A Greek court has found 10 people guilty of negligence over the 2018 wildfire in Mati that killed more than 100 people, bringing an end to the criminal trial of one of the country’s worst disasters.
The Athens Court of Appeal ruled on Tuesday, June 3, that eight former senior fire brigade officials, a former general secretary for civil protection, and the resident whose yard the fire began in were guilty of manslaughter by negligence and related charges.
The resident, Konstantinos Angelopoulos, was unanimously found guilty of arson — the same verdict handed down in an earlier case where only six of the 21 total defendants were convicted and sentenced to up to five years, later reduced to fines.
Photo: AP / Thanassis Stavrakis.
Among those acquitted in this latest ruling were former Attica governor Rena Dourou and former Marathon mayor Elias Psinakis.
Sentencing is expected Wednesday following mitigation pleas.
The verdict sparked disappointment among victims’ families. Relatives gathered outside the court, releasing black balloons and placing 120 white roses in the courtroom.
The Association of Victims from Mati said the outcome offered little closure after 11 months of hearings.
The mother-in-law (pethera) and daughter-in-law (nyfi) relationship is famously fraught in many Greek households. The stereotype of tension and competition has been the fodder of family dramas and comedies alike. But that tired trope has been completely rewritten in the Richmond home of Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens, Kostas Papageorgiou, and Niki Papageorgiou.
Scarlett, a dynamic Mauritius-born consultant who now splits her time between Melbourne and Athens, shares a relationship with her Greek mother-in-law, Niki, that many would envy — and few would believe. They laugh, cook, sometimes sleep in the same bed, and confide in one another with the closeness of true friends.
“I tell everyone — she’s better than a daughter,” says Niki, who was born in a picturesque village near Mystras in the Peloponnese. “I didn’t have a daughter, but I acquired one. And I’m so happy about that.”
Scarlett nods, smiling. “People don’t always understand how close we are. When I travel, I call her every day. She taught me how to make her recipes, and we just live in harmony. Nobody walks on eggshells. We just know how to be around each other.”
It’s a connection that blossomed naturally, but not without a bit of surprise.
“When Kostas told me he had found a girl and she wasn’t Greek, I was concerned,” Niki admits. “But the moment I met her — I knew. Her behaviour, her intelligence, everything about her was more than satisfactory. She was interesting. She became part of us.”
Scarlett met Kostas in Melbourne in 2016, and a whirlwind romance began before Scarlett left for Belgium. When she returned a month later, Kostas took her to Elafoniso, Greece, and suggested they stop by his village to “just say hi” to his parents. It was an instant connection.
“When Scarlett left, my parents kept asking when she’d be back,” Kostas recalls. “And when she returned for my birthday in September, it was clear. This wasn’t just a summer romance. It was something special.”
Perhaps most remarkable is how seamlessly Scarlett immersed herself in Greek culture—language, food, religion, philosophy, and all. Kostas, who never pressured her to learn Greek or be baptised, was stunned by her discipline.
“I remember watching her learn the language by writing the alphabet. She had a method. I didn’t help her. She taught herself. Bit by bit, she picked it up. And now — her spelling is better than mine!” he says.
From the moment Scarlett set foot in Greece, she was enchanted — not only by the country but by its cultural soul.
“It was the last week of my first trip, and I just thought, ‘I love this place,’” she recalls. “The freddo espresso, the yogurt with honey, the whole atmosphere — it felt like home.”
Everything fell into place when Scarlett first visited the village where Kostas, an engineer, had lovingly restored his ancestral home. “I observed her reactions, and she just wanted to understand what modifications I had made, even the trees and the lighting, and I thought — wow — she is really connecting with the place.”
Scarlett says, “In the village, there is soul. It’s like I had another life, and I’m just repeating that life now.”
The family spends part of the year in the village, where Scarlett works remotely with her team. “When in Melbourne, I wake up at 5am and finish work by lunch. Then I talk to Niki, we cook, we talk about everything — life, food, even philosophy. We talk like two women who genuinely respect each other. We are discreet, but also open. I want a relationship with my pethera. She gave birth to Kosta. That means something to me.”
Scarlett says her upbringing in Mauritius shaped her approach. “There, it’s normal to have a good relationship with your in-laws. But when I came to Australia, I noticed some Greek Australians held onto the stereotype of the bad pethera. That surprised me.”
For Niki, who still prefers the rhythm and organisation of life in Greece, the intergenerational bond has brought new joy. “We talk about tomorrow, about what we want to fix, what we want to do. I cook, I help, I advise, I even tell them off!”
Respect is a word that both Scarlett and Niki use frequently. “It’s mutual,” says Niki. “Even when Kostas raises his voice, I tell him, ‘Don’t speak like that.’ I’ll take Scarlett’s side, even when she’s wrong, because I know her intentions are never bad.”
And while Kostas jokes that being the son sometimes leads to “mother-son syndrome,” the beautiful pethera-nyfi relationship Scarlett and Niki share would not have been possible without him. He believes the foundation of their harmonious relationship lies in the strength of his and Scarlett’s bond. “If I had a bad relationship with Scarlett, how could I expect my mother to connect with her? Harmony starts with the couple.”
He adds that his mother has always been a “hard marker” when it came to his relationships until Scarlett. “My mum is smart enough to know that this works, and I can’t ask for anything better.”
Scarlett adds, “You can have a beautiful relationship with your mother-in-law. I’m proof of that.”
When Melbourne yiayia Freda Razos became too unwell to attend her granddaughter Anna’s wedding, her family brought the wedding to Epworth Richmond hospital instead.
In a first for the Intensive Care Unit, Epworth Richmond staff hosted the bridal party and family on Saturday, May 24 as they visited Mrs Razos between the ceremony at a Greek Orthodox church in Forest Hill and reception at the RACV Club in the CBD.
The family arranged for the wedding florist to deliver a corsage to Mrs Razos for the special day, provided bonbonnieres, and ensured she could stream the ceremony live from her hospital bed.
Epworth nurses shared in the excitement on the big day. Kahlia and Loren created a wedding archway using IV poles and fairy lights, Kalpana gave Mrs Razos a blow wave, and Kim organised a special wedding meal to be served.
Dimos Razos, Freda Razos, Toni Tsalikis.Photos supplied.
Mrs Razos was admitted to ICU after COVID-19 progressed to pneumonia and then pneumonitis. Her prognosis was poor on the Tuesday before the wedding, but she has made incredible progress and has now been transferred to the ward to complete her recovery.
Mrs Razos said even before she became unwell, she had an unexplained feeling that she was not going to attend the wedding. She was thrilled to share the day with her family.
“I am very close with Anna and it was lovely to be a part of her most special day. She looked beautiful,” Mrs Razos said. “Epworth staff did so much to decorate the room and make it special for our family.”
Freda Razos.
Mother of the bride, Toni Tsalikis, said Mrs Razos and Anna share a special bond.
“Mum was cheering Anna on and waving at the screen while she was watching the ceremony, she felt a part of our special day,” Toni shared.
“It has been a traumatic week in the lead-up to the wedding, but the Epworth nurses went above and beyond for mum.
“Our family is indebted to the staff at Epworth Richmond ICU; they have been remarkable. The level of care was second to none.”
As a thank you to the Epworth Richmond ICU team, Mrs Razos — who loves baking — asked her daughter Toni to deliver a selection of homemade Greek sweets.
“They made an important day for our family feel truly special. We are incredibly grateful,” Toni said.
The Fronditha Care Foundation hosted its first fundraising event, “In Conversation”, with Mark Bouris, Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road Home Loans.
In a thoroughly engaging and inspiring discussion led by Faye Spiteri OAM, CEO, Fronditha Care, Mark shared – with over 90 guests – his personal history, professional journey, reflections on his career and life, and what it means to live and age well.
He spoke openly and candidly about being a Greek-Irish boy growing up in Western Sydney, and reflected on his focus and determination in shaping his professional career, how his experiences in his younger years laid the groundwork for becoming a disruptor.
Bouris also talked passionately about community and the importance of connection and belonging and reconnecting to his Greek roots.
The most poignant moments of the conversation were the focus on his personal health challenges and how he would like to be remembered as a man deeply connected to his family and community.
Dr Stella Laletas, Chair, Fronditha Care Foundation, closed the event saying, “We’re very proud to have hosted this Fronditha Care Foundation event in support of our mission and I’d like to thank Mark Bouris, all our benefactors, supporters, collaborators, partners for joining us and making today’s event such a tremendous success”.
The Pharos Alliance aims to revitalise the teaching and use of Greek in Australia. Among its diverse activities, it organises seminars on raising children bilingually, supports Greek story times at local libraries, and advocates directly with Australian and Greek government officials to press for more support for Greek.
To promote public understanding of its work and seek feedback from the public, the Pharos Alliance has decided to hold regular Open Meetings. The aim is to spread knowledge of the work, achievements and challenges that face the Pharos Alliance team, who are all volunteers committed to improving the situation of the teaching, learning and use of Modern Greek in contemporary Australia.
On the evening of Wednesday, May 28 at the Greek Centre in Melbourne, Victoria, 30 people braved the cold and windy weather to meet with the Pharos committee and debate the challenges ahead.
Opening the meeting, Pharos president Emeritus Professor Joseph Lo Bianco AM, noted that everyone at Pharos was delighted that on May 15 at the NSW State Parliament, Pharos NSW was launched.
He noted that “we have always been conscious of the need to collaborate across borders, and this NSW initiative is wonderful. We have written to congratulate our friends and colleagues in NSW and look forward to a long and productive collaboration with them, and to supporting similar efforts across the country.”
In a lively and engaged meeting many voices were heard.
Coralie Kouvelas of the Yarra Plenty Library Services spoke passionately about expansion of Greek story time in libraries and better use of their resources, and how “Greek must be maintained”. She was applauded by the meeting which resolved to support all such local initiatives.
A couple of NUGAS representatives, Jamie Gallos and Martha Stamatopoulos, along with several students from La Trobe University’s Modern Greek Studies program, spoke equally passionately about their approach to maintaining the language, and their enthusiasm for its promotion.
Alongside Louisa Tsourdalakis, former LTU Greek language student, and current students Paul Dounias and Calista Mitsas, Alexander Gerasimidis gave an absorbing account of his recovery of fluency in Greek, speaking so eloquently that he generated a round of great applause. He also endorsed the Pharos approach of working with families – “that’s a great place to start,” he noted.
All participants expressed their gratitude for the scope of the Pharos work, but recognised that without resources it will be hard to maintain a ‘pre-school to post-school’ focus. All the students paid tribute to the leadership and dedication of the coordinator of the La Trobe Greek Studies program, Dr Stavroula (Stephie) Nikoloudis.
Regarding the promotion of Greek in the home it was noted that Pharos will be holding its third Raising Greek English bilingual children seminar, on June 8 (registration and details below).
Theo Markos initiated the longest discussion which was concerned with the urgent priority of expanding Greek language offerings in public schools, where they continue to languish, and the critical need for robust bilingual programs. It was agreed that promotion of Greek should be coordinated in a hub system, so that students will be able to start primary schooling from early childhood exposure to Greek and continue in the language through their entire education career. This remains a major objective for Pharos going forward.
Other ideas to come from the meeting include immediate support for Greek story time at Thomastown, Lalor, Mill Park, Mernda areas, using Tik Tok as a promotional tool, and expanding Pharos’ social media presence.
Participants all declared that the meeting was productive. One person said, “It’s great to come to meetings where we discuss practical issues in a united way. Let’s do more.”
Professor Lo Bianco thanked all participants for making the meeting “a huge success” and promised to hold other Open Meetings and to take the discussion back to the Pharos committee for action.
You can attend the next session of Raising Children Bilingually on June 8 to learn more about the role of the home in bringing up Greek English bilinguals. The seminar is free of charge, and open to all. Register: http://www.mgtav.asn.au/seminar—language-in-the-home.html
For further queries, or to get the Strategic Plan and other resources, please email at pharos.au@gmail.com
On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, The Brain Cancer Group (TBCG) hosted its 8th Annual Awareness Event at the NSW Parliament House, shining a spotlight on the disparities in brain cancer care across regional New South Wales. The evening brought together medical professionals, patients, carers, policymakers, and advocates committed to improving outcomes for those affected by this devastating disease.
The event also featured expert insights from Dr Adrian Lee and Associate Professor Michael Back, Directors at TBCG, who presented data revealing significant gaps in access and outcomes.
The Brain Cancer Group extended its sincere thanks to The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, who graciously hosted the event at NSW Parliament House. Her ongoing support for brain cancer awareness and commitment to improving health outcomes is deeply appreciated.
The Brain Cancer Group shared new data and urgent advocacy messages highlighting the inequities in brain cancer care for regional communities in NSW.
Between 2017 and 2021, 44% of patients diagnosed with primary brain cancer in NSW were from regional Local Government Areas (LGAs). Due to being a low incidence cancer, there is not the ability to provide specialised services in more geographically remote areas. All neurosurgical procedures took place in metropolitan centres, with none performed in regional hospitals. Furthermore, patients from regional areas had a 15% relative reduction in survival compared to their metropolitan counterparts.
The Brain Cancer Group identified several critical challenges faced by regional patients, including limited access to subspecialised care, fragmented care pathways post-surgery, and reduced opportunities to participate in clinical trials. These disparities are compounded by the low incidence of brain cancer, which makes it difficult to justify duplicating complex services across all regional centres.
To address these gaps, The Brain Cancer Group is calling for new models of care that leverage virtual technologies and stronger partnerships between metropolitan and regional providers. Key advocacy priorities include the development of a centralised Neuro-oncology Nurse Navigator role, streamlined access to clinical trials, and coordinated pathways to deliver specialised care to regional patients without the need for relocation.
These proposals are aimed at ensuring that every brain cancer patient in NSW—regardless of postcode—can access the high-quality care they deserve.
A key highlight of the event was the premiere of a short documentary, “The Long Road: Regional Voices on Brain Cancer Care”, created by videographer Dennis Tritaris of Orama Communications. Dennis spent two days on location in Dubbo and Orange, capturing the lived experiences of regional patients, carers, and health professionals. The video gave voice to stories of resilience, isolation, and determination—underscoring the urgent need for more equitable access to specialised brain cancer treatment.
Dr Jonathon Parkinson, Neurosurgeon and Director at TBCG, closed the evening by reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to bridging the gap in care and ensuring that geography is no longer a barrier to treatment.
To stay informed about TBCG’s ongoing work or support its programs, please visit: www.braincancergroup.com.au
The iconic Paragon Café in Katoomba is finally showing signs of improvement after a government inspection confirmed that emergency works are underway to secure and protect the iconic site from further damage.
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water told The Greek Herald today that “Heritage NSW inspected the former Paragon Café in Katoomba on Monday 2 June with the owner’s building manager. Further work has been undertaken to make the property safe from trespassing and ongoing vandalism.”
The spokesperson added that “Heritage NSW was satisfied the required emergency heritage works are being carried out. We will continue to work closely with the owner, Blue Mountains City Council and the Heritage Council of NSW.”
The update comes just weeks after Heritage NSW issued a formal compliance order to property owner John Landerer under Section 120 of the Heritage Act 1977, directing urgent measures to secure the building and prevent further deterioration. The order required the café to be secured within 14 days and a detailed heritage report to be submitted within two months.
The Paragon Cafe has fallen into disrepair. Photo: Friends of the Paragon Facebook page.
Long a treasured symbol of Greek Australian heritage, the Paragon Café — built in 1916 by Greek migrant Jack (Zacharias) Theodore Simos — had fallen into disrepair since its closure in 2018, prompting widespread community concern.
Despite a development application being approved in 2020, restoration efforts never materialised, and the boarded-up venue became a magnet for vandalism, graffiti and squatting.
Photographs shared by the Friends of the Paragon group earlier this year revealed broken fittings, smashed windows, and drug paraphernalia scattered throughout the once-celebrated art deco interior.
The recent government intervention, praised by both state and local officials, has now entered a critical follow-up phase.
While significant restoration work is still needed, the latest update signals progress and renewed oversight of the heritage-listed landmark, which remains a vital part of both the Blue Mountains’ cultural fabric and Australia’s Greek immigrant history.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was present at the official screening of the documentary Council of Nicaea, in which he also appears as a contributor.
The screening took place at the Patriarchal School of Marasli in the presence of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, senior hierarchs, Christian minority representatives, and academics.
Archbishop Makarios is among several voices featured in the film, alongside Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra, the Grand Archdeacon Alexander, and others from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The event was introduced by Lakis Vigas, Archon Grand Chartophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, who supported the production.
Both Archbishop Makarios and the producer addressed the audience following the screening.
City of Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris has voiced strong opposition to a controversial proposal to build 1,100 homes on a contaminated former sand mine and rubbish tip in Melbourne’s south-east, warning it fails to safeguard public health and environmental safety.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the proposed “Talbot Village” development by Sterling Global would house 2,500 residents on a 19-hectare Oakleigh South site riddled with toxic waste, unstable landfill pits, and deep underground “slimes” — a slurry by-product of past sand mining. Contaminants detected include methane, asbestos, arsenic, PFAS, and heavy metals.
Klisaris criticised the Victorian government for progressing the plan despite ongoing safety concerns and insufficient environmental guarantees.
“We have made it clear that the proposal is not acceptable to council and nothing has changed to address these concerns,” he said.
Despite prior rejections, the developer has bypassed council to seek state approval. Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has released a draft amendment for public consultation.
Monash Council has lodged a formal objection to the state government, citing safety, environmental, and governance concerns.
Despite the backlash, Sterling Global says the land is safe for residential use following a 2020 environmental audit, and claims to have received support from some local residents and schools.
Public consultation on the draft planning amendment remains open until Wednesday, June 4.
A former Melbourne charity director who siphoned off half a million dollars from a neighbourhood centre over more than a decade has been sentenced to six months in prison, sparking outrage among those who uncovered her deception.
Angela Stathopoulos, who led the Prahran Community Learning Centre (now Prahran Place Neighbourhood Centre) from 2010, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.
While the charity operated on a limited budget, Stathopoulos awarded herself a six-figure salary and used community funds for luxury holidays to destinations including Disneyland, New York, Hawaii, and Universal Studios.
Accountant and volunteer Maggie Burke, who helped expose the fraud, told A Current Affairon Monday, June 2 that she was stunned when she first accessed the charity’s bank records.
“There was significant spending on personal items like airfares and fashion and style consultants,” she said.
The charity uncovered 4,800 fraudulent transactions, and Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Lisa Herbert revealed that 83% of the centre’s transactions during Stathopoulos’ tenure were illegitimate.
“When you’re in a position of power and within a position of trust within a charity… to be taking from that and those people that need it, it really is one of the lowest of lows,” Herbert said.
Stathopoulos was sentenced in the County Court of Victoria to three years in prison, with two and a half years suspended—meaning she will serve only six months behind bars. Volunteers have criticised the sentence as too lenient given the scale of the betrayal.
