The historic vote, which took place in mid-April 2025, saw 87 UNESCO member states—including major global players such as China, Germany, Egypt, Argentina, India, Italy, and South Korea—co-sponsoring the proposal. Despite this broad international support, Australia abstained from endorsing the initiative, prompting concern among the Greek Australian community.
In a formal letter dated 22 April 2025, signed by AHC President Peter Stefanidis and Secretary Dean Kalimniou, the Council expressed its surprise and disappointment at the Australian government’s stance, especially considering the country’s significant Greek-speaking population and the longstanding contribution of Hellenism to Australian society.
“We note with surprise, given the large population of Greek-speaking people in Australia, their long presence within our country which goes back over one hundred years, and the fact that Greek is one of nine Australian priority languages, that Australia did not support the proposal and did not vote in favour of its adoption,” the letter states.
The AHC has asked Ambassador Alblas to provide clarity on the reasoning behind Australia’s decision and is awaiting a response.
The outcome has sparked broader debate within the Greek Australian community, with many questioning how a language formally recognised as a priority in national policy could be overlooked in such a globally significant forum.
The Australian Government, through its Permanent Representative to UNESCO, refused last week to vote in favour of recognising 9 February as an International Day for the Greek Language. Via its representative, Australia declined to join the other members of UNESCO’s Executive Board in acknowledging the uniqueness of the Greek language within global civilisation.
Mr Koumoutsakos, I can confidently say, presented Australia’s Permanent Representative with arguments of particular relevance and sensitivity to Australia itself.
Australia’s decision not to support the recognition of an International Day for the Greek Language is a disgrace and an insult to Hellenism in Australia, a community that plays a leading role in the country’s economic and cultural affairs.
The Australian Government’s refusal to support this proposal — one that directly concerns the Greek ethnic minority, a group with significant contributions to Australia — is especially provocative and offensive, given that Greek has been officially recognised as one of the ten Priority Languages in Australia since 1987. Even more so, when 87 UNESCO member states had already expressed their support.
Under pressure, Australia’s Permanent Representative eventually agreed not to vote against the proposal, as did a few others for various reasons. As a result, the motion passed unanimously.
This is a major achievement, and everyone must understand the historical significance of this decision. Among other things, it is particularly important for the Greek Diaspora and the preservation of cultural identity, of which language is the most immediate and accessible component.
But this is not simply about another language being endorsed. It is about the unparalleled nature of the Greek language and its profound cultural contribution to humanity — something Australia refused to acknowledge.
It concerns the recognition of this truth, which all 195 United Nations member states — in other words, every country on the planet — are expected to affirm unanimously.
Unfortunately, Hellenism has yet to fully grasp the importance of this global recognition.
The Greek language, once studied and taught in countries with a strong Greek diaspora and strong philhellenic sentiments, will from 2026 be celebrated with events, cultural activities and competitions dedicated to our language in countries across the globe — helping make foreigners and non-Greek speakers initiates and sharers of its value.
*Professor Anastasios M. Tamis taught at Universities in Australia and abroad, was the creator and founding director of the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora and is currently the President of the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS).
The Federal Liberal Party has committed to supporting a range of Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) projects designed to enhance the organisation’s ability to expand its cultural offering, should they win the upcoming election.
At an announcement held at the Greek Centre, attended by Shadow Minister for Housing, NDIS and Social Services Michael Sukkar, Member for Menzies Keith Wolahan, candidate for Chisholm Dr Katie Allen, and candidate for Hotham Harmick Singh Matharu, a commitment was made to fund the fit-out and completion of the Community’s Multi-Arts Community Space. This includes extending the fit-out and technical capabilities of the HUB on Russell Street and completing the St Dimitrios multi-function community theatre space in Windsor.
The $1.6 million commitment across the three projects will enhance the GCM’s community outreach and enable the further development of programs.
This latest commitment would fast-track the technical fit-out of both Russell Street spaces, enabling more cultural and community projects to launch sooner.
Housing programs that range from spoken word presentations and comedy to immersive multimedia, exhibitions, and community events, the MAC (Multi-Arts Centre) is designed to celebrate emerging multicultural artists and support a variety of community initiatives.
The HUB at 272 Russell houses the GCM’s Archive and Historical Centre and features a ground-level meeting, workshop, and performance space — currently in use as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The works at St Dimitrios Hall would continue from the current refurbishment, which is part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investment across the GCM’s four suburban community halls in Yarraville, Brunswick, Thornbury, and Windsor.
President of the GCM Bill Papastergiadis OAM said: “It’s great that today we meet at the Greek Centre with some of the leading members of the Liberal Party and members of Parliament, who made a terrific announcement for the Greek Community of Melbourne.”
“Our organisation spans many electorates here in Melbourne and Victoria, and this announcement supports important initiatives in culture, education, and, most importantly, infrastructure — which will benefit generations to come. We want to thank Michael Sukkar, Keith Wolahan, Katie Allen, and Harmick Singh Matharu for their support. Their support has spanned multiple election cycles and campaigns, so this is not a one-off. This bipartisan support is proof that Australia is a thriving, cosmopolitan, multicultural society that values diversity,” Mr Papastergiadis added.
Announcing the support, Mr Sukkar said: “It’s a great honour to be here to announce a range of projects and upgrades. We know that the Greek Community of Melbourne punches above its weight in virtually every way, which is a great credit to Bill and his committee.”
“This is a hub of activity. The number of people who come through these doors, enjoy the space, and most importantly, feel that sense of community — that’s what you embody here. So, we see this as a great investment… That sense of family, entrepreneurialism, and a tight-knit community. And I think Easter Monday is as good a day as any to make this announcement, given how meaningful this day is for your community,” Mr Sukkar said.
MP for Menzies Mr Wolahan said: “I’m really proud of this announcement. This is such an amazing community. Many of my staff and volunteers are Greek, and they’re out there campaigning hard. Having this Centre here means a lot to many people — so it’s important that this commitment has been made.”
Candidate for Chisholm Dr Allen was equally enthusiastic and supportive.
“It’s been great to be here today. The Greek community is a much-loved, multicultural part of Melbourne. As we know, Melbourne has the third-largest Greek population in the world, and Greeks are part of the fabric of this city,” Dr Allen said.
“Having represented the electorate of Higgins, which has a large Greek population, and now as the candidate for Chisholm, I’m delighted that this Greek Cultural Centre is receiving the infrastructure boost it needs. This will help preserve the heartbeat of Greek multiculturalism, which is such an essential part of vibrant Melbourne.”
Finally, the candidate for Hotham, that features a strong Greek community presence, Mr Matharu said: “It’s an absolute honour to be here for this announcement. Earlier today I was discussing how organisations like the Greek Community of Melbourne and their facilities are vital to the wellbeing of all communities in Australia. It’s heartening to see the contribution of the Greek community and the foundations they’ve laid, which have greatly enriched the Australian way of life.”
Also attending the announcement on Easter Monday were Greek Community Board members Nick Koukouvitakis, Assoc. Prof. Marinis Pirpiris, Dr Jim Bossinakis, Dr Spiz Demetriou, and Michael Karamitos, along with a visiting delegation from Wellington, New Zealand.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday, April 22, announced a €1 billion three-part economic support plan targeting low-income pensioners, renters, and public investment, following Eurostat data showing a 1.3% fiscal surplus for Greece in 2024.
Under the plan, renters will receive a full month’s rent refund each November to help ease pressure from the country’s ongoing housing crisis. This will complement existing programs supporting home ownership for young couples.
Στόχος της κυβέρνησής μας είναι η συλλογική πρόοδος να μετατρέπεται σταδιακά και σε ατομική προκοπή. Ανακοινώνουμε σήμερα πρωτοβουλίες ύψους 1,1 δισ. ευρώ για την ενίσχυση των εισοδημάτων, με ισχύ εντός του 2025. https://t.co/FmfiQQ6oWwpic.twitter.com/peCinQYrXv
Additionally, 1.5 million low-income pensioners, the uninsured elderly, and people with disabilities will receive a permanent €250 supplement each November.
The plan also includes an annual €500 million boost to Greece’s public investment program to accelerate infrastructure projects and social initiatives.
In a poignant tribute during the Paschal season, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew mourned the passing of Pope Francis, calling him “a precious brother in Christ” and “a true friend of Orthodoxy.”
“Throughout these twelve years of his papacy, he was a faithful friend, companion, and supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate… He left behind an example of genuine humility and brotherly love,” said the Patriarch.
Photo: CNS photo / Vatican Media.
Reflecting on their 2014 meeting in Jerusalem, just a year after Francis’ enthronement, Bartholomew recalled, “We knelt side by side in prayer before the Lord’s Tomb,” and shared that he had proposed a joint celebration in 2025 for the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea—an idea Pope Francis had warmly welcomed: “This is an amazing thought, an amazing idea and proposal.”
Though the Pope will not see that moment, Bartholomew affirmed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will still honour the anniversary, while the Catholic Church’s role will depend on the new Pope’s direction.
“Eternal be your memory, Brother Pope Francis,” the Patriarch concluded, offering prayers for his soul and hope for a worthy successor.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton narrowly won the third and final leaders’ debate of the federal election campaign, following a fiery exchange with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over key issues such as the cost of living, nuclear energy, budget savings, and foreign policy.
The debate, aired on Nine’s The Great Debate, was decided 2-1 by a panel of experts. Nine political editor Charles Croucher and radio host Deborah Knight gave the edge to Dutton, while Australian Financial Review’s Phil Coorey favoured Albanese.
“Very close, but I think by far Peter Dutton’s best debate… in my eyes, he won by a nose,” Croucher said.
The debate turned heated early when Albanese accused the Coalition of slashing $80 billion from health and education in the 2014 budget.
Dutton interjected, “Prime Minister, you couldn’t lie straight in bed. Honestly, this is unbelievable.” Albanese replied, “You can go to personal abuse, that’s a sign of desperation, Peter, frankly.”
AAP FactCheck later clarified that Dutton’s 2014 plans included $50 billion in proposed but unrealised hospital spending reductions, along with $30 billion in projected education savings.
Moderator Ally Langdon criticised both leaders’ fiscal plans, saying, “I’m not sure that anyone at home is feeling that either of you are being fiscally responsible… we’re really concerned about the level of debt we’re going to be leaving our grandkids.”
Photo: Alex Ellinghausen.
Dutton backed nuclear energy, saying it was essential despite political unpopularity: “We’re paying three times the cost of electricity… compared to other parts of the world that have nuclear underpinning renewables.”
Albanese dismissed nuclear as a “friendless policy,” citing legal and state-level roadblocks. “That’s why the business community signed up to our plan… Renewables, but backed by gas, hydro and batteries,” he said.
Dutton, who previously admitted to never meeting Donald Trump, emphasised his experience with past US administrations and accused Albanese of weak diplomacy: “He can’t even get a phone call.”
Albanese called Dutton’s claim that he could negotiate tariff exemptions with Trump “complete nonsense.”
Despite the combative tone, there were brief moments of consensus. Both leaders supported making big tech pay for news and restricting under-16s from social media. Dutton said the parties were on a “unity ticket,” and Albanese called the ban “world leading.”
They also exchanged compliments when asked to name three things they admired about each other, with both citing family as a shared value.
The debate concluded a high-stakes campaign stretch with Dutton gaining momentum, though the final decision now rests with voters.
Cardinals convened Tuesday, April 22, for the first time since the death of Pope Francis, announcing that his funeral will be held Saturday, April 26, at 10 am in St. Peter’s Square (6 pm AEST).
The service will be celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals. Francis, the first Latin American pope, died Monday at age 88 following a stroke.
Beginning Wednesday, Pope Francis will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects. Vatican officials began saying their goodbyes Monday evening.
“He truly gave everything he had, up to the end,” said Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the Vatican’s highest-ranking women.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi highlighted Francis’ legacy of promoting women’s roles in the Church as among his most enduring contributions.
The funeral is expected to draw tens of thousands of mourners. Among those planning to attend are US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Argentine President Javier Milei.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Governor-General Sam Mostyn, currently returning from Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli, would be a fitting representative.
Pilgrims have been making their way to St Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects to the Pope. Photo: AP.
Rome has begun ramping up security. Police on foot, horseback, and in boats were seen patrolling St. Peter’s Square and surrounding areas, already busy with Easter tourists. A separate youth jubilee mass on Sunday is expected to bring even more visitors to the city.
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering his Urbi et Orbi blessing from the same loggia where he was first introduced as pope on March 13, 2013. Afterward, he surprised the crowd with a ride through the square in his popemobile.
Among his last words were a heartfelt thanks to his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti: “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.”
Strappetti had remained by the Pope’s side through his recent 38-day hospitalisation and recovery.
Francis died peacefully early Monday morning after falling into a coma at the Casa Santa Marta, his residence. Those present said he showed no signs of suffering and passed discreetly, in keeping with his reserved nature regarding his health.
The Vatican released images Tuesday of Francis’ body in red vestments and a bishop’s miter, lying in a wooden casket in the chapel where he lived and died. In accordance with his will, he will be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, home to his beloved icon of the Virgin Mary.
Cardinals are now preparing for a conclave to select his successor. As tributes continue pouring in, Francis is being remembered for his humility, pastoral spirit, and devotion to the marginalised.
“He gave himself to the end,” said Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. “To go out to meet everyone, speak to everyone, teach us to speak to everyone, to bless everyone.”
Sydney Olympic FC’s commanding 3-0 win over NWS Spirit FC has not only kept the team’s momentum alive in the 2025 season but also further cemented the support behind head coach Labi Haliti from both fans and club members.
With goals from Michael Vakis, Cyrus Dehmie and Teng Kuol, the Blues delivered a confident display at Belmore Sports Ground, reinforcing their form under Haliti’s leadership. The performance has attracted praise from the club’s loyal supporter base and long-time members, many of whom credit Haliti for revitalising the squad with a disciplined, team-first approach.
A standout moment on match day was the presence of Haliti’s parents in the stands – regular attendees who rarely miss a game – highlighting the personal and community-based support the coach continues to receive.
Haliti acknowledged the impact of that backing in his post-match comments.
“I’m extremely proud of the effort our players put in today. It was a performance full of passion, focus, and teamwork,” he said.
“It’s not just the scoreline that pleases me, but the way we played—with heart and determination. I want to thank our fans for their incredible support. The energy they bring to the ground drives us and truly makes a difference. And of course, it was a special moment for me personally to have my family—and especially my parents—in the stands. This win is for them too. We keep our heads down and continue working hard. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but we believe in our path.”
Within the club, Haliti’s methods have also drawn praise from members familiar with his commitment to player development and football principles. His training philosophy, focused on tactical intelligence, physical intensity, and mental resilience, has been described as both modern and deeply collaborative.
Training sessions at Sydney Olympic include detailed match analysis, transition drills, high pressing scenarios, and in-game simulations – designed to prepare players for competitive pressure while fostering unity within the squad. Haliti also places strong emphasis on injury prevention and works closely with fitness staff and physiotherapists to ensure player readiness.
Off the pitch, Haliti has made the integration of youth talent a club priority, regularly attending U18 and U20 matches and involving standout players in first-team training.
“I strongly believe in local talent. Giving opportunities to young players is not a risk – it’s an investment. If you show them trust, they’ll reward you on the pitch,” Haliti said.
Several youth players have already progressed into the senior squad under his guidance, a move welcomed by both fans and club insiders who see this as part of a longer-term strategy to build a sustainable and competitive team culture.
The sentiment from members and fans alike is clear: Labi Haliti is not just coaching a team – he is helping shape the future of Sydney Olympic FC, and their support for his leadership continues to grow.
For the first time in eight years, all branches of Christianity—Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox—celebrated Easter on the same weekend, bringing together diverse traditions in Australian households with mixed cultural and religious backgrounds.
In Sydney, Eugenie Pepper’s kitchen was bustling with preparations for one of her family’s most cherished events: Greek Orthodox Easter.
On Sunday, 40 relatives spanning three generations gathered at her uncle’s house to celebrate with midnight mass, red eggs, and a feast featuring avgolemono soup, lamb, and traditional sweets like baklava.
“The pressure is always on,” Pepper told ABC. “These Greek aunties are like, ‘make sure that you do enough food, it’s got to be the biggest pumpkin you can find’.”
Pepper, who follows Greek Orthodox traditions, shares the holiday with her husband Shane, who was raised Irish Catholic.
“The kids had the benefit of two different cultures, which I think is really wonderful,” she said. “They would get double the amount of Easter eggs.”
Also in Sydney, Ali Cavill celebrated with her extended family blending Catholic and Greek Orthodox customs.
“My family were brought up Catholic and my brother’s wife is Greek,” she said. The weekend included a Good Friday Stations of the Cross, a Sunday morning Easter egg exchange, and a Greek lunch where guests brought food to share.
“If anything, it means more yummy dishes and more people… It only happens once every few years, so it tends to be a more exciting time of year,” she said.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians also marked Fasika—Easter—on the same weekend. After 55 days of fasting, Tesfaye Yigzawe, president of the Ethiopian Community Association of Victoria, celebrated with family and traditional dishes like Doro Wat and injera.
As Australia’s Christian communities continue to evolve, this rare alignment of Easter dates provided a unique opportunity for families to unite across traditions—through faith, food, and celebration.
As the Gold Coast races to meet a looming population milestone of one million residents by 2045, developer George Mastrocostas is pushing ahead with one of the region’s most ambitious residential projects—The Landmark, a $2.5 billion four-tower development in Mermaid Beach.
Mastrocostas, managing director of Aniko Group, confirmed the first stage of construction will begin mid-year, following the completion of a new state-of-the-art sales centre next to Pacific Fair.
The first stage will deliver 240 high-end units, part of a broader effort to ease the city’s critical housing shortfall.
George Mastrocostas. Photo: Tertius Pickard.
A recent report by the National Property Research Co (NPRC) found more than 144,000 new homes are needed by 2045 to accommodate population growth, with apartment prices surging as supply lags behind demand.
“Budds Beach is incredibly tightly held, with very few properties exchanging hands in the past five years,” said McNab executive chairman Michael McNab, whose own project—the $170 million Elements tower—also broke ground this week.
Urbis data shows the Gold Coast must build over 50 new towers every year for the next decade to stay on track. Yet only 11 projects were launched in 2024, delivering just 800 units—well below targets.
Despite the record-high 62 cranes currently active across the Gold Coast, industry leaders are warning of a potential “crane drain” if more approved developments don’t move to construction.
Mastrocostas’ Landmark project stands out in a climate where developers are being urged to fast-track feasible builds in partnership with local councils to meet both demand and state planning goals.
