The Region of Attica was honored with the title of “Best Greek Hospitality Region” during the prestigious Greek Hospitality Awards 2024, held in Athens.
While accepting the award, Attica’s Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias expressed that this recognition is not his alone; it is shared with all those who have tirelessly worked together to reposition Metropolitan Attica in some of the world’s most dynamic markets through an all-encompassing rebranding effort.
Hardalias elaborated, “In Attica’s endeavor, the fundamentals are not simply given; they require effort, dynamism, and, most importantly, faith and consistency in our goal. This is what we’re accomplishing in the Region through a specific strategic plan that incorporates the pillars of our tourism narrative: culture, gastronomy, walking trails, and the historic landmarks of Attica.”
He also emphasised that the average duration of visitors’ stays and their spending have significantly increased due to a more strategic promotion of the greater Athens area under the “Visit Attica The Greater Athens Region” initiative.
The governor remarked, “We understand that our responsibility is substantial and unique, but this is something we will build step-by-step, day by day, so Attica can move forward—and only forward.”
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Greek Hospitality Awards is one of Europe’s foremost tourism industry events, dedicated to acknowledging and promoting the most innovative organizations, institutions, and businesses within the Greek tourism sector.
The award recognizes the tourism initiatives led by the new administration to elevate the region’s highly regarded tourism offerings.
These efforts have already yielded positive outcomes, evident in the region’s expanded global market presence and enhanced visitor quality indicators, sustaining robust tourism across all 12 months of the year.
Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for a pavlova roll with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!
Ingredients:
6 large eggs (I use 800 gm size eggs)- egg white only
300 gm caster sugar – see note 1.
2 tsp vanilla paste
2 tsp cornflour
1 tsp cream of tartar
Filling:
500 ml thick cream – whipped
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla paste – optional
Berries, passionfruit to decorate
Method:
You must preheat oven first – 200C fan force.
Make sure you bowl is clean and free of any oils. To make sure wipe it down with a kitchen paper towel with some vinegar on it.
Place your egg whites into the bowl from your standalone mixer. Whisk on high till whites start to froth. Start adding your sugar at a slow and steady pace. Keep whisking till stiff peaks form. This will take about 6-7 minutes. Check to see if the sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a bit of the meringue between two fingers. If it feels grainy it means the sugar is not fully dissolved so keep whisking for another minute or so. Recheck once you’ve done that.
Now you can add your vanilla paste, cornflour and cream of tartar. Whisk on low for about a minute till they’re fully combined.
Spoon your meringue onto a lined baking tray of approximately 30×35 cm size. Spread the meringue as evenly possible and place it in the oven. Reduce your heat to 180C, and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. It should still be a pale colour not brownish. Remove from the oven and allow to fully cool in baking tray. It will deflate – do not despair. If you are to use it the following day, cover it with a clean tea towel and set aside till then. See note 2.
When it is fully cooled, place a clean tea towel over the pav and quickly turn it upside down, so the top of the pavlova is now on the bottom and the bottom of the pav (the smooth side) is now on the top. Gently remove the baking paper and discard.
Whip your cream with icing sugar and vanilla paste if using, with a hand held mixer till stiff. Spread the cream (reserve some for the top), evenly over the pavlova and spread some of the fruit of your choice making sure they are cut into small pieces. Using the tea towel to help you, gently roll the pav forward on the long side, making sure the seam is at the bottom.
Use the remainder of the cream and fruit to decorate the top of the pav as you choose. I mainly use different berries, passion fruit and kiwi.
*Note 1: In regards to how much sugar you use – I have found a lot of the pavlova recipes use too much sugar for my liking. Over the years I have tested various quantities of sugar depending on the size of the eggs I use. I have found the following works best and the pavlovas are never too sweet.
50gm of sugar per extra-large egg (800 gm ones)
45gm of sugar per large egg (700 gm ones)
40gm of sugar per small eggs (600 gm ones)
Note 2: Lining the baking tray. I have found when lining the tray with baking paper, it is easier when the paper exceeds a little over the tray size. This makes it easier when you remove the pav from the baking tray as it won’t stick to the sides.
According to Business Insider’s annual ranking, Ios is among the world’s top 100 “hidden paradises.” This list, based on insights from travel experts and agencies, highlights beautiful islands that retain authenticity across North and South America, Oceania, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Prothema.gr reports that Ios is described as “a stunning destination with beautiful beaches, unique ambiance, impressive nightlife, and a wide range of activities.” Conde Nast Traveller Spain also praised Chora, Ios’s main village, for “the unforgettable sunset view from Panagia Gremiotissa,” with nearby attractions including the Odysseas Elytis Theater and the Archaeological Museum featuring artifacts from Skarkos.
The Municipality of Ios has launched a campaign to showcase the island’s unique experiences, from gastronomy and culture to outdoor activities, drawing visitors year-round from markets like the UK, Italy, Germany, and the U.S.
In September, the Yannis Gaitis – Gabriella Simosi Museum opened, offering panoramic views of the Aegean from its hilltop location. Designed by Loretta Gaitis and Jacques Charrat, the 1,600-square-meter museum includes a permanent exhibition and space for events. This new cultural hub is expected to boost tourism beyond the peak season, noted Antonis Mettos, President of the Tourism Committee for Ios.
Ithacan Society president Spyridoula Digaletou-Coutsouvelis emphasised that it was fitting for the book launch to take place at Ithacan House, given the significant involvement of Ithacans in the Community’s early years.
Prominent Ithacan names like Lekatsas, Raftopoulos, Vlassopoulos, and Mavrokefalos (Black) have played key roles as directors in both the Ithacan Society and the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) over the decades.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM underscored the importance of the English edition, which makes the Community’s history accessible not only to future generations but also to a global community of diaspora scholars. He also expressed gratitude to the Ithacan Society for hosting the event.
GCM Board member Dr. Nick Dallas, who oversaw the translation and publication, acknowledged the ease of collaboration with Themelio Publications in Athens, who served as a reliable partner.
The event’s final speaker, author Juliana Charpantidou, noted that the English version is more complete, containing an index and revisions suggested by translator Petro Alexiou. She encouraged other historians to write about community histories, noting that no history is ever truly complete, as every work has gaps and reflects the author’s perspective. A diversity of voices, she added, contributes to a deeper understanding of events.
The audience expressed interest in follow-up volumes, and Juliana shared that she is currently researching the post-1972 period, with the goal of bringing the GCM’s history up to date, ideally to the early 21st century.
Laetitia Greco is a presenter, film critic, model, and content creator. Recently, she placed as the runner-up in the 2024 Miss Universe Australia competition. With her wit, intelligence, and proud Greek-Italian heritage, Laetitia has built a platform that extends beyond her passion for cinema.
She uses her voice to advocate for social causes within Australia and internationally. In a recent interview, she offered a glimpse into her background, career and future goals.
A Greek-Italian upbringing:
Laetitia grew up in a close-knit Greek-Italian family, based in Melbourne. Her cultural heritage played a big role in shaping who she is today.
Laetitia Greco with her yiayia.
“I’m very family-oriented, and I truly value connection, especially when it comes to getting together with my cousins and family, often over food,” she shared.
One of her earliest film memories was visiting the set of Scooby-Doo in Queensland, where her father, Sam Greco (former World Champion kickboxer), played ‘Zarkos’.
“Being on set was life-changing, and from then on, I knew I loved the world of cinema,” she explained.
Laetitia Greco with her dad on the set of Scooby Doo.
A career in film and presenting:
Laetitia’s professional journey in the film industry began with an internship at Roadshow Films during her third year of university. This quickly turned into a full-time job where she worked on major blockbuster releases including Joker and IT: Chapter II. When her colleague fell ill at the Melbourne premiere of The Dry, Laetitia was given just half an hour to prepare for her first-ever red-carpet interview.
“The buzz I felt was like nothing else, and I knew right then that presenting was what I wanted to pursue,” she said.
Alongside her full-time role in the film industry, she also runs her own film channel, @ThatAussieFilmChick, where she shares reviews, celebrity gossip, and her passion for movies.
Laetitia took a bold step by competing in Miss Universe Australia, despite having no prior pageant experience.
“I admired what past contestants had achieved and saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build my brand and drive meaningful change,” she explained.
Her journey began with the State Finals in March, where she modeled for leading beauty and fashion brands while raising $35,000 for ToyBox Australia and Camp Quality. After progressing through to Nationals, she embarked on an international photoshoot, learned how to walk the runway and answer on-stage questions, and continued her fundraising.
“The most rewarding part was the immense personal growth. I was pushed beyond my comfort zone and came out stronger and more resilient. But the connections I made with other intelligent women were just as invaluable,” she said.
Advocating for social change:
During the Miss Universe competition, she used her platform to speak out about gender bias and the ongoing fight for women’s equality.
“Women have been battling for over a century, and yet we still see gaps. I’ve personally experienced sexism in my career, and it’s important that women speak up and know their worth,” she said, recalling how a former boss advised her to dye her hair darker to be taken seriously.
These challenges fueled her determination to continue advocating for change.
Looking ahead:
Laetitia is currently working on the release of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King in December and plans to continue expanding her career as a presenter. She dreams of covering prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards, while taking her film channel to new heights.
On a personal note, she is planning a trip to Europe next year to reconnect with her Greek and Italian heritage.
“I can’t wait to immerse myself in the culture of Greece and Italy again. It feels like coming full circle,” she said.
With her passion, drive, and resilience, Laetitia is set for an exciting future, and her journey will undoubtedly inspire many along the way.
South Melbourne FC, with its host Ashley Maikousis, held its annual Inner Sanctum event on Thursday, November 7 to honour the services of key members, as well as making key announcements by President Nick Maikousis.
The key announcement at this year’s event was the new joint no. 1 ticket holders Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and State Member of Parliament Nina Taylor, with Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac stating that South Melbourne should be in the A-League.
In announcing their appointment, South Melbourne Chairman Bill Papastergiadis noted that, “Richard Marles has been a loyal supporter of the club having been at many of the key games over a number of years including our semi final FA Cup against Melbourne City and our opening game in 2022 against Heidelberg FC.”
Importantly, Mr Papastergiadis said, “Marles always makes time for the Club no matter his commitments. His strong understanding of our community and club make him an ideal choice as no. 1 ticket holder. We are excited that he will be a part of our story as we head into the new National Second Tier for football in 2025.”
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis.
Marles thanked the Club for the honour and said, “South is more than a football club. It embodies the true nature of multiculturalism. The club is evidence of the struggles and ultimately the success of the immigrants to this country. Melbourne is richer for having South as part of its football and culture landscape. I am honoured to be a no.1 ticket holder.”
Ms Taylor said she was delighted with the honour.
“For a club that champions all parts of our society, whether it’s the all abilities football team (power chair), blind football or its women’s programs, this club continues to delivers at the highest level. I look forward to working with the club on its initiatives and its incumbent on me to support in any way I can such a wonderful club,” Ms Taylor said.
As President, Mr Maikousis spoke about the Club’s readiness to now participate at the highest level in the country and that there was no limit to whether it’s the B-League or the A-League.
“The Club’s destiny is at the top tier and we belong there. The work the Club has done to ready itself for this new journey needs to be rewarded. We will work with Football Australia on this,” Mr Maikousis said.
Mr Maikousis went on to announce the appointment of former star player David Clarkson as the General Manger of the Club. He said, “this adds depth to our football offerings across the board.”
On the night, former ministers Martin Pakula and Martin Foley were also acknowledged for their respective contributions. Mr Papastergiadis, in presenting the awards, noted that Mr Pakula and Mr Foley were there for the club when it was needed.
Mr Papastergiadis said, “a club without a home ground is destined to fail. Hence, our negotiations to secure a 40 year lease and license were critical to the Club’s future. Both Ministers played a key role in the Club ultimately securing the lease and without them, the outcome was less secure. At the same time, as a past no. 1 ticket holder, Mr Foley was a key part of our A League bid, being present at all of our meetings with Football Australia and he featured heavily in our bid document. Former Ministers Foley and Pakula were there when the Club needed them.”
Mr Foley commenced his address by stating, “South should be in the A-League. It is a club that has history, success, and support. It is a no brainer for Football Australia. I spent many hours at this club and witnessed first hand the strength of the club and its supporters. Football would be the richer for having South at the top tier.”
Mr Pakula noted that his own upbringing was closely tied to the Club given that his neighbours and best friends were the Anastasiadis brothers. He said “everyone knows the Club,” and as now Chair of the Grand prix Corporation, he hopes to continue to have a close relationship with South.
The night also saw a presentation of the famed documentary on Puskas and Postecoglou, and Paul Trimboli spoke along with the directors of the film about the glory days when Puskas led the team to a National title.
Mr Maikousis then entered into a discussion with Anter Isaac (Chairman of Football Australia). Mr Maikousis noted that the new National Second Tier was a good start, but that a stand alone competition was necessary.
In response, Mr Anter acknowledged that South is a Club that indeed has A-League credentials. He said he was hopeful of a standalone National Second Tier competition in the near future. Mr Maikousis expressed his desire for this to be achieved as a matter of urgency. Mr Anter said the new competition for the Second Tier will help unite football in this country and will offer more football to the public.
Mr Maikousis concluded the night by acknowledging all the sponsors and reflecting on the importance of all football clubs connecting with their supporters and the general public. The game is served well when clubs are able to participate at the highest level. He extended his thanks to sponsors and to Andrew Mesorouni for putting the event together.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis.
Madeleine Zoumpoulis has been recognised with the City of Canterbury Bankstown Youth Award for her achievements in sport.
She joins a number of other inspirational youth who were recognised this week by the City of Canterbury Bankstown.
After being forced to flee her war-torn country, 16-year-old Adila Musavi was also recognised for her inspirational achievements with a City of Canterbury Bankstown Children and Youth Award.
Adila, who attends school in Birrong, lives with her family in Western Sydney after fleeing Afghanistan three years ago.
“We came here when the Taliban took over and we had just 48 hours to get out before the airports were closed. It was the worst experience I’ve ever had,” Adila said.
“Going to school, playing sports, or even going outside without being fully covered would not have been possible if I had stayed.”
Communicating without knowing a word of English and fitting in with the other kids at school was tough, but Adila is showing her teachers and peers that she can do anything she puts her mind to.
“My only goal has been to study and do those things that I couldn’t do in Afghanistan,” she said.
All the award winners.
Adila has gone on to win several academic medallions for excelling across all subject areas and received the Youth – Inspiration Award at the 2024 CBCity Children and Youth Awards ceremony, held last night.
“I want to show it to my cousins and friends in Afghanistan – I wish they were here and we could receive awards together,” Adila said.
Others to be awarded included 11-year-old Kaison Brown, who was recognised with a Children’s – Inspiration Award for his resilience after being diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease.
At the age of five, the Milperra local was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and was given a short timeframe to live. Despite needing regular blood transfusions, preventer puffers and antibiotics, Kaison didn’t let his diagnoses get in the way of living life to the fullest.
Six years on, Kaison is in remission and running at state level cross country and playing national OZTAG.
“I will never let being sick stop me from doing what I love doing,” Kaison said.
He’s also recently completed a 5km run to raise funds for the charity Life Care, to help those going through similar illnesses to what he experienced.
Kaison said he was grateful for winning the award and hopes to inspire people to “never give up what you love doing.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he was touched by the heart-warming stories of the young people who are making a difference in the community.
“The future of our City is looking extremely bright having these kids who are already driving, motivating and achieving so much,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“These awards are all about celebrating their efforts and encouraging them to keep up the good work.”
CBCity Children and Youth Award 2024 recipients
Children’s category:
Community Involvement – Fatima Alam, Amelia Bastawrous, Isaac Chen and Lejla Sinanovic
Inspiration – Noah Bartolo Stafford, Kaison Brown, Antonio Lopez and Mehran Mahmoodi
Leadership – Benjamin Bracken, Omar Ismail, Isabella Sampson and Heleni Tokelau
Candalepas Associates have won in two categories at this year’s National Architecture Awards.
National Award for Commercial Architecture:
The Porter House Hotel in New South Wales by Candalepas Associates won the National Award for Commercial Architecture.
This project is two buildings of timeless modernity and heritage in a reciprocal pairing. Together they give a sense of civic permanence. The new and old buildings are a counterpoint to each other in terms of decoration and detail, yet both buildings exhibit a similar level of deliberate craft. To this end, the building, and the project as a whole, invite public viewing of architecture as craft.
Candalepas Associates- The Porter House. Photo: Rory Gardiner.
National Award for Heritage:
The Porter House Hotel by Candalepas Associates also won the National Award for Heritage.
The building was originally constructed – reportedly by convict settlers – using Sydney sandstone bricks. It was a tobacco factory and later housed a leather factory and furniture manufacturer. This heritage has been given longevity thanks to accomplished interventions to the building.
New interior uses include a restaurant, cocktail bar and hotel guest services featuring interiors that deliberately match the heritage fabric in richness of detail and material.
At the same time, layers of the building’s history are made visible, including displays of uncovered artefacts that reveal its narrative.
Eleni’s Kitchen & Bar closed in June this year after a suspicious fire charred the entire interior of the family-owned restaurant. The only thing that remained intact was a photo of Father Antonis Amanatidis, the great-grandfather of the restaurant’s co-owners and sisters Anatoli and Eleftheria Amanatidis.
In a post on Instagram, Anatoli and Eleftheria announced they would be “firing up the charcoals” again on November 13 and welcoming customers to enjoy some of their Greek favourites.
“Join us as we celebrate family, food, and the incredible strength and solidarity of our community,” the post read. “We look forward to welcoming you all back.”
The sisters also extended their thanks to the community, their customers, suppliers, and family for their support over the past few months.
“Your kind words and messages of support have encouraged us to continue our work and to lift us during this challenging time, reminding us of the deep connection we share with each one of you,” the post added.
“Our appreciation goes out to all the skilled tradespeople and the entire Eleni’s team who have worked tirelessly to restore Eleni’s back to the dining room you have become accustomed to at Yiayia’s house. We are blessed to have so many friends and family.”
Students at Northcote High School now have access to a brand-new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Building, a project made possible through the support of the Allan Labor Government.
On Thursday, state Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, and Northcote High School Principal, Christopher Jones, congratulated the school community on the completion of their three-storey learning building. In a symbolic and moving moment, two students had the honour of cutting the ribbon, opening a new chapter in the school’s educational journey.
The impressive centrepiece at the school includes cutting-edge laboratories, flexible indoor and outdoor classrooms, student support spaces, and an expansive ground floor John Cain Library, named after former student and Victorian Premier John Cain Jnr.
Northcote High School, which caters to almost 2,000 local students each year, was elated to open the new facility where students will expand their education with hands-on learning, collaboration and tools to prepare them for future careers.
The completion of the STEM Building is a significant milestone for the school. It comes after strong advocacy from the School Council in partnership with Ms Theophanous, to secure $16.7 million in funding from the Victorian Government across 2021 and 2022.
Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects and built by Building Engineering, the new STEM Building adds to the other upgrades achieved at Northcote High in recent years – including two new competition-grade netball courts and an award-winning Performing Arts Centre.
These projects are part of the school’s ongoing masterplan to create a vibrant, future-focused learning environment and the Victorian Government’s commitment to the Education State.
Ms Theophanous said, “This STEM Building sets a new standard for education spaces in the inner north, ensuring that Northcote High School remains an exceptional place for students to learn, innovate, and expand their opportunities.”
“Every student deserves a great education at a great local school. I’m proud to have worked alongside Northcote High School to deliver this exciting project which will make such a difference to generations of Northcote students,” she added.
Since 2014, the Victorian Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in building new schools and more than 2,200 school upgrades, creating around 26,000 jobs and ensuring that every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.
