboration between the Consulate General and the Archdiocese.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation in supporting the spiritual, cultural and social needs of the Greek diaspora, underscoring their shared commitment to preserving Hellenic identity and strengthening community cohesion across Australia.

Serial animal cruelty offender Kon Petropoulos hit with fresh fine and ban

The Greek Herald
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Serial animal cruelty offender Kon Petropoulos hit with fresh fine and ban

Repeat animal cruelty offender Kon Petropoulos, 63, has been fined $9000 and banned for 10 years from owning or selling cats after pleading guilty in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court to 10 charges linked to running a non-compliant animal business and selling kittens in unauthorised places.

The court heard that between October and December 2022, Petropoulos advertised purebred kittens on Gumtree for pick-up in North Melbourne, West Melbourne and Ballan, using prepaid debit cards, aliases and a phone registered in another person’s name.

Some cats, sold for up to $3250, lacked microchips or health documentation.

One kitten had been bred in Queensland, with flights from Brisbane carrying Ragdoll, Burmese, Tonkinese and Russian Blue cats that he later sold.

RSPCA prosecutor Krystyna Grinberg cited his “lengthy” history and “continued illegal behaviour despite multiple arrests, execution of search warrants, court attendances, [and] breaching of adjourned undertakings.” Since 2020, he and his wife Liudmila have accrued more than 100 convictions.

Petropoulos has also been convicted over a 2020 dog attack and, most recently, in August 2025 was found guilty of cruelty for failing to provide his dog proper veterinary treatment. He is awaiting sentence for that matter.

His lawyer said Petropoulos was “impecunious” and unable to complete a community corrections order due to health issues, arguing his ability to pay fines was “challenged.”

Prosecutors said a fine would have “very little impact,” adding: “If Your Honour were to simply impose another fine, the punishment … would be negligible.”

The new 10-year ban will run concurrently with an existing County Court order and conclude in 2036. Liudmila Petropoulos will return to court on March 12.

Source: Herald Sun.

Yanis Varoufakis to face trial over podcast comments on drugs

The Greek Herald
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Yanis Varoufakis to face trial over podcast comments on drugs

Former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis has been indicted to stand trial for allegedly promoting drug use during a podcast, his MeRA25 party said on Wednesday, February 25.

The party said Varoufakis, due to appear in court on December 16, is being targeted by the centre-right government, accusing it of “manipulating” the judiciary “because he speaks the truth.”

It described the indictment as “risible … and dangerous.”

The investigation followed remarks Varoufakis made when asked whether he had ever used drugs.

“Determined not to do a Bill Clinton (remember the laughable ‘I didn’t inhale’?), I said I had,” he wrote on X, confirming past marijuana use and a single experience with ecstasy in Sydney 36 years ago, which he said led to a week-long migraine and deterred further use.

He said he shared the story to stress the risks, telling listeners “there is a price to pay,” with addiction representing “the end of liberty.”

MeRA25, no longer represented in Parliament, said putting a party leader on trial for discussing decades-old experiences “is not an accidental, innocent gaffe” but “a message from a judiciary that closes its eyes to those in power and goes after whoever refuses to bend the knee.”

Source: Ekathimerini.

Mitsotakis unveils plans to expand Evros border fence

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis unveils plans to expand Evros border fence

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced plans to extend the Evros border fence to cover the entire length of Greece’s frontier with Turkey.

Speaking during a visit to the flood-affected Evros region, Mitsotakis said additional border guards and cameras would also be deployed to the area, where tens of thousands of migrants attempted to cross from Turkey in 2020. He did not provide a timeline for the expansion.

According to United Nations data, 1,100 of the 3,090 people who have entered Greece illegally so far this year crossed via the Evros land border.

In 2025, about 7,000 of the 41,700 migrants who arrived in Greece entered through the Evros area.

Source: Ekathimerini.

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