The owners of SA Tomato, a 65-year-old tomato nursery in Adelaide, South Australia, are considering legal action after closing their business due to a tomato virus crisis.
Peter and Oriana Petsios, who have run the family business for decades, were devastated to shut down after a seedling tested positive for tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in mid-December 2024. The virus was first detected at their business in August.
“We’re all devastated – it’s a matter for the courts now,” Peter said, adding they had lost approximately $3 million and feared losing their home.
“It’s an unwinnable war. It’s very unfair. We’ve lost our reputation completely. They’ve destroyed a South Australian business.”
The Petsios family laid off their remaining staff after the December test, which came from a sacrificial crop sent to a Victorian customer. The batch was part of a nationally approved deal, but the Victorian glasshouse also tested positive for the virus and is now under quarantine.
The tomato virus. Photo: Growing Produce.
Petsios believes the test result was a “false positive,” citing more than 400 subsequent negative tests from the same batch. He plans to pursue legal action and is calling for changes to national legislation regarding ToBRFV, which he argues should be removed from the National Priority Plant Pests list.
He also criticised biosecurity measures, claiming that diagnostic protocols were inconsistent, test results were delayed, and communication with growers was poor.
“If I’ve failed, imagine how many other people are failing out there. They have raised the bar to a level that can’t be passed. It’s very unfair,” he said.
A state government spokesperson stated they would support SA Tomato in restarting its operations and continue to review ToBRFV eradication protocols.
Meanwhile, the opposition has expressed concern that the closure of SA Tomato is a major loss for the industry as it recovers from the virus crisis.
A recent meeting between the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBETH) and Elena Limnios, President of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry National Federation (HACCI NF), aimed at boosting trade and business ties between Greece and Australia.
The EBETH delegation included First Vice President Konstantinos Moraitidis, General Secretary Panagiotis Menexopoulos, Financial Supervisor Themistoklis Sarassidis, Business Support Officer Maria Tsakiri, and Board Member Konstantina Kyrgidou.
The meeting.
The discussions highlighted Australia’s potential for imported Greek products, particularly in food, beverages, and construction materials, sectors where Thessaloniki and Northern Greece have strong export-oriented businesses. However, the lack of a direct flight from Thessaloniki remains a challenge for fostering closer trade links.
The Greek Australian community’s solid reputation in Australia and its efforts to drive collaboration between the two countries were also emphasised.
In a move to further strengthen relations, the three largest Greek Chambers (EBETH, EBEA, and Piraeus Chamber) along with SEVE have signed a memorandum with HACCI NF to establish a regular communication channel.
The Semaphore Greek Festival, held on 18 – 19 January 2025, celebrated its 44th year, transforming the Semaphore foreshore into a hub of Hellenic culture and traditions.
Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of the Nativity of Christ, Port Adelaide & Environs (PAGOC), with the support of more than 350 volunteers, this year’s Semaphore Greek Festival theme “Όλοι Μαζί” (“All Together”) was a message to welcome the South Australian community to celebrate, in joy and unity, the richness of Hellenic culture.
This inclusive message was well received by South Australians, with tens of thousands of attendees descending on the Semaphore Greek Festival over a sunny two days of festivities.
The festival officially kicked off on Saturday with an opening ceremony. The Hon. Peter Malinausaks MP, Premier of South Australia, launched the event with an address, expressing his appreciation to PAGOC and all the volunteers for bringing this amazing festival together.
“This community, the Greek community in this State, has always given everything they have. They have been able to represent and elevate our State in almost every facet…” the Premier said.
“Today, at this festival, as you’ve been doing for 44 years, we celebrate the characteristics amongst the Greek community that I think is most valued, and that is your warmth and generosity, sharing the Hellenic culture with every South Australian in the absolutely outstanding location.”
Dr. Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in SA, expressed her joy and honour of seeing this “little Greece in the heart of South Australia in this beautiful place right by the beach,” and encouraged all attendees to “dance as we do in Greece, eat as we do in Greece and be hospitable as Greeks do in SA.”
The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, while highlighting PAGOC’s efforts throughout the year to nurture its community members, remarked that “at a time where there is conflict and disharmony in the world, festivals like this remind us that this country is the best and most successful multicultural nation…”
“The Greek Australian culture, which has been contributing so much to our country for decades and decades, every year puts on an event like this to showcase their culture and remind Australia what we have to cherish…” Mr Butler added.
President of PAGOC, John Douvartzidis, concluded the official ceremony by acknowledging “that in Australia, and especially SA, we are blessed to be in the most multicultural community in the world. This has allowed our forefathers that came here, through hard work, to prosper. But they did that always having the ability to keep their faith, culture and customs – it was never taken away from them.”
The festival showcased performances by various dance groups over two days, including the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Dance Group, the Port Adelaide Greek School Dance Group, the Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group, the Cretan Association of SA Dance Group, the Greek Lyceum of SA Dance Group, and the Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy, among others.
The diversity of these groups and their performances highlighted both traditional Greek dance styles and contemporary interpretations, offering attendees an immersive connection to the richness of Hellenic culture and heritage.
Throughout the weekend, attendees were captivated by the live sounds of traditional Greek music, performed by local singer Paras Siasos and accompanied by Enosis band which energised the festive atmosphere.
The venue was lined with cultural stalls including the Greek Museum of South Australia and the Port Adelaide Greek School. These stalls showcased Greek-inspired goods, and student projects alongside unique exhibitions.
The festival delighted attendees with a Greek feast of authentic cuisine, featuring an array of Yiros, Lamb Kontosouvli, Spanakopita, and honey rich Loukoumades, with each dish lovingly prepared by local volunteers using inherited recipes and techniques.
The festival also featured a variety of interactive and entertaining activities for attendee participation, including the lively “Who Loves Pita” and “Honey, I Ate the Loukoumades” competitions, as well as the plate-smashing event, Spasta!
Each evening, as the warm night breeze swept over the festival, interstate artist Xara Dimitriou, supported by Enosis Band, took centre stage. Their captivating performance, filled with authentic Greek melodies, echoing along the Semaphore shores, inspiring festivalgoers to dance with enthusiasm late into the night.
Through dance, music, food, and faith, the festival celebrated the cherished traditions and heritage passed down through generations, creating an atmosphere of kefi that united attendees in joyous cultural celebration.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure and could be sacked before the end of January following a poor run of form, according to Sporting News.
The Australian coach, who has overseen Spurs’ 15th-place standing in the Premier League after a 3-2 defeat to Everton, faces a crucial few days ahead of talks with the club’s hierarchy. Tottenham have gone winless in their last six league matches and have only one victory in their last 10 outings since November.
Despite the tough situation, Postecoglou remains determined.
After today’s loss at Goodison Park, he said, “The situation we’re in, will eventually dissipate. I certainly hope and believe it will. We’ll give ourselves the opportunity to get consistency in performance and results. I haven’t lost belief or determination to turn it around and the players showed in the second half they haven’t either.”
Photo: Getty Images.
Postecoglou, who signed a four-year contract in 2023 that runs until June 2027, may face a compensation settlement if dismissed by club chairman Daniel Levy.
Tottenham’s Carabao Cup semifinal second-leg clash at Liverpool on February 6, with Spurs leading 1-0 from the first leg, could be pivotal in determining his future.
While no immediate replacements have been linked, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and ex-England boss Gareth Southgate have emerged as potential candidates.
Shoalhaven Councillor Ben Krikstolaitis is facing growing calls to resign after he proposed a motion urging the New South Wales government to place Shoalhaven City Council into administration.
Krikstolaitis, a Jervis Bay Labor member, described the new mayor, Patricia White, as incompetent and criticised the council’s leadership for mismanaging the city’s finances.
In a motion presented at a recent Labor branch meeting, Krikstolaitis stated: “The Shoalhaven Independents, Mayor Patricia White and her colleague councillors cannot demonstrate an ability to oversee either the strategic or financial management of Shoalhaven City Council, which has quickly fallen into disarray.”
His motion follows a report from an independent economic group in November 2023, which found the council to be financially unsustainable, warning that it could lose millions over the next decade unless significant changes were made.
Ben Krikstolaitis.
In response, the council has implemented rate hikes and suspended over 90 projects to address the financial crisis.
Fellow councillors have strongly condemned Krikstolaitis’ remarks. Councillor Selena Clancy said she would call for his resignation at the first council meeting of 2025, stating, “I will be asking him to consider resigning because he doesn’t have confidence in the mayor or his fellow councillors.”
Community members are also demanding his resignation. Shoalhaven resident Jacqui Burke has launched an online petition, which has gathered nearly 200 signatures.
“The residents of Shoalhaven City, as well as all people who believe in the fair and ethical conduct of those in power, must now stand together to demand his immediate resignation,” Burke said.
Councillor Bob Proudfoot has proposed a motion for the January 21 council meeting, calling for clarification of Krikstolaitis’ “ill-informed” comments.
Australia will take on the World as some of the most loved names in tennis take to the courts in a fresh new format for the Australian Open Legends Cup, presented by Marriott Bonvoy.
The action starts on Tuesday, January 21, with the finals and trophy presentations set to take place on Friday, January 24.
Fans can look forward to a star-studded lineup as two formidable teams face off in an exhilarating mix of men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles matches.
The legendary field collectively boasts more than 20 Grand Slam titles, including six singles crowns.
Three men and three women will make up each team, and every player will participate in three doubles matches – two men’s or women’s doubles and one mixed doubles.
It's Australia against the world 🇦🇺🌎
Past stars of the game will compete in a fresh new format at the AO Legends Cup.
Tennis fans can anticipate thrilling rallies, friendly rivalries, and unforgettable moments as these legends bring their skill, charisma, and love for the game back to the court.
“The AO Legends World Team Cup is an exciting new way to present our legendary players and we expect to raise the tournament to a whole new level,” AO World Team Cup Tournament Director Andre Sa said.
“It’s a real celebration of the sport, showcasing legendary players and highlighting the camaraderie and spirit of tennis to fans onsite in Melbourne and around the world.”
His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland has arrived in Australia and visited the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) in Sydney on Thursday, January 16.
Metropolitan Iakovos toured the recently renovated Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, before meeting with the Archbishop in his office.
During the meeting, Archbishop Makarios provided an overview of the history and work of the GOAA, while also extending heartfelt wishes to Metropolitan Iakovos as he fulfills his role in Ireland.
Archbishop Makarios expressed gratitude for the Metropolitan’s visit and wished him an enjoyable stay in Australia.
In response, Metropolitan Iakovos thanked Archbishop Makarios for his warm hospitality and praised the Archbishop for his dedicated leadership, wishing him continued strength and success in his work.
In a thrilling contest between youth and experience, Heidelberg’s young side showcased maturity beyond their years to secure a well-earned 3–1 victory over an experienced Keon Park outfit that also featured some promising young players.
Heidelberg started the game brightly, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Their dominance paid off early as they raced to a 2–0 lead with confident finishing and fluid teamwork that belied their youth. Keon Park struggled to gain a foothold in the first half but showed glimpses of their attacking potential.
The second half saw a determined response from Keon Park, who pulled a goal back to make it 2–1, injecting tension into the match. With momentum on their side, Keon Park came tantalisingly close to equalising, but a stunning save from Heidelberg’s goalkeeper preserved the slender lead.
As Keon Park pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Heidelberg struck with the final kick of the game, sealing a 3–1 victory and extinguishing any hopes of a late comeback.
Heidelberg’s young players impressed with their composure and teamwork, while Keon Park will rue missed opportunities but can take heart from their spirited fightback. Both teams leave the field with lessons learned and plenty to build on for the remainder of the competition.
South Melbourne’s youthful side also put on an impressive performance to secure a commanding 3–0 victory over the experienced Bentleigh United Cobras in an exciting clash.
From the outset, South Melbourne’s energy and determination were on display.
The breakthrough came in spectacular fashion when Toby Simeoni picked up the ball deep in his own half and embarked on a sensational solo run, evading challenges before rounding the Bentleigh keeper to slot the ball into the net. The brilliant individual effort gave South Melbourne a deserved 1–0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, South Melbourne returned with even more intensity, refusing to let Bentleigh settle into the game. Despite Bentleigh’s best efforts to mount a comeback, South Melbourne’s defence held firm, while their attacking flair continued to shine.
Two more goals sealed the result, as the young side demonstrated clinical finishing and composure beyond their years.
The 3–0 scoreline was a testament to South Melbourne’s dominance and a warning to future opponents about the quality of their emerging talent. For Bentleigh United Cobras, it was a tough outing against a highly energetic and focused opponent.
South Melbourne’s young guns have certainly made a statement, and fans will no doubt be eager to see how this team develops in the matches ahead.
Archbishop Makarios led the service, which was concelebrated by a distinguished group of clergy, including Their Eminences Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia and Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland, and Bishop Michael of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Australia.
Photo: Markellos Petropoulos.
Also present were Their Graces, Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Evmenios of Chora, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
The liturgy also saw the participation of numerous clergy, monks and nuns from the local monasteries, as well as dignitaries such as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
During the service, warm addresses were delivered to Archbishop Makarios by Bishop Elpidios and Archimandrite Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor of the GOAA. Both expressed deep gratitude for the Archbishop’s sacrificial ministry and offered prayers for his health and continued success in his leadership of the local Church.
In his response, a visibly moved Archbishop Makarios thanked those present for their heartfelt messages and support. He acknowledged the contributions of the bishops, clergy, and faithful in advancing the mission of the GOAA and pledged to continue his efforts to strengthen the Church’s work.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has condemned the surge in anti-Semitic incidents across Australia, urging an end to the “normalisation of hatred.”
In a joint call to reject the use of Israel’s military actions as a justification for attacking Jewish Australians, Archbishops Anthony Fisher, Kanishka Raffel and Makarios Griniezakis expressed concern over the increasing anti-Semitic violence.
“Some have sought to justify anti-Semitic behaviour by referencing the actions of the state of Israel in its war against Hamas, but such a moral calculus is seriously misguided,” the archbishops said.
“There is no logic to attacking Jewish people in Australia as a means of ‘resisting’ the actions of another nation’s military.”
The archbishops warned that this escalation posed a dangerous threat to society as a whole, citing how dehumanisation can quickly lead to violence, even genocide.
They called for a renewed commitment to protecting the dignity of all people, regardless of race or religion, emphasising the importance of rejecting hatred and discrimination.
“Each generation must renew this commitment and do all they can to make sure hatred never becomes normalised,” they added, urging Australians to live by the teachings of love and compassion.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has spoken out against anti-Semitic violence, stressed the need for action, not just meetings, to tackle the crisis.
“Australians want action,” he said, referring to the recent hate crimes, including the firebombing of Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin’s home.
NSW Premier Chris Minns also expressed concerns, promising to strengthen hate-speech laws to combat anti-Semitic acts.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas offers a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East, but the ongoing rise in anti-Semitism in Australia underscores the importance of societal vigilance against hate.
