The Greek government is moving to modernise its armed forces and air defense capabilities, and plans to spend a total of €28 billion by 2036.
On Monday, March 16, the purchase of a €3 billion multilayer air and drone defense system was approved by a Greek parliamentary committee.
The committee also greenlit the upgrade of 38 F-16 fighter jets, with the total cost estimated at nearly €4 billion. The country also plans to upgrade an additional 38 F-16 Block 50 jets from the 1990s to the modern “Viper” version.
A senior source told Kathimerini, “The parliament committee approved the project and also the upgrade of the F-16s.”
Greece is in talks with Israel to provide their “Achilles Shield”, a key component of the missile defence system, with an estimated cost of €3 billion.
All these purchases still require approval from KYSEA, Greece’s top authority on foreign affairs and defense matters.
Greek American casting director Cassandra Kulukundis made history at this year’s Academy Awards by becoming the first person to win an Oscar for Best Casting for her work on Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. She comes from the well-known Kulukundis shipping family.
This marks the inaugural year that casting has been recognised as an official Oscars category, and highlights Kulukundis’ crucial role in shaping the film’s creative process and her careful selection of its stellar cast.
Kulukundis began her career as an intern on Anderson’s debut 1996 film, Hard Eight, and has since cast nearly all his films with One Battle After Another being their tenth collaboration.
In her acceptance speech, Kulukundis reflected on her long-standing friendship and collaboration with Anderson.
“I just thank you for ten movies,” she said. “We’ve done this for over thirty years, like we grew up together, I guess. And this is freaking insane.”
Kulukundis also thanked the Academy for introducing the new category, and paid tribute to her fellow casting directors.
“I dedicate this to the casting directors who never got the chance to get up here… [and] the casting directors that fought tirelessly to make it happen despite everything in their way,” she said.
The other nominees for the casting award were Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme), Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent) and Francine Maisler (Sinners).
On Monday, March 16, fragments from intercepted Iranian missiles fell near Jerusalem’s walled Old City and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a major site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher serves as the Greek Orthodox Church headquarters in Jerusalem.
Israeli police reported that shrapnel also landed on several sacred Christian, Muslim, and Jewish sites.
In a statement, the police said, “Jerusalem District police, bomb disposal teams, and Border Police units have secured the sites and are currently working to eliminate any remaining risk to the public.”
There were no casualties or major damage, but police removed part of a missile from a roof adjacent to the Holy Sepulchre.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has called for allied nations to join a naval coalition to grant safe passage for oil carriers through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Trump warned, “If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO.”
Greece and Australia are among the countries who declined this demand.
Transit through the strait has been disrupted since Iranian drone and missile attacks began, triggering a surge in global oil prices.
During a briefing with political reporters, Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated, “There is no issue of our country’s involvement in such an operation.”
Reports in Kathimerini revealed Greece’s aim was to maintain the current scope of its naval operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and did not wish to expand the mandate of the European Operation “Aspides” (Shields) to the Strait of Hormuz.
While Greece is refusing to send warships to the strait, it plans to provide humanitarian aid to Lebanon following recent military activity. Greek diplomatic authorities in Lebanon are coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organise the assistance.
Australia’s Transport Minister Catherine King. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen / The Sydney Morning Herald
In Australia, Transport Minister Catherine King explained the country’s position in an interview with ABC Radio.
“We’ve been very clear about what our contribution is,” she said, noting that Australia is providing aircraft to assist the United Arab Emirates with defence, particularly for Australians in the region.
“But we won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is. That’s not something that we’ve been asked or we’re contributing.”
Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson emphasised, “Australia’s primary focus remains the Indo-Pacific.”
Jennifer Parker, adjunct fellow in naval studies at UNSW, added that even if Australia wanted to participate, “we simply don’t have enough ships.”
As the Middle East conflict enters its 17th day, US President Donald Trump reported to media that he was “disappointed” with the state of America’s allies after their rejection of his calls to send warships to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said that NATO faced a “very bad” future if US allies continue to decline assisting.
Among those allies is Australia, which confirmed yesterday it would not send a warship to the Middle East.
For now, several European allies including Germany, Spain and Italy, have ruled out joining any mission in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Britain and Denmark have taken a more cautious approach, saying they would consider other ways they could assist the US.
In Dubai, limited flights have resumed at their Dubai International Airport. Photo: AFP / Getty Images.
This comes as Israel expanded its air and ground assault on the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah, focusing on Beirut and its suburbs.
In Dubai, limited flights have resumed at their Dubai International Airport, after operations were suspended following a drone attack.
A statement from the White House also revealed that a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump could be postponed due to the conflict.
The Estudiantina of Melbourne celebrated the launch of their new album Ta Nisia yesterday, marking an important moment for the ensemble and for Melbourne’s Greek musical community.
The event brought together music lovers, members of the Greek diaspora, and supporters of traditional music for an evening dedicated to the sounds and stories of the Greek islands.
The launch featured a live performance by the ensemble, who presented selections from the new album before an enthusiastic and engaged audience.
The music of Ta Nisia draws inspiration from the rich traditions of the Aegean islands, highlighting distinctive regional melodies, rhythms and lyrical themes that reflect island life, celebration and longing.
Throughout the evening, the ensemble performed with the characteristic warmth and musicianship that has become synonymous with their work. Traditional instruments such as the violin, santouri, oud and guitar created the textured sound world associated with the historic estudiantina orchestras of Smyrna and Constantinople, while the repertoire transported listeners across the islands of the Aegean.
Audience members responded with great enthusiasm, with many noting the ensemble’s dedication to preserving and sharing Hellenic musical heritage in Australia. The launch not only celebrated the release of Ta Nisia, but also highlighted the ongoing role of traditional music in connecting communities and cultural identities.
Ta Nisia represents the ensemble’s continued commitment to researching, arranging and performing traditional repertoire with authenticity and care. The album captures the spirit of island music while presenting it through the unique musical voice that the Estudiantina of Melbourne has developed over years of performance and collaboration.
Yesterday’s launch was both a celebration and a milestone for the group, reflecting their passion for Greek musical traditions and their growing contribution to Melbourne’s vibrant cultural landscape. The release of Ta Nisia ensures that the timeless music of the Greek islands will continue to resonate with audiences both locally and beyond.
A long-planned community hub for Darwin’s Greek Orthodox community is set to move forward, with funding pledged by Federal MP Luke Gosling expected to “soon become available” for the construction of a new community centre at the St Savvas of Kalymnos Greek Orthodox precinct in Northcrest.
The planned community centre will form part of the broader development of the St Savvas parish precinct in Darwin and is intended to serve both parish members and the wider community.
According to the parish, the new facility will provide spaces for gatherings, educational programs, cultural activities and community outreach as the Greek Orthodox community in the Northern Territory continues to grow.
“We give thanks to God for this blessing and for the many people who have supported this vision,” the statement said.
The parish also expressed its appreciation to Mr Gosling for supporting the project.
“In particular, we extend our sincere appreciation to Luke Gosling MP for his commitment to supporting the Greek Orthodox community and helping make this project possible,” the statement said.
The development follows earlier support from the Northern Territory Government, which granted the parish a 10,067-square-metre parcel of land in the Palmerston area of Darwin for the construction of the new St Savvas church complex.
Architectural plans for the parish were first unveiled in 2023. Until a permanent location is established, the community has been holding Divine Services at MacKillop Catholic College in Johnston.
The wider precinct is expected to include a church, event halls, auxiliary spaces and parking facilities. The federal funding is specifically allocated for the construction of the community centre and related site amenities, and will not be used to build the parish church itself.
Plans for the centre include a large reception hall with a commercial kitchen, a mid-sized function space capable of hosting around 80 to 120 people, and two smaller rooms designed for community meetings, educational programs and multipurpose activities.
Church leaders say the facility will be open to all community groups and will provide new infrastructure to support Darwin’s growing multicultural population.
Construction is expected to begin after Easter, with the parish promising to keep the community updated as the project progresses.
“We ask for your prayers as we embark on this exciting milestone in the life of our parish,” the statement said.
Dora Chrysikou’s touching, enraging performance of ‘18/9’ lit up Surry Hills’ Tom Mann Theatre on Saturday, March 14, continuing the theatre’s long history of platforming Greek artists.
The title of the theatrical monologue refers to the date of the murder of Pavlos Fyssas, an antifascist rapper known as Killah P who was murdered by members of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn organisation on the 18th of September 2013.
Fyssas’ murder by senior Golden Dawn operative Giorgos Roupakias sparked nationwide protests and a five year long trial that contributed to Golden Dawn being designated as a criminal organisation in 2020.
In 18/9, Chrysikou plays Daphne, a traumatised eyewitness to the murder who battles between staying silent and taking action on the day she is due to testify in court.
The set, displaying a picture of Pavlos Fyssas.
Throughout the play, Chrysikou writhed with deep anxiety and tension as Daphne recalled the murder and heard the voices of her family discouraging her from speaking up.
One section of the play was also punctuated by short samples of Fyssas’ music, a gut-wrenching reminder of his profound contributions to the Greek musical and political landscapes.
The play kept the audience enraptured as the action on stage shifted from Daphne’s agonised internal monologue to on-screen footage of her testimony. At several points, Chrysikou also stepped into the audience, addressing them directly about the dangers of ignoring violence, division and prejudice in their own communities.
Dora Chrysikou.
As Daphne ultimately decided to testify, the stage lights went down and the screen lit up with a photo of Magda Fyssa, Pavlos Fyssas’ mother who has been at the forefront of activism against Golden Dawn and fascism in Greece.
This moment of silence before the audience erupted into a standing ovation served as a sobering reminder of those impacted the most by Fyssas’ death, and as an example of how personal pain can be translated into political action.
Discussion around governance, constitutional arrangements and member engagement at Sydney Olympic Football Club has continued following a series of member meetings, correspondence with the club’s board and enquiries made to relevant football authorities.
Several members and supporters have recently raised questions regarding the club’s governance framework and the constitutional amendments adopted at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November 2023. Those members say they are seeking greater clarity on how the amendments operate in practice and how they affect the role of ordinary members in club decision-making.
At the club’s AGM held on 29 November 2023, members voted on a special resolution to adopt amendments to the club’s constitution, with the meeting minutes recording that the resolution was carried.
The meeting was chaired by former president Damon Hanlin and attended by directors including Matthew Phelps and Lawrie McKinna.
L to R: Lawrie McKinna, Damon Hanlin & Matthew Phelps at the 2023 AGM. Photo: The Greek Herald
The proposed changes were outlined in the AGM notice circulated to members prior to the meeting and were explained during the AGM by the club’s legal adviser David Greenberg of Vincent Young.
Benefactor members were described during the meeting as individuals contributing more than $200,000 annually to support the club. Under the constitutional provisions, benefactor members may receive board representation and certain additional governance rights in recognition of that financial support.
The Greek Herald understands that Hanlin is currently the only individual recognised by the club as a Benefactor Member under the amended constitution.
While the amendments were approved at the AGM, some members have since raised questions about the implications of certain provisions and how they may affect future member voting processes. Others have sought clarification regarding procedural matters relating to the meeting itself, including the attendance record used to establish quorum.
Supporters involved in recent member discussions say their aim is to better understand the governance framework of the club and ensure members remain informed about decisions affecting the organisation’s future.
The club, through its legal representatives Vincent Young, has responded to correspondence from members regarding the governance matters raised. The response maintains that the constitutional amendments were properly presented to members and adopted through the formal AGM voting process.
Steering committee spokesperson Peter Katholos, who has previously been involved with the club as a player, director and sponsor, said the discussions among members reflected a strong interest in the club’s future.
“As a former player, former director and former sponsor, I said this needs to change,” Katholos said.
He added that many members remain strongly connected to the club’s identity and community role.
“The club has always been controlled by the members,” he said.
Club president outlines board’s focus
President Chris Charalambous. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Current president Chris Charalambous said the board remains focused on ensuring stability and continuing the work required to strengthen the club both on and off the field.
“My responsibility since stepping into the role has been to ensure the club continues to operate smoothly and that our players, coaches, volunteers and staff have the support they need,” he said.
Charalambous noted that correspondence from members had been addressed through the club’s legal representatives, but emphasised that the board’s priority remains the ongoing development and sustainability of the club.
“There has been a lot said in recent weeks, but our focus is on doing the work that keeps Sydney Olympic moving forward,” he said.
“The AGM is the appropriate forum for members to raise questions and contribute constructively to the future of the club.”
Charalambous said the board intends to use the upcoming AGM on April 21 to outline its plans for the club and provide members with a clearer picture of the work currently underway.
“There will be important updates and announcements about the direction of the club,” he said.
“Anyone who wants to see the club succeed is welcome to come forward with ideas, support or opportunities that will help us continue building a strong future for Sydney Olympic.”
Football NSW position
In response to questions raised about governance oversight, Football NSW said that while it supports strong governance standards across National Premier League clubs, it does not act as a corporate regulator.
“Football NSW Limited is supportive of NPL clubs, including Sydney Olympic Football Club, having appropriate corporate governance processes in place that ensure compliance with their statutory obligations under their constituent legislation and their contractual obligations under their respective Participation Agreements with Football NSW,” the organisation said in a statement to The Greek Herald.
“However, it is not the role or function of Football NSW to act as a corporate regulator. That is the responsibility of the Australian Securities & Investment Commission or NSW Fair Trading, as the case may be.
“The day-to-day management of clubs remains the domain of their respective boards and members.”
Attention turns to April AGM
The governance discussion is expected to continue in the lead-up to the club’s next AGM scheduled for April 21, where members will have the opportunity to raise questions and discuss the club’s future direction.
For many within the Sydney Olympic community, attention is now turning to how the club can strengthen its operations, rebuild engagement with supporters and continue its role within the broader football landscape.
The annual Cypriot Halloumi Festival drew hundreds of attendees to the Brunswick Cypriot Community venue this past weekend to celebrate iconic Cypriot food, music and dances.
Delivered by the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria (CCMV), the festival was a chance for community members, young and old, to strengthen their cultural ties and for those with no connection to Cypriot culture to partake in the traditions.
Children attending the event enjoyed a range of fun activities planned especially for them, CCMV’s own dance group was among the traditional performances at the festival, and attendees were treated to free halloumi tastings and halloumi-making demonstrations. Local and imported Cypriot products available at the festival showcased the intricacies of Greek-Cypriot culture.
The annual Cypriot Halloumi Festival drew hundreds of attendees.
Former Victorian Government Minister and current CCMV President Theo Theophanous, launched the event, saying, “The celebration is not only of halloumi, but of the enduring spirit, friendship and contribution of the Cypriot community to Victoria.”
Halloumi is internationally recognised as a Protected Designation of Origin product and is the binding force to bring together the attendees of the festival “as Cypriots, as Greeks, and as Australians.”
Mr Theophanous praised the festival organisers for delivering an impeccable event, despite earlier uncertainty about whether the festival would proceed. Australia’s biosecurity officials had considered restricting imports of Cypriot cheese due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the region.
Mr Theophanous acknowledged guests in attendance including Federal Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil, representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; Victorian Labor MP for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone; Liberal MP for Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland; State Member for Northcote and Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health, Kat Theophanous; Mayor of Darebin Emily Dimitriadis; former commonwealth parliamentarian Maria Vamvakinou, and Cr Oscar Yildiz from Merri-bek City Council.
Mr Khalil also addressed the crowd and acknowledged the longtime positive connection between Cyprus and Australia.
“It’s been 53 years, and it’s been a great relationship, and we have benefited here in Australia from Cypriots like you who’ve come to Australia and made such an enormous contribution to this country,” Mr Khalil said.
Mr Khalil continued to recognise that “it is a very difficult time” with the current geopolitical tensions.
“There is real anger from the Cypriot government because they weren’t given a full warning of it [the drone attack on a UK base on the island],” he said. “The British are sending more forces there, the French are, and the Greek Air Force as well, to help protect Cyprus.”
Greek Community of Melbourne’s President Bill Papastergiadis was also in attendance and commented that “the Halloumi Festival once again unites all of us.”
Community pride remained at the heart of the festival with attendees appreciating the food, music and dancing well into the night with the Halloumi Festival After Party.
