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NUGAS holds End-of-Year Christmas drinks

Christina Savopoulos
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NUGAS holds End-of-Year Christmas drinks

Settled among the packed December calendar of work Christmas parties, friend Kris Kringle’s, and festive family dinners, was the National Union of Greek Australian Students’ (NUGAS) Christmas Cocktail Night. 

On Sunday, December 8, NUGAS gathered their club members for a casual event to celebrate the end of the year at the Greek Centre in Melbourne, Victoria.  

The evening’s entertainment was the talented Dio Patrides band, and the space was beautifully decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. With an intimate turnout of members, those in attendance took the chance to dance, meet new people and catch up with old friends. 

All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Christina Savopoulos.

Co-Presidents Chris Giannaros and Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting were excited to celebrate the end of the year with this event. 

Mr Giannaros said the event is ultimately “an opportunity to give back to our members for a year of their loyalty and dedication to our organisation.”

“The Christmas Cocktails Night represents the unity of all our members and their love for our beautiful culture. NUGAS will be hosting many smaller events such as the Christmas Cocktail Night as a gesture of thanks to all our supportive members,” he added.

NUGAS’ Christmas Cocktail Night is not the only way the organisation is getting into the Christmas spirit. Co-President Ms Spiliopoulos-Angsiting said Christmas is “the perfect time for doing social events for our members, and we’re also giving back to the community.” 

NUGAS has been working hard on a charity collection with the National Hellenic Society of America (NHSA) and supporting the Five Loaves Annual Christmas Food Drive. 

Following a successful year of events such as their annual NUGAS Ball, dance workshops, VCE Greek workshops, and cultural lectures, the 2025 NUGAS calendar looks even busier. 

Ms Spiliopoulos-Angsiting spoke about the effort made to “mix up the events between social and cultural, to get the university student demographic and also teach people about where we’re from and our history and heritage.” 

The committee already has a line-up of events for their members next year including a club night, boat cruise in March, a new NUGAS Kafeneio catch up, drinks nights, and more region-specific dance workshops. 

With hopes to collaborate with other Greek cultural youth groups in Melbourne, NUGAS can expand and connect with more passionate young Greek Australians. 

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Christina Savopoulos.

A day of culture, community, food and football at Victoria’s Dimitria Festival

Mary Sinanidis
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A day of culture, community, food and football at Victoria’s Dimitria Festival

The annual Dimitria Festival, a celebration of Greek culture and heritage, reached its grand finale at Olympic Park in Heidelberg, Victoria on Sunday, December 8.

Under a sunny sky, the event brought together the Greek community and football enthusiasts alike. An intergenerational event, there were festivities for young and old with plenty of dancing, face painting, rides and food stalls.

The festival, a long-standing tradition organised by the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, has been uniting the Greek community for decades. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Greece’s Macedonia, and is named after St Dimitris, the patron saint of Thessaloniki.

This year’s event was held in collaboration with Heidelberg United, a fitting end to a long celebration.

Heidelberg United President Steve Tsalikidis highlighted the history of the club, begun in 1958 as ‘Alexander the Great’ soccer club.

“So there’s a lot of history with us and our (Greek) Makedonia, and there’s a lot of politics at play,” he said, adding that from this year the team will play with the name Heidelberg United Alexander, honouring to its roots.

Tsalikidis also highlighted the club’s commitment to inclusivity. 

“As a club we open our doors to everyone. We are not just a Greek club, but we’re not just forgetting our history,” he said.

Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis spoke of his links to the club, including his daughter’s own ties playing soccer with Heidelberg United.

“My background is from Macedonia,” Papastergiadis said. “My father is from Kozani, and my mum is from Kastoria. Macedonia was always in our hearts and lives growing up. I remember we went to many celebrations, and huge conversations happened around the table.”

Peter Stefanidis, emcee of the event and President of the Pan-Macedonian Association, highlighted the unique opportunity the Dimitria Festival provides to honour those who have contributed to the Greek community. He later presented Greek Consul General to Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Steve Tsalikidis, and Sam Kostoulias with plaques.

The event was well-attended, with the entire community gathering to enjoy the festivities. It was opened with a Welcome to Country by Anita. Dances were performed by the Pan Mac Dance Group, Akrites tou Pontou, Pericles, and the Florinian dancers. There was plenty of music and food stalls.

Other notable guests in attendance included Lee Tarlamis, Government Whip in the Legislative Council, and opposition Liberal Party member Trung Luu. Former Pan-Macedonian president Paul Mavroudis was also present along with Thanasis Tsouhantaris, president of the New Democracy party for Australia.

The Dimitria Festival concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on the Greek community. As the event draws to a close, the organisers and participants look forward to the next year’s celebration, continuing the tradition of honouring Greek culture and heritage.

Youth the focus as Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits Brisbane

The Greek Herald
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Youth the focus as Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits Brisbane

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia made a historical visit to Brisbane this past week, where he blessed the new Greek Orthodox Diocese offices, spoke at a youth conference, and presided over a Divine Liturgy.

Blessing of the new Diocese of Brisbane

On Friday, December 6, Archbishop Makarios, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, arrived in Brisbane, Queensland for a pastoral visit.

The Archbishop was warmly received by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, local clergy, and community representatives. The visit began with the Blessing of the Offices of the newly established Holy Diocese of Brisbane, marking a significant milestone in the local Church’s development.

In his address, Archbishop Makarios spoke of the importance of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s (GOAA) new constitutional framework, stating, “We begin our journey with a clear framework that strengthens our mission and ensures the preservation of our sacred traditions.”

archbishop makarios brisbane

He expressed confidence in the leadership of Bishop Bartholomew, urging the faithful to support their new bishop in cultivating spiritual progress and unity within the Church.

“These offices will not be mere places of administration, but a centre of spiritual ministry, education and pastoral care,” he said.

Youth Conference: ‘We Are Ready for the Future‘

The following day, on December 7, more than 250 young people gathered at the Youth Conference of the Holy Diocese of Brisbane, held at the Parish of the Dormition of Our Lady in Mt Gravatt.

The conference opened with Archbishop Makarios delivering a powerful keynote address, encouraging the youth to make their lives “Christ-centred” and to share the light of Christ with the world.

“We cannot be invisible disciples,” he told the audience. “Being a Christian is much more than going to church on Sunday. Christians are to be torchbearers in a dark world.”

youth conference brisbane

The Archbishop also reflected on the pioneering efforts of Greek Orthodox immigrants in Australia, who preserved the faith and traditions. He concluded by urging the youth to share their Christian hope with others and draw people to the source of life: Jesus Christ.

The opening ceremony was attended by key figures, including Bishop Bartholomew, Bishop Silouan, and the Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Brisbane, George Mastrocostas, who announced the creation of an annual scholarship for Queensland youth wishing to study at Saint Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney.

Cultural evening at the Youth Conference dinner

On the evening of December 7, Archbishop Makarios attended the official dinner of the Youth Conference, hosted by the Parish-Community of Saint George, Brisbane.

The evening was graced by traditional performances from the St. George Hellenic Dancers and the Cretan Association of Queensland, who showcased the dances of Macedonia and Crete. The cultural program received warm applause from Archbishop Makarios and other guests.

During his address, the Archbishop reiterated his message for the youth to stay close to the Church and live Christ-centred lives. He also called on the clergy and laity to work together for the unity and progress of the GOAA. As a token of appreciation for his ministry, Archbishop Makarios presented Bishop Bartholomew with an Hierarchical Engolpion depicting the Holy Apostle Andrew.

The evening concluded with the cutting of a celebratory cake, marking the success of the Youth Conference and the strong bonds formed within the community.

Tri-Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

On Sunday, December 8, a Tri-Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of Saint Paraskevi in Taigum, Brisbane. The service was presided over by Archbishop Makarios, with the concelebration of Bishop Bartholomew and Bishop Silouan.

The Liturgy was attended by many devout believers, including the Honorary Consul-General Mr Mastrocostas, and the President of the Parish, Costa Stratikopoulos.

During his sermon, Archbishop Makarios reflected on the healing of the crippled woman in the Gospel, drawing parallels between her physical condition and the spiritual struggles many face.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios elevated Father Evangelos Aspiotis to Spiritual Father – Confessor for the Parish of Saint John the Baptist in Cairns. In his address to Fr. Evangelos, the Archbishop encouraged him to relieve the burdens of his flock with compassion and humility.

The Archbishop also expressed gratitude to the local clergy, including Father Athanasios Athanasiadis of Saint Paraskevi, Mr Stratikopoulos and Mr Mastrocostas, for their dedicated service to the local Church and the Greek community.

SA’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Chris Kourakis claims top power ranking

The Greek Herald
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SA’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Chris Kourakis claims top power ranking

South Australia’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Chris Kourakis has claimed the top spot in The Advertiser‘s 2023 Law Power rankings.

Serving as the state’s top judge for the past 14 years, Kourakis has significant influence over judicial listings, budgets, and the administration of law and lawyers in SA. He is also the key spokesperson for the courts on justice-related matters.

Appointed to the bench in 2008 after serving as SA Government Solicitor General, Kourakis is known for his efforts to address legal misconduct, though his decisions, particularly regarding the use of the barrister postnominal “King’s Counsel,” have been controversial at times.

While he could remain in office for up to four more years, some speculate he may retire early, with potential future roles including Chancellor of Adelaide University.

Source: The Advertiser.

Inaugural winner of Gonis Gardiakos Scholarship announced by GOCSA

The Greek Herald
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Inaugural winner of Gonis Gardiakos Scholarship announced by GOCSA

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s (GOCSA) Greek Language Schools marked the end of another successful year of learning with award presentations, performances, traditional Greek carols and the announcement of the inaugural Gonis Gardiakos Scholarship winner, at the End-of-Year Christmas Concert held on Friday, December 6 at a packed Olympic Hall.

The talents of the nearly 200 students of GOCSA’s Greek Language Schools from ten campuses across Adelaide, were showcased during the two-hour event attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Community Languages Schools SA (CLSSA) Brett Shuttleworth and members of the school community.

“I understand that attending Greek school after a long, tiring day, is an incredible accomplishment,” GOCSA Schools Coordinator, Himo Tsakalos, said. 

“And that is why today is so important, as students proudly show their achievements to both their parents and grandparents.”

The concert also provided the opportunity for the community to acknowledge and celebrate the first winner of the Gonis Gardiakos Scholarship, who was announced on the night. Successful recipient Ilektra Varanaki will be supported with five years of community school fees paid for in order to continue her Greek language studies into High School.

Established in honour of the late Bill Gonis OAM, a former President of GOCSA, the scholarship aims to encourage young learners in Years 6 or Year 7 to continue with their Greek language education through High School, fostering the connection with their culture and heritage.

“We are very proud of our daughter and we would like to thank the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia for their generous contribution,” Ilektra’s parents, Marianda Kaouri and Manousos Varanakis, said. 

GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos said: “This endeavour is about preserving and passing on our rich heritage. By learning Greek, our children connect with the history, culture and traditions of Greece; through this, they keep our collective identity alive. Learning the Greek language also instills a great sense of pride and belonging.”

“Let us continue to support and invest in Greek language education, not just as a practical tool but as a foundation for the values, identity and traditions we hold dear,” Mr Gardiakos added.

Peter Gonis, GOCSA Vice President, expressed his gratitude to all scholarship applicants and said: “Language is a central element of culture. For more than nine decades, GOCSA has made every effort – often against great odds – to nurture our Greek language and keep it strong. We will keep encouraging and empowering young South Australians of Greek heritage to connect with their roots and realise the benefits diversity can bring to our community and the world.”

Mr Gonis also encouraged students who did not receive the scholarship this year to apply again in the future. 

“We are dedicated to supporting our Greek Language Schools students and urge anyone who missed out on the scholarship this time to reapply, as there will always be opportunities for success in the years to come,” he said.

Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation to provide update on language program at public meeting

The Greek Herald
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Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation to provide update on language program at public meeting

The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation is holding a ‘Town Hall’-style event at AHEPA NSW hall in Rockdale on Monday, December 16, to provide an update on the Modern Greek Studies program at Macquarie University and discuss the road ahead.

In May 2024, the University confirmed its plan to discontinue teaching Modern Greek, alongside Italian, Croatian, and Russian. For over 12 months, since becoming aware of the proposed changes, the Foundation vigorously campaigned to retain Modern Greek studies, engaging actively with community leaders, Federal and State Members of Parliament, university leadership, including the Faculty Head, Vice-Chancellor, and others. 

The Foundation has sought independent legal advice from experts and consulted leaders within the tertiary education sector.

Despite these extensive efforts, the University voted to endorse its long-term strategy toward a global cultural studies program rather than retaining community-focused language courses.

While this outcome is disappointing, the Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting students at Macquarie, and beyond, who are passionate about the Greek language, history and culture.

This Q&A event will be an opportunity to reflect on these developments, discuss next steps, and reaffirm The Foundation’s dedication to its mission.

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, 16th December 2024
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Location: 394-396 Princes Hwy, Rockdale (AHEPA NSW Hall)

For further information, please contact: info@mgsf.com.au

Professor James Stellios appointed to the Federal Court of Australia

The Greek Herald
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Professor James Stellios appointed to the Federal Court of Australia

Attorney General, The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, has announced the appointment of eight new judges to the Federal Court of Australia.

Among them was Professor James Stellios, who is one of Australia’s leading expert barristers in constitutional law.

Attorney General Dreyfus congratulated Professor Stellios, the Hon Justice Samuel Vandongen, Cameron Moore SC, Nicholas Owens SC, Houda Younan SC, Elizabeth Bennett SC, Erin Longbottom KC and Amelia Wheatley KC on their appointments.

Four of these appointments are supported by new funding made available through the 2024-25 Budget:

  • funding for two appointments was included in reforms to increase capacity to resolve significant backlogs in migration and protection applications
  • funding for two appointments was included in a package to support better legal outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including by accelerating the resolution of unresolved native title claims through the expansion of the Federal Court’s case management and mediation model.

The appointments follow an open call for expressions of interest across Australia. All applications were considered by an advisory panel comprised of eminent individuals.

Hon Justice Samuel Vandongen

Justice Vandongen has been appointed to the Western Australian Registry and will commence on December 17, 2024.

Justice Vandongen graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1991 with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), and was admitted as a legal practitioner and Barrister to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in the following year. In 2022 Justice Vandongen was appointed as Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Since 2023 Justice Vandongen has sat as Justice of Appeal on the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Cameron Moore SC

Mr Moore has been appointed to the New South Wales Registry and will commence on December 18, 2024.

Mr Moore graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts in 1989 and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 1991. Mr Moore was admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1993. In 1998 Mr Moore was called to the New South Wales Bar and in 2011 was appointed Senior Counsel.

Nicholas Owens SC

Mr Owens has been appointed to the New South Wales Registry and will commence on December 18, 2024.

Mr Owens graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Arts in 1997 and then a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 1999. In 2001, Mr Owens completed a Master of Laws from the Harvard Law School. In 2003 Mr Owens was admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory. In 2004 Mr Owens was called to the New South Wales Bar and in 2016 was appointed Senior Counsel.

Professor James Stellios 

Professor Stellios has been appointed to the New South Wales Registry and will commence on December 19, 2024.

Professor Stellios graduated from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Economics in 1991, and later a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 1995. Professor Stellios was admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 1995. In 2013 Professor Stellios was called to the New South Wales Bar.

Houda Younan SC

Ms Younan has been appointed to the New South Wales Registry and will commence on December 19, 2024.

Ms Younan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Sydney in 1998. In 2007 Ms Younan was called to the New South Wales Bar and in 2020 was appointed Senior Counsel.

Elizabeth Bennett SC 

Ms Bennett has been appointed to the Victorian Registry and will commence on December 20, 2024.

Ms Bennett graduated from Monash University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons). Ms Bennett was admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2005. In 2009 Ms Bennett signed the Bar Roll in Victoria and in 2021 was appointed Senior Counsel.

Erin Longbottom KC 

Ms Longbottom has been appointed to the Queensland Registry and will commence on December 20, 2024.

Ms Longbottom graduated from the University of Queensland in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law (Hons). In 2003 Ms Longbottom was admitted to practice as a Barrister and in 2019 was appointed Queen’s Counsel.

Amelia Wheatley KC

Ms Wheatley has been appointed to the Queensland Registry and will commence on January 6, 2025.

Ms Wheatley graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) in 1994 and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the Queensland University of Technology. Ms Wheatley was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1999. In 2005 Ms Wheatley signed the Bar Roll in Queensland and in 2019 was appointed Queen’s Counsel.

Hammer attack victim Michael Kriticos gives evidence in court

The Greek Herald
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Hammer attack victim Michael Kriticos gives evidence in court

Mark Andrew Sandery, 53, is standing trial for a hammer attack on Michael Kriticos, 58, in Exeter, South Australia on November 8, 2022. Sandery asserts he was acting in self defence after Kriticos initiated the confrontation.

Prosecutor Matthew De Lorme told the District Court that Kriticos was walking his dog when he got into an altercation with a group of youths. After punches were thrown, a civilian intervened, and Kriticos was taken home.

Shortly after, Kriticos saw two men, one believed to be Sandery, allegedly smashing his front door with a hammer. When Kriticos leaned forward to investigate, he was struck in the eye with the hammer and lost consciousness.

When police arrived, they found Sandery allegedly assaulting neighbour Jodie Wakeling, throwing her to the ground and stomping on her head. Sandery, from Kilburn, has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted serious criminal trespass and recklessly causing harm.

Mark Sandery.

Kriticos testified that he recognised Sandery from news reports about an incident where Sandery’s son was shot. He recalled hearing Sandery yell, “I’m going to kill you,” before the attack. After regaining consciousness, Kriticos said the scene was “absolute chaos” and that he was “terrified.”

Sandery’s defense lawyer, Nick Healy, urged the jury to consider who was the initial aggressor in the dispute and argued that Sandery’s actions toward Wakeling were in self defence.

The trial continues.

Source: The Advertiser.

Thanasi Kokkinakis hints at Special K reunion for Australian Open doubles

The Greek Herald
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Thanasi Kokkinakis hints at Special K reunion for Australian Open doubles

The 2025 Australian Open, set to begin on January 12, could see a nostalgic reunion between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios in the men’s doubles event.

The duo, who won the doubles title at the 2022 Australian Open under the moniker ‘Special K,’ captured the hearts of fans and stunned the tennis world with their victory—marking both players’ first Grand Slam title.

Kyrgios, who has battled injuries over the past 18 months, is now cleared to return to competitive tennis and will compete in the singles event at his home Grand Slam in Melbourne. Ahead of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in London, Kokkinakis expressed his excitement about Kyrgios’ return.

“Tennis has missed him, and I’m sure the Aussie public would love to get behind him again,” Kokkinakis said. “I have no doubts he will be in good form.”

While Kokkinakis stopped short of confirming whether the pair would team up again in the doubles event, he teased the possibility, saying, “Maybe. We are thinking about it.”

“He messaged me the other day to play doubles in the summer,” he added.

“I think the Aussie Open is the plan. We’ll see how it goes and how I feel after the year is done. But hopefully we can try. He’s been a bit unlucky.

“What he’s doing now is making sure he’s really ready before he comes back. That’s the biggest thing for him.”

Fans will be eagerly awaiting confirmation as the Australian Open draws closer.

Man charged over bombing outside Gosford offices of Conditsis Lawyers

The Greek Herald
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Man charged over bombing outside Gosford offices of Conditsis Lawyers

A 66-year-old man has been charged in connection with the Gosford legal bombings, which targeted the offices of Conditsis Lawyers.

Gary Steven Middleton was arrested at his Wallarah home on Friday, December 6, shortly before he was due to appear in Gosford District Court on an unrelated matter.

The bombings occurred on Thursday, December 5, when the third floor of the Kensmen building, opposite Gosford Courthouse and home to Conditsis Lawyers, was attacked. Court documents revealed that Conditsis Lawyers had previously represented Middleton, with Legal Aid funding his defence.

Police confirmed that Middleton was arrested around 1.30 pm Friday, December 6, and charged with two counts of destroying or damaging property with intent to endanger life. He was denied bail.

The Gosford Courthouse was placed on high alert with extra security, as police processed the crime scene across the road.

According to Brisbane Water Superintendent Darryl Jobson, CCTV footage captured the attacker entering a nearby Legal Aid NSW office, where he allegedly ignited an improvised explosive device (IED) made from a small LPG cylinder. The attacker then reportedly moved to the Kensmen building, where he placed a second LPG device on the third floor, causing a fire that was extinguished before any injuries occurred.

Superintendent Jobson described the bombings as a “callous and brazen attack” and confirmed a strike force has been established to investigate the incidents.

The Gosford Courthouse was locked down for several hours while the NSW Police Bomb Squad conducted a sweep of the premises.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

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