Artist Tina Stefanou’s latest exhibition, You Can’t See Speed, now showing at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), delves into the complexities of life on Melbourne’s urban fringe—specifically in Doreen, a rapidly developing area that blurs the boundaries between suburb and bush.
Stefanou uses a range of media—installation, sculpture, sound, and video—to explore this transitional landscape where ecological, economic, cultural, and social forces collide.
The exhibition positions the urban fringe not as a cultural void but as a dynamic, mythic space of negotiation.
Drawing on her Greek heritage and mythological symbolism, Stefanou presents works like Grief Ramp (2025), a towering black motorbike ramp accompanied by a collaborative film with blind rider Matthew Cassar.
Cassar, guided by voice instructions, navigates a scrubby paddock, echoing ancient Greek notions of blindness as a path to deeper insight.
Photo: Andrew Curtis.
Another video work, Hym(e)nals (2022), features ghostly figures—teen girls and horses—emerging from shadows to a haunting soundtrack, challenging gender tropes while linking the suburban fringe to ancient symbolism.
The exhibition explores how girls’ affinity with horses often reflects a desire for agency and emotional expression in otherwise gendered social spaces.
Field of Triggers: Agri-temple (2025), an eight-channel video installation, reflects on the contributions of Greek migrants, many of whom settled on the urban fringe to sustain agricultural lifestyles.
The work honours their role in shaping a multicultural Australia.
Stefanou avoids didacticism, instead creating open-ended experiences shaped by sensory immersion, mythic references, and nonlinear video algorithms.
Scattered throughout the exhibition are surreal elements like salt-encrusted glass eyes and wax casts of horses’ legs, blending classical Greek art with commentary on environmental and social neglect.
Through a collaborative and participatory approach, You Can’t See Speed invites viewers to reconsider the overlooked edges of Australian life as rich with meaning, contradiction, and cultural possibility.
Tina Stefanou: You Can’t See Speed runs at ACCA until June 9.
Zacharias Giatras, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice from Rockdale, has been granted bail after being charged over a serious crash in Sydney’s south that left one man in critical condition.
Giatras appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday following the Friday night crash on Tyrrell Street, Rockdale.
He faces several charges including aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, causing bodily harm by misconduct, driving with high-range PCA, and being in charge of a vehicle under the influence.
Emergency services arrived at the scene around 9.50pm to find a damaged parked Toyota Corolla and three 19-year-old men, one of whom was trapped inside.
Two were taken to St George Hospital, with one remaining in a critical condition.
Police allege Giatras was the driver and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.203.
Parramatta Local Court.
In court, the police prosecutor said Giatras initially denied being behind the wheel and admitted to regularly speeding and drifting.
Though Giatras’s lawyer acknowledged that “alcohol is the clear main factor in the offending behaviour,” he noted the teen had no prior criminal convictions.
Magistrate Ian Guy described the incident as “catastrophic,” highlighting the possibility that “one person could lose their life.”
Giatras was granted bail under strict conditions, including a ban on alcohol and entry to licensed venues, and mandatory compliance with random police drug and alcohol testing.
He is scheduled to appear in Sutherland Local Court on May 2. No pleas have been entered.
Adelaide businessman Jim Diamantis, co-founder of Diamonds Camera, has been remembered as a hardworking and compassionate family man following his death at the age of 70 after a sudden stroke earlier this month.
Diamantis passed away peacefully after spending 10 days in a coma. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, known for his generous spirit and willingness to help others.
“He was the first to pick up a shovel or chat with someone who was dealing with something in their life,” his son Nicholas said. “It was his caring nature that I admired most.”
Born in Kila, a small village in Kozani, Greece, Diamantis was the eldest of three brothers. He migrated to Adelaide with his family in 1966 at age 12, attending Croydon High School and juggling multiple jobs despite not speaking English.
He later studied electronics at trade school and secured work with camera company Hanimex.
Photo: The Cairns Post.
In 1982, Diamantis and his brother Chris founded Diamonds Camera. “This was during a period that did not always look favourably to Europeans arriving in Australia,” Nicholas said.
Initially rejected by a major supplier, the brothers travelled to Hong Kong to source stock. Impressed by their determination, the supplier later agreed to work with them—on the condition they stop importing.
The business grew into one of Australia’s leading camera retailers, at one point operating four stores and employing more than 50 staff.
Outside of business, Diamantis loved spending time with his family, walking along the beach, and tending to his garden.
“He would always say that spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren gave him the most joy,” said his wife, Julie.
Diamantis is survived by Julie, his sons Nicholas and Billy, daughter-in-law Vassi, and grandchildren Dimitri and Irena.
The WA government has sharply criticised Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas’ call for Perth to launch a late bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, branding the idea a “brain fart” that could cost the state “billions.”
Zempilas made the pitch in an interview with Seven West Media, urging the state to act despite missing the March 31 deadline to submit an expression of interest.
“Perth may never be in a position to host an Olympics, yet this would have given us all of the excitement for a fraction of the cost, with all this current crop of outstanding athletes just two years before they compete in Brisbane,” he said.
“We should be on the phone and saying, ‘here’s what we are prepared to pay’.”
The proposal comes after a strong showing from WA athletes — including Gout Gout, Lachlan Kennedy, Jessica Hull and Peter Bol — who drew large crowds at the Australian Athletics Championships held in Perth over the weekend.
Photo: ABC News / James Carmody.
Acting Sports Minister John Carey rejected the idea outright.
“Do WA taxpayers want to spend more than $2 billion, which is half of the health infrastructure budget, on one event in WA?” he said on ABC Radio Perth.
“Our government is saying that this is a brain fart, a thought bubble, it’s bonkers. Let’s focus on the things that matter to West Australians.”
“Basil is always after the headline, the quick grab, but he doesn’t think about the implications for WA taxpayers,” Carey added.
A spokesperson for Zempilas said he was unavailable for comment Friday morning.
Zempilas previously pushed for Perth to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games as Lord Mayor, after Victoria pulled out due to projected costs.
Greek Orthodox Easter was celebrated across Australia over the weekend with church services, processions, and joyful family gatherings. From solemn commemorations to festive feasts, communities came together to honour one of the most significant dates on the Orthodox calendar.
Melbourne – Archbishop Makarios Leads Lamentations in Northcote At the Axion Esti Cathedral in Northcote, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia led the deeply moving Epitaphios service. The night was marked by solemnity and emotion as hundreds of faithful followed the flower-adorned bier in procession around the grounds. The Archbishop offered a prayer before the statue of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and delivered a heartfelt homily on the sacrificial love of Christ. “Christ chose the Cross not for ease, but to show how deeply He loves us,” His Eminence said, urging the faithful to reflect on eternity and embrace Christ in their lives. The service was attended by clergy from across Victoria, including Bishops Evmenios and Kyriakos, as well as dignitaries such as Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou, and Minister Steve Dimopoulos.
Adelaide – Epitaphios Procession through Bowden In South Australia, Federal MP Steve Georganas joined Premier Peter Malinauskas and parishioners from the Church of Hagia Sophia for the Epitaphios procession through the streets of Bowden. The local community gathered in large numbers to honour the sacred moment with deep respect.
Sydney – Belmore and Earlwood Services In Sydney, NSW Minister Sophie Cotsis joined hundreds of faithful at All Saints Church in Belmore for the evening service alongside Minister Tony Burke. At the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Earlwood, worshippers gathered in reverence for the solemn liturgy.
Oakleigh – Saints Anargiri Church Federal MP Clare O’Neil, Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis, Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson, Board Chairman Chris Damatopoulos, Greek Herald publisher Dimitra Skalkos, and Harmick Singh Matharu, Liberal candidate for Hotham, were among those attending the service at Saints Anargiri Church, Oakleigh. Thousands of parishioners gathered for the Epitaphios procession, which circled the church grounds in a moving tribute of faith and reflection. Students from Oakleigh Grammar also took part in the service, performing hymns and chants that added a touching sense of reverence to the evening.
A National Gathering in Faith
As the clock struck midnight, Greek Orthodox churches across Australia were filled to capacity as thousands gathered for the Resurrection Service. Holding traditional lambathes, parishioners lit their candles from the Holy Flame and sang Christos Anesti in celebration of Christ.
Melbourne – Bentleigh and Hughesdale In Bentleigh, Victorian MP Nick Staikos joined the Resurrection service at Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene. Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos attended in nearby Hughesdale, where families gathered in joy, sharing the kiss of love and traditional Easter delicacies.
Sydney – Kogarah and Belmore In Kogarah, MP Mark Coure and federal election candidate Fiona Douskou attended the midnight service, while parishes across the city echoed with chants of hope and unity. NSW Minister Sophie Cotsis also joined parishioners at All Saints in Belmore alongside Minister Tony Burke and a large congregation.
Perth – Celebration in the West In Western Australia, WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas joined parishioners at Saints Constantine and Helen in Perth. In a public post, he wished all a “Kalo Pascha” and “Christos Anesti.”
Post-Liturgy Traditions Across the country, families and friends gathered after the service to enjoy magiritsa, red eggs, and traditional greetings, reinforcing bonds of faith and culture.
“A Little Greece” Blooms Across Australia
On Sunday, Australia transformed into a festive reflection of Greece. Backyards, parks, church halls, and restaurants were filled with music, laughter, and the scent of lamb on the spit. With kokoretsi, tzatziki, red wine and dancing, communities celebrated the Resurrection in full spirit. From young children to elders, generations came together to preserve and honour their heritage
Prime Minister Celebrates with the Greek Community Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked Orthodox Easter Sunday by joining Archbishop Makarios of Australia and members of the Greek Australian community for a festive lunch at Alpha Restaurant in Sydney’s city centre. The gathering brought together community leaders and friends in a warm atmosphere of celebration and tradition. The table was filled with beloved Easter delicacies — lamb on the spit, tsoureki, and red-dyed eggs — capturing the spirit of a Greek family table. The Prime Minister, in relaxed and cheerful spirits, exchanged Christos Anesti greetings with attendees, cracked red eggs with parishioners, and shared laughs and stories with His Eminence. His attendance came during a demanding federal election campaign, offering a meaningful pause to honour Australia’s multicultural fabric and the strong contribution of Greek Australians to national life.
This year’s Easter was particularly symbolic, as it marked the first time in over two decades that Orthodox and Catholic Easter coincided, adding a sense of broader unity to the day’s celebrations.
Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar in Melbourne’s inner-west suburb of Yarraville has been damaged in a suspected arson attack for the second time in less than a year.
At approximately 4.30am on Easter Monday, a white Toyota SUV was rammed into the rear of the family-owned Greek restaurant and set alight. Firefighters responded swiftly and brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring businesses.
No one was in the building at the time, and no injuries have been reported.
In a statement issued later that day, co-owner Eleftheria Amanatidis confirmed the fire was contained to the restaurant’s outdoor garden seating area. The main dining room and kitchen of Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar, as well as Jimmy’s Deli next door, were not damaged.
“We are incredibly grateful to the emergency services for their swift and professional response,” Amanatidis said.
The restaurant, which reopened late last year after a fire in June 2024, had been operating throughout the Easter weekend and was preparing for a busy public holiday period. That earlier incident forced the business to close for four and a half months and undergo a complete rebuild.
Amanatidis described this second attack as “devastating,” particularly following so closely after the launch of her debut cookbook, Ela na Fáme!, a tribute to her family and Greek heritage.
“It’s devastating to be facing what appears to be a second arson attack – less than a year after a previous fire,” she said.
“But resilience is in my blood. Our family has been running businesses in Yarraville since 1971, and that 54-year history gives us the determination to face whatever challenges come our way.”
The team is now working closely with the City of Maribyrnong to ensure the premises are safe for reopening. Jimmy’s Deli is expected to resume trade on Thursday, with Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar to follow shortly after.
“On behalf of my co-owner — my sister Natalie — and our entire family and team, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out today with kind words and offers of help,” Amanatidis said. “Your love and support means everything to us. We’ll be back soon.”
Victoria Police are continuing their investigation into Monday’s incident.
Greece’s proposal to extend its maritime zones in the Aegean is reportedly facing diplomatic friction, with concerns being raised by both allies and neighbours over the timing and potential regional impact of such a move.
According to sources cited in Greek diplomatic circles, Athens is carefully weighing its options before any formal announcement is made regarding the expansion of territorial waters beyond the current six nautical miles. While Greece maintains its sovereign right to extend to 12 nautical miles under international law, the political sensitivities in the region — particularly with Turkey — remain a central consideration.
Ankara has long warned that an extension of Greek territorial waters in the Aegean would be treated as a casus belli, or cause for war. Although Greece has previously extended its maritime zones in the Ionian Sea, the Aegean is a far more complex and contested region, both geographically and politically.
In addition to concerns from Turkey, there are also hesitations within the European Union and from key NATO allies, who fear that such a move could escalate tensions at a time when regional stability is being tested by other geopolitical developments.
Greek officials have neither confirmed nor denied recent reports about a concrete plan being put before the National Council on Foreign Policy. However, they emphasise that Greece continues to pursue its rights in accordance with international law and will act with caution and strategic foresight.
The discussion comes amid a broader reassessment of Greece’s foreign policy priorities and maritime strategy, as the country strengthens its role in regional security and energy corridors.
Greek leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, praising his moral clarity, dedication to peace, and unwavering support for the vulnerable.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece joins Catholic Christians around the world in mourning the Pope’s passing. “He was a moral leader who believed in peace, solidarity and friendship,” Mitsotakis wrote on social media, acknowledging the Pope’s global influence during a decade-long papacy that often emphasised compassion over division.
SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras also honoured the Pope’s legacy, calling him “a spiritual leader who chose to be more than what his titles offered.” In a message posted online, Tsipras added: “He was the voice of the voiceless — the poor and the persecuted. He promoted peace, solidarity and interfaith dialogue, even when it meant opposing powerful interests.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was elected in 2013 and became the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy was widely recognised for its focus on humility, social justice, and calls for institutional reform — often challenging conventional norms within the Church and beyond.
Although Greece is a predominantly Orthodox Christian country, Pope Francis was widely respected for his outreach to other Christian traditions and his historic efforts to bridge divides. His visit to the island of Lesvos in 2016, where he stood beside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos to support refugees, left a lasting mark on Greek society.
As the world mourns his loss, Greek leaders have joined the chorus of voices recognising Pope Francis not only as the head of the Catholic Church, but as a global figure who led with empathy, courage, and a vision for a more united and compassionate world.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, has died at the age of 88, marking the end of a papacy defined by humility, inclusion, and a strong push for reform within the Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the late pontiff was elected in March 2013 as the 266th pope and the first non-European leader of the Catholic Church in more than 1,200 years.
In his 12 years as head of the Vatican, Pope Francis championed social justice, environmental responsibility, and greater openness in Church dialogue. He consistently called for compassion towards refugees, the poor and the marginalised, and urged global action on climate change. Under his leadership, the Church took tentative but historic steps in addressing issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, the role of women, and its historical handling of abuse cases.
Despite facing resistance from conservative factions within the Church, Francis remained steadfast in his vision for a more pastoral, accessible and modern Catholic Church.
His final months were marked by declining health. He was hospitalised earlier this year with a serious case of pneumonia. Though he showed signs of improvement, his condition worsened in recent days. The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 7:35am local time.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from religious and political leaders around the world, many of whom have praised his moral leadership, deep humility, and commitment to bridging divides both within and outside the Church.
A period of official mourning has begun, and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Vatican shortly.
Pope Francis is remembered as a pontiff who, while deeply rooted in tradition, did not shy away from confronting the challenges of the modern world.
The Holy Resurrection of Jesus Christ was celebrated with great religious devotion and grandeur at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection in Kogarah, Sydney, on Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Leading the Resurrection Service was His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, joined by Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia. Bishop Christodoulos also serves as Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod and Parish Priest of the hosting church.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia leads the Resurrection Service inside the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah. Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
Once again, thousands of faithful filled the church, courtyard and surrounding streets well before midnight, holding candles and chanting hymns as they awaited the joyous message, “Christ is Risen.”
As the Archbishop delivered the proclamation of the Resurrection at midnight, a sea of lit candles illuminated the night, creating a powerful atmosphere of faith and unity.
The Paschal Encyclical of His Eminence was read in both Greek and English, followed by the Divine Liturgy presided over by the Archbishop and concelebrated by the assisting clergy.
Among the official guests in attendance were the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr Stavros Venizelos; Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Ioannis Mallikourtis; Federal Liberal MP and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Coleman; NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mr Stephen Kamper; NSW MP and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mr Mark Coure; Georges River Councillor, Ms Ashvini Ambihaipahar; Liberal candidate for the seat of Barton, Ms Fiona Douskou; and Vice President of the Archdiocesan Council, Mr Theodosios Penklis, who is also an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
