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Billy Kavellaris reflects on his practice as KUD wins big at 2025 Australian Design Awards

Madison McGuinness
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Billy Kavellaris reflects on his practice as KUD wins big at 2025 Australian Design Awards

Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) has earned national recognition, securing two prestigious silver awards at the 2025 Australian Design Awards. The awards highlight the firm’s excellence in both residential and commercial architecture.

KUD‘s Luna House was awarded Silver in the “Architecture – Residential – Constructed” category. The project, captured by photographer Harrison Moss, was built by DSquared. Luna House is celebrated for its innovative design and seamless integration with its environment.

The second silver award was presented for Boxhill Office, which earned recognition in the “Architecture – Commercial – Constructed” category. Photography for the Boxhill Office was provided by Chris Murray Photography, with video by Harrison Moss. The office building was developed by Iurada Property Group.

Both projects showcase KUD’s commitment to design excellence and creative architectural solutions.

“My team and I are extremely proud and humbled to have won two National Awards at the 2025 ‘Australian Design Awards’ in both the Residential and Commercial categories,” Billy Kavellaris told The Greek Herald.

“As a designer, my primary motivation is to create compelling and responsible buildings for our clients and the environment. However, industry recognition is a rewarding acknowledgment of all the hard work and energy put into our projects.”

“Architecture is a unique art form, where the journey from the initial pen stroke to the finished product often takes years to realise,” he added.

One of KUD’s most notable initiatives looking forward is the Chora cultural precinct in Northcote, Melbourne, developed for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. The firm is working towards securing Development Approval for the project in the coming months.

In October 2024, KUD’s work on Chora was recognised during a historic visit to Australia by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who visited for the second time in nearly 30 years.

“I was honoured to be recognised for my contribution to designing the Cultural Precinct Chora during his visit,” Billy Kavellaris declared. The design for the precinct is now nearing completion.

Chora is set to transform the grand Axion Estin Monastery site into a vibrant cultural and community hub, “inspired by the idea of a cosmopolitan and inclusive Greek village.”

The precinct will showcase the best of Greek culture, offering spaces for education, creativity, social gatherings and heritage exhibitions.

Chanel Contos continues her global advocacy for consent education

The Greek Herald
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Chanel Contos continues her global advocacy for consent education

Feminist activist and consent campaigner Chanel Contos, known for her movement to make consent education mandatory in Australian schools, is now expanding her reach globally.

Based in Oxford, England, she’s balancing her Masters in Public Policy with her advocacy work, which includes the release of her first book Consent Laid Bare in the US later this year.

Contos, 26, rose to prominence in 2021 after launching an Instagram poll that sparked a nationwide conversation on consent, later evolving into an international movement.

At lunch in Sydney’s Felix bistro, she reflects on the current political climate, particularly in the US.

“Some groups in society have gotten into a purist mindset,” she said, worried that divisive social media algorithms and the politicisation of women’s rights are undermining progress.

Her concerns also extend to the impact of pornography on young people. “The average age of first access to pornography is as young as 11,” she noted, emphasising the need for urgent national conversations.

Contos is also vocal about the dangers posed by generative AI, which she fears is fuelling bullying and sexual harassment.

“If they’re not understanding those fundamentals of consent and empathy, it’s easy to create harmful content about another person,” she warned.

Amid all this, Contos remains focused on her mission to push for systemic change, drawing motivation from both her passion for justice and “anger” at the ongoing challenges women face.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Sydney resident Michael Gerondis boosts security amid antisemitic attacks

The Greek Herald
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Sydney resident Michael Gerondis boosts security amid antisemitic attacks

In response to a rise in antisemitic incidents in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, former NSW Police fraud squad inspector Michael Gerondis has stepped up security around his Vaucluse home.

Although not Jewish, Gerondis has installed additional security cameras and motion sensors in visible locations to deter hate-driven attacks.

“As long as it’s obvious that there are cameras, it’s a deterrent. It’s become essential with the attacks,” he said.

His actions come after a series of antisemitic incidents, including the recent attack on the Only About Children childcare centre in Maroubra, where the building was set ablaze and defaced with the words “F— the Jews.”

Photo: ABC News / Anushri Sood.

Gerondis criticised the federal government’s slow response to the rising threat, saying this was one reason he felt compelled to act.

“There’s a high percentage of Jews here. It’s random, but they’re still sending a message of hate so no one is safe,” Gerondis said.

The Community Security Group (CSG) has also increased security measures, including a 24/7 operations centre and additional patrols.

Gerondis praised the federal government’s recent actions but emphasised the need for faster responses to protect communities from such hate crimes.

Source: AFR.

Steve Christou slams council for flying Australia Day banners with other celebrations

The Greek Herald
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Steve Christou slams council for flying Australia Day banners with other celebrations

Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou has criticised the council for failing to exclusively fly Australia Day banners in its town centres, opting instead to share the space with flags for Lunar New Year and Pongal throughout January.

Christou expressed his “dismay” after noticing no Australia Day banners in Merrylands town centre early last week, despite seeing flags promoting the Tamil harvest festival, Pongal.

“I was shocked to walk through Merrylands town centre… and see that there were no Australia Day banners being displayed,” he said.

“Banners advertising Pongal celebrations were on display and flying high.”

“In my opinion, not flying the flags for a prolonged period and having them up with other celebrations is watering down a significant event,” Christou said.

He questioned, “Why are we not celebrating it exclusively?” Christou, who represents Granville ward, argued that while the council should celebrate its multiculturalism, it should never come at the expense of Australia Day.

“Australia Day should not be muddled up with anything else,” he said.

“When the community sees this kind of stuff, it’s what causes division and tarnishes our national identity.”

In contrast, Christou pointed to Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown councils, which had flown Australia Day banners exclusively for over three weeks.

Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed responded, saying she was proud to lead a community that “lives in harmony side-by-side.”

She reminded Christou that the council had resolved in March 2022 to expand its events program to include more cultural celebrations, a motion Christou had supported.

“This practice also took place when he was mayor,” Hamed noted.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits Saint Spyridon Monastery in Cuba

The Greek Herald
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Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits Saint Spyridon Monastery in Cuba

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Saint Spyridon Monastery, located on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, on January 24.

The visit coincided with the twentieth-anniversary celebrations of the consecration of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Havana.

Photo: Markellos Petropoulos.

Accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, and Bishops Athenagoras of Myrina and Timotheos of Assos, the Archbishop was warmly welcomed by the monk Fr Makarios.

A large group of pilgrims, including Greek Americans and the Consul General of Panama in Philadelphia, Georgia Athanasopoulou, also joined the visit.

Inside the Katholikon, Archbishop Makarios venerated the holy icons and, together with the congregation, chanted the Apolytikion of Saint Spyridon and a prayer for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Photo: Markellos Petropoulos.

Following a Sanctification Service (Agiasmos), the Archbishop blessed and cut the Vasilopita of the monastery. One piece was dedicated to the people of Cuba, another to Haiti, and a third to Venezuela.

Before leaving, Archbishop Makarios spoke with local residents living near the monastery, offering a piece of Vasilopita to one family and engaging in a heartfelt conversation.

Nick Staikos hails Victoria’s investment in financial counselling services

The Greek Herald
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Nick Staikos hails Victoria’s investment in financial counselling services

The Victorian government has announced a $15 million expansion of financial counselling services aimed at helping residents facing mortgage and rental stress.

The funding, allocated over three years, will support 16 organisations and create 37 new frontline positions across the state.

The expansion also includes specialised services for First Nations communities and targeted support for primary producers and small businesses in Western and Northern Victoria.

Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos emphasised that the initiative is designed to assist families under cost-of-living pressures.

“As Victorian families continue to face cost of living pressures our financial counselling services are there to help people to get their financial situation back on track,” Staikos said.

Photo: ABC Melbourne / Simon Leo Brown.

“We’re investing in our financial counselling services and workforce so organisations can offer free help to thousands more Victorians.”

Financial Counselling Victoria will receive an additional $700,000 this year to boost its professional development and advocacy efforts, while the Consumer Action Law Centre will use its funding to offer specialist support services and training.

The government’s financial counselling program, run through Consumer Affairs Victoria, helped over 23,000 Victorians in 2023-24, including 4,100 affected by family violence.

Services include assistance with payment plans and negotiations with creditors.

Source: Premier of Victoria, Beat.

Greek Parliament honours Greek Jewish Holocaust victims

The Greek Herald
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Greek Parliament honours Greek Jewish Holocaust victims

The Greek Parliament observed a minute of silence on Monday, January 27, to honour the over 67,000 Greek Jews who were murdered by the Nazis during World War II. The solemn moment marked the International and National Day of Commemoration for Holocaust victims.

“Our Greek Jewish brothers, who were sacrificed on the barbaric altar of Nazism, constituted the fifth-largest ethnic group at Auschwitz. The Holocaust of the Jews is the greatest group crime in the history of mankind and an insane truth,” Deputy Speaker of the House Thanasis Bouras told Parliament.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by the Soviet army.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement, noting that 67,151 Greek Jews were among the six million Jews exterminated by the Nazis across Europe.

The ministry emphasised the importance of remembering these atrocities to ensure that the darkest chapters of history are never forgotten.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Greece bids farewell to football legend Mimis Domazos

The Greek Herald
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Greece bids farewell to football legend Mimis Domazos

Greece mourned the loss of Mimis Domazos, affectionately known as “The General,” with a heartfelt farewell on On 27 January 2025, that highlighted his lasting impact on Greek football. The day’s commemorations began at Leoforos Stadium, the home ground of Panathinaikos FC, where Domazos spent the majority of his illustrious career. His coffin, draped in the Panathinaikos flag, arrived at the stadium gate. His daughter, Popi Domazou, along with fans and friends, welcomed him as the Panathinaikos anthem resonated through the stadium’s speakers. Overcome with emotion, Popi expressed, “It is very, very difficult. My father is here; we thank the whole world; all of Greece is mourning; my father is here.” The gathered crowd honoured the legendary footballer by chanting “immortal.”

Following the stadium tribute, Domazos’ body was placed for public viewing at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral, allowing thousands of admirers to pay their respects. The funeral service, attended by a multitude of dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, former Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis, and former Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, who conveyed their condolences to Domazos’ family. Panathinaikos coach Rui Vitória and technical director Giannis Papadimitriou were also present to honour the football icon.

The Domazos family, united in grief, thanked fans for their support and love for ‘The General.

The service featured poignant eulogies from notable figures. Giannis Alafouzos, owner of Panathinaikos FC, and Fotis Ioannidis delivered heartfelt speeches, reflecting on Domazos’ enduring legacy. Due to illness, Antonis Antoniadis was unable to attend; in his stead, either Vassilis Konstantinou or Nikos Karoulias shared memories of their esteemed colleague. Domazos’ daughter, Popi, also offered a touching farewell to her father.

Domazos’ brother, Thanasis, spoke of the profound loss, stating, “All of Greece and Europe are talking about him; no words are enough. He was a beloved brother. We talked; he advised me because he was older, and I listened to him.” Fans remembered Domazos as “one of the holy monsters of football along with Pele, Cruyff, and Maradona,” emphasising his gentlemanly conduct on the pitch and the respect he inspired. His grandchildren, Stelios and Vicki, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, noting, “They give us strength; it is a touching day for all of us.” A particularly moving tribute came from his grandson, Stamatis, who left a black shirt bearing the words “Eternally Loyal” and the message: “One life Panathinaikos, grandfather I will love you forever.”

Mimis Domazos’ passing marks the end of an era for Greek football. His unparalleled skill, leadership, and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the nation’s athletic history. As Greece bids farewell to “The General,” his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and fans alike.

Basil Zempilas targets Premier Cook’s chief of staff as WA election campaign heats up

The Greek Herald
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Basil Zempilas targets Premier Cook’s chief of staff as WA election campaign heats up

The Western Australian election campaign is heating up, with tensions flaring between Perth Lord Mayor and Liberal candidate Basil Zempilas and Premier Roger Cook’s chief of staff, Daniel Pastorelli, over the use of annual leave during campaign periods.

Pastorelli, who is also Labor’s candidate for Landsdale, stated he was taking annual leave to balance his responsibilities as chief of staff and his campaign activities. “I’ve always in my job as chief of staff, I’ve always performed that in the best interests of the public and same goes for my role now as a candidate,” he said. He even offered to share his leave forms to prove the separation of roles.

In response, Zempilas called on Pastorelli to make his leave records public, arguing that his own decision to remain as lord mayor until the writs are issued is consistent with long-standing practices. “Everybody knows what I’m doing is following the rules and procedures that have been set out forever,” Zempilas said.

Premier Roger Cook dismissed Zempilas’ demands, saying Pastorelli’s leave forms would not be handed over and could only be accessed through Freedom of Information laws. Cook defended Pastorelli’s integrity, stating, “He understands full well his obligations and responsibilities as a public servant, but also as a candidate, and he was doing everything by the book.”

As the campaign intensifies, the clash between Zempilas and Pastorelli highlights the pressures on candidates balancing professional roles with election commitments.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis attends memorial service for late Archbishop Anastasios

The Greek Herald
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Kyriakos Mitsotakis attends memorial service for late Archbishop Anastasios

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania by attending a solemn memorial service held on Sunday at the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. The service, led by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, drew the participation of religious leaders, officials, and members of the public.

Archbishop Anastasios, a towering figure in the Orthodox Christian world, passed away recently, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as the head of the Orthodox Church of Albania. His leadership, marked by resilience and devotion, was instrumental in reviving Orthodoxy in Albania after decades of religious suppression under the communist regime.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis joined other dignitaries in honouring the late Archbishop’s contributions to faith, humanity, and reconciliation. Archbishop Anastasios was widely recognised not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and peace in the Balkans.

During the service, Archbishop Ieronymos emphasised the profound impact of Archbishop Anastasios’ life and work, highlighting his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of faith and unity. The ceremony served as a moment of reflection and gratitude for his enduring contributions to the Orthodox Church and society at large.

Archbishop Anastasios’ legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Orthodox Church of Albania.

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