Darwin company Kassiou Constructions has been slapped with a record fine of $94,200 after admitting to invoicing customers for incomplete building work over a 15-year period.
The company, owned by Louis and Ilias Kassiou, was investigated by the Northern Territory’s Building Practitioners Board of Inquiry (BPBI) following an audit of five home construction projects between 2021 and 2023.
The audit revealed that Kassiou Constructions billed clients for the completion of the frame stage of the project, despite the work being unfinished. In four of the cases, the company invoiced customers prematurely for work that was not completed on time. The frame stage was never completed in two of these builds.
The BPBI concluded that Kassiou “failed to complete the building works in accordance with the due date of their contracts and caused significant financial loss to the owners.”
The company was also found to have completed work that did not align with building permits, and its practice of billing for unfinished stages violated regulations that prohibit payments before work is completed.
Photo: ABC News / Dane Hirst.
The inquiry highlighted that it is a standard expectation for the building frame to be fully completed—walls, floors, and roof—before payment is made for the frame stage. The BPBI noted that Kassiou Constructions appeared to have adopted unlawful shortcuts to building practices over time.
The audit also revealed that Kassiou Constructions did not apply for necessary changes to building permits before making structural amendments, a practice deemed unacceptable for a licensed building practitioner in the NT.
While Louis did not attend the hearings or respond to inquiries, co-director Ilias cooperated with the investigation, claiming the company only issued invoices after the block work was completed. Ilias also argued that the regulations do not specifically define when the frame stage is completed.
The BPBI has recommended that Ilias undergo supervision to ensure compliance with building regulations. Kassiou Constructions’ registration, along with Louis’, was suspended in June after failing to meet re-registration requirements. The company has since removed its website and is now listed as permanently closed.
NSW Fire and Rescue Station Officer Chris Stathis has been putting out fires and saving lives since his early 20’s in Sydney, Australia.
In an interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian firefighter revealed how his journey began.
“I had a neighbour who was a firefighter, who told me all about the fire department and that I should look into becoming a firefighter if I wanted to,” Chris said.
“He took me to the fire station and showed me around. I also had a friend at school who was a few years older than me that had been to the fire station, and he showed me around the fire station as well and that’s how I got interested.”
Applying to the fire department
Chris first applied to the fire department in 1990, where he was required to do different types of tests, spanning across three years. They included both physical and mental tests, followed by many interviews.
“When we passed the exam, we then started training for 16 weeks,” he explained.
“When we passed the training, we were then each assigned to a fire station. I went to a fire station in early 1994 at the age of 23.”
In 2018, Chris was also part of the NSW Fire and Rescue team who was deployed to Greece to assist with recovery efforts following the wildfires. He was there for 15 days to help communities, alongside local fire authorities and other agencies.
The pros and cons of the job
As someone who’s been working for NSW Fire and Rescue for more than 20 years, Chris explained that there are both positives and negatives to doing what he loves each day.
“Some of the advantages of this job are that every day is different, and you don’t know what’s going to happen when you come to work. Another advantage is working with a team and having that camaraderie,” he said.
“The downsides are when you see people getting hurt or killed and working in shifts.”
Despite this, the 51-year-old said he loves “being able to help people during their crisis and knowing that I have saved lives and their most precious possessions.”
He also addressed the misconception that firefighters only rescue people, stating they do much more than what most people think.
“People think we only go to fires, but we do rescues, car accidents, storm damage, chemical spills and hazardous materials,” he said.
“We also help educate people about the dangers around their homes, we teach children in schools about the dangers of fires, and we are also very involved within the community.”
For more information on how to stay fire safe, visit your local RFS website.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intervened after a controversial social media post by the Victorian ALP targeting Peter Dutton and his wife, Kirilly, was deemed inappropriate.
The post, which featured a manipulated newspaper image from 2019 with a quote from Ms Dutton saying, “He is not a monster,” was criticised as a personal attack.
The post, shared by the Victorian ALP’s social media at around 11am on Monday, December 30, was accompanied by the caption, “We all know that one couple,” making light of Ms Dutton’s comments about her husband.
The post sparked outrage, with Mr Dutton calling on Albanese and the Labor Party to respect his family and avoid personal attacks.
“I can assure you: the Liberal Party I lead will not be targeting Jodie Haydon,” Mr Dutton said in a statement, referring to Albanese’s fiancée. “I respect and like Jodie, but she is not an elected official and will not be the subject of humiliation, attack ads or public smear by the Liberal Party.”
In response to the backlash, Albanese’s office quickly ordered the post to be removed, with a spokesperson stating, “When the tweet was drawn to his attention, the Prime Minister demanded it be taken down. Families should be off-limits.”
Victorian ALP secretary Steve Staikos defended the post, insisting it was “not a personal attack at all,” but rather a “comedic meme.” When questioned about whether the image had been altered, Staikos disagreed, saying he did not believe it had been doctored.
However, the post was widely criticised by opposition members. Senator James Paterson, the opposition’s home affairs spokesman, labelled the post as “grubby gutter politics from a desperate government slipping in the polls.”
The incident comes amid plummeting poll numbers for Labor in Victoria, where recent figures show the Coalition has drawn level with Labor for the first time. Labor’s primary vote in the state has fallen to 30%, reflecting a nearly 5% swing against the government since the 2022 federal election.
With tensions running high ahead of the 2025 federal election, the controversy highlights the increasingly personal nature of the campaign.
Dancing the Labyrinth author Karen Martin woke up on Tuesday, December 31, to a tag on Facebook. She clicked on the Eyeland Book Awards page to the news that she had won in her category.
“If it’s on Facebook then it must be true,” she joked during an interview with The Greek Herald, adding that she “had a flush of happiness” after realising that she had won the prestigious international prize.
“Being a finalist was fantastic, and it felt good just to be shortlisted. More importantly, I am so pleased to have been acknowledged by the Greek community because that is my inspiration.”
Karen was just 14 years old when she found out that you could actually live on a Greek island, and she did this 40 years later. She picked Crete after sampling raki at a Greek taverna in Echuca while cycling through rural Victoria. Later she met Cretan restaurateur John Rerakis, and her fate was sealed.
“I am a true Philhellene,” she said.
As a self-published author, she says the award vindicates her.
“Initially, I was stuck on the traditional perspective that it would not be good enough unless traditionally published,” she said.
After a meeting with English-born, Greek-inspired bestselling author Kathryn Gauci, she saw the benefits of independent publishing and self-published Dancing the Labyrinth. She has followed the same route with its recently-published sequel, Delphi.
“I invest in myself and answer to myself. I employ editors, proofreaders, and cover designers and follow the direction I want. Also, my projects take two to three years to complete. I don’t need to push myself and can enjoy the process,” she said, adding that she views herself as an “indy author.”
While self-publishing has changed, Karen says that government funding has yet to catch up with what is happening on the street and is discriminatory for self-published authors.
“I hope self-published authors winning international awards such as this one can help turn that around,” she said, looking forward to a hopeful and abundant 2025.
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli found himself in the spotlight following an altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG. Kohli, who was seen intentionally bumping shoulders with Konstas, faced criticism from several former cricketers.
The clash occurred when Kohli, walking towards the other end of the pitch, collided with the 19-year-old Australian debutant after the 10th over of the opening session. The two exchanged words before the umpire intervened.
Kohli was subsequently fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct. However, Konstas and his family appeared to take the incident in stride.
In a light-hearted moment, Konstas was seen imitating the shoulder bump in front of fans at the MCG, with his brother, Billy, addressing the controversy during the match.
“I didn’t mind it – it added a bit of a spectacle to cricket, a bit of rugby league action going on in the cricket space,” Billy said. “Out on the field, Sam has got such a hard exterior, but off the field, he’s such a humble guy.”
The situation further seemed to be forgotten by both parties, as Kohli posed for photographs with Konstas’ brothers at a charity event hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on New Year’s Day.
The event, held at Kirribilli House in Sydney, was part of the Glenn McGrath Foundation’s celebrations, ahead of the fifth and final Test match of the series in Sydney.
Billy Konstas shared a picture of him and Kohli, both smiling and holding their thumbs up, with the caption: “Happy New Year! Thanks to Prime Minister Mr Albanese for his hospitality as well as celebrating the McGrath Foundation.”
Kohli and the Konstas brothers were also joined by Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for another photo.
The fifth Test of the series, scheduled for January 3-7 at the SCG, remains crucial for both teams, with India needing a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Australia only requires a draw to claim the title.
Football Australia has confirmed the appointment of 31 Australian match officials to the 2025 FIFA International Referee Lists.
Among the list are three Australians of Greek heritage including Joanna Charaktis, George Lakrindis, and Andrew Meimarakis.
The 2025 list reflects the retirement of long-standing, internationally respected Match Officials and includes two additional Australian Match Officials compared to last year. The minimal changes from the 2024 list highlights a period of stability for Australian Match Officials while also demonstrating continued international growth.
George Lakrindis. Photo: PFRA.
Key Retirements:
Ryan Gallagher:
Ryan,a distinguished figure in Australian refereeing, is set to officiate his final match as a Football Australia Match Official on Saturday, 4 January 2025 in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men clash between Newcastle Jets FC and Sydney FC.
Gallagher’s career highlights include serving as an A-League Men Assistant Referee from 2009 to 2025 and accumulating 201 matches. He is notably the fourth match official—whether as a referee, fourth official, or assistant referee—to reach 200 matches in the A-League Men competition.
His accomplishments extend internationally, having been a FIFA Assistant Referee from 2016 to 2024 and an AFC Elite Assistant Referee from 2017 to 2024. Gallagher also served as Reserve Assistant Referee for the 2022 AFC Cup Final.
Ryan Shepheard:
Australia’s most decorated Futsal Referee, has officially called time on his illustrious officiating career. His achievements include refereeing in three AFC Futsal Asian Cups (2010, 2022, 2024), where he served as an Assistant Referee in the 2010 Final and Referee in the 2022 Final. Shepheard also officiated the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2015, taking charge of the 3rd Place Play-Off as Second Referee.
On the world stage, Shepheard represented Australia in two FIFA Futsal World Cups (2021, 2024), officiating a Quarter-Final and a Semi-Final both as an Assistant Referee in 2021 and as Referee in 2024. He made history as the first Australian futsal referee to officiate a Semi-Final at a FIFA Futsal World Cup.
Shepheard’s legacy also includes being the first Australian futsal referee to officiate a Final at an AFC Futsal Asian Cup and the third Australian to referee an AFC Futsal Asian Cup Final on the pitch.
Joanna Charaktis.
New Appointees
Alongside these retirements, Football Australia announced the addition of new referees and assistant referees to the international list. This fresh talent promises to continue the legacy of excellence which has been long associated with Australian Match Officials.
Long-serving A-League Assistant Referee Arvin Shanmuganathan has been elevated to the FIFA International Referee list, alongside Dion Bradley, who has been confirmed as a FIFA Futsal Referee.
John Moss, Head of Referees at Football Australia, said: “The retirement of these outstanding match officials marks the end of a significant chapter in Australian football. Their dedication and professionalism have set a high standard and inspired a new generation of referees.”
“We are deeply grateful for their contribution to the game. Both have paved the way for Australian match officials on the field and we are looking forward to retaining their knowledge and experience as we shape a new generation of match officials,” Moss added.
“We are excited to introduce Arvin and Dion to the FIFA International Referee List who have both shown exceptional promise, and their new appointments signal Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to fostering talent and maintaining the high standards that Australian refereeing is known for.”
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, added: “These officials have represented Australian football with distinction on the world stage. Their dedication has played a key role in elevating the global standing of Australian refereeing. As they move on to new opportunities, we extend our best wishes and look forward to supporting the next generation of referees who will carry on this proud tradition, including those stepping onto the international scene for the first time.”
Andrew Meimarakis. Photo: Getty Images.
Australian Match Officials on the FIFA List of International Match Officials 2025
From visiting their local Greek Orthodox church to cutting the traditional Vasilopita surrounded by family and friends, here’s how some Greeks around Australia celebrated New Year’s Day in 2025.
New South Wales
On New Year’s Day, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited the Greek Orthodox parish of St Nicholas in Marrickville, Sydney, to exchange New Year’s wishes with the faithful in attendance.
Accompanied by the parish priest, Father Michael Tsolakis, and Father Socrates Dokos from the Resurrection of Christ Parish in Kogarah, Archbishop Makarios officiated the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ and the Feast of St. Basil the Great.
After the service, he led a prayer for the New Year and cut the traditional vasilopita for the parish. The congregation also sang the traditional New Year’s carols with great enthusiasm.
In his brief address, Archbishop Makarios wished everyone an abundance of God’s blessings for the New Year and strength to face the challenges ahead. He encouraged the faithful to set spiritual goals alongside their worldly aspirations.
Among those present were the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a Criminologist from Greece, Athanasios Kehagioglou. The Consul General delivered a short greeting, urging the congregation to “always keep the flag of Greece high, as you already do.”
Other parishes such as the Church of the Resurrection of Christ at Kogarah and St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church at Burwood also held Divine Liturgy services, followed by the annual cutting of the Vasilopita.
Victoria:
In Melbourne, the New Year and the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ were celebrated with reverence at the St Vasilios Greek Orthodox church in Brunswick. The service was presided by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
The celebrations began on the evening of December 31 with the Great Vespers, followed by Matins and the Divine Liturgy on January 1.
After the Liturgy, Bishop Evmenios blessed the vasilopita, wishing the attendees health, prosperity, and spiritual progress for the New Year.
Instead of a sermon, Archbishop Makarios’ New Year message was read aloud, offering words of encouragement, hope and spiritual guidance for the year ahead.
Australia Capital Territory:
In Canberra, Father Petros presided over the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, January 1 to mark the New Year and celebrate the feast of St Basil the Great.
Father Petros also cut the traditional vasilopita and distributed pieces to the congregation.
Nick Kyrgios’ hopes of competing in the Australian Open are uncertain after his wrist injury flared up following his first-round loss at the Brisbane International. The Australian was defeated by Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a thrilling match that went to three tie-breaks, with Kyrgios falling 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3) on Tuesday, December 31.
The 29-year-old, playing just his second singles match in two and a half years after recovering from a wrist injury, then teamed up with Novak Djokovic in doubles. The duo was defeated by top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in a nail-biting super tiebreak.
Despite the setbacks, Kyrgios admitted in a post-match press conference that his wrist injury had worsened, raising concerns about his fitness for the upcoming Australian Open.
Photo: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images.
Kyrgios, who underwent surgery for multiple issues in his hand and arm, said, “Not one tennis player has ever had this surgery and come back and tried to play again.” He described the recovery process as experimental with no clear protocol, adding, “It’s throbbing like sh*t right now. It’s very sore at the moment. We were expecting that. I’m going to do all the right things, and I’ll be playing doubles, for sure.”
Reflecting on his performance in Brisbane, Kyrgios expressed frustration, stating, “I felt I’d been hit by a bus after the doubles. It’s going to be a rough day tomorrow for my wrist. I was really excited for the Aus Open, and after today … the reality set in to be fair. I almost need a miracle and the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a grand slam.”
Despite the pain, Kyrgios emphasised his joy at being back on the court, especially in front of Australian fans. “I’m so happy to be part of the Australian summer again. I don’t take it for granted; going out there again playing a top player like that … smiling to myself knowing I’m right in the heat of the battle.”
A massive vasilopita, fit for the Guinness World Records, was unveiled in Town Hall Square in Peristeri, Athens, weighing in at an impressive 10 tonnes and 400 kilograms. The colossal cake, made up of more than 70,000 pieces, disappeared in just one hour as people eagerly grabbed their share.
The vasilopita was filled with hidden coins, offering gifts to the fortunate finders. To create this giant cake, over 9.5 tonnes of flour, 1,900 kilograms of oil, 5,700 eggs, 600 kilograms of sugar and 600 kilograms of powdered sugar were used.
In a festive celebration, Peristeri Mayor Andreas Pachaturidis, alongside municipal employees, distributed pieces to the crowd. Local bakers and students from the Public School of Bakery and Pastry in Galatsi contributed to the creation of the massive dessert.
A vehicle slammed into a crowd in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day, killing 10 people and injuring 35 others. The attack occurred around 3.15 am on Bourbon Street, in the city’s French Quarter, a major New Year’s Eve destination.
The driver, identified by the FBI as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, was killed in a shootout with police after he opened fire on responding officers. According to A Financial Review, two officers were injured but are in stable condition.
Photo: Gerald Herbert / AP.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan declared, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible.” Investigators also found a handgun, an AR-style rifle and potential explosives in Jabbar’s vehicle and in the French Quarter.
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick called the attack “intentional” and described Jabbar as “hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did.”
The incident unfolded as crowds gathered for the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game between Georgia and Notre Dame at the nearby Superdome. Despite the tragedy, local authorities emphasised that security would be stepped up for the game.
