The Greek Economy and Finance Ministry announced this week that taxi service providers must equip their vehicles with POS machines and clearly indicate this with a sticker on the rear right door window.
According to tovima.com, the sticker, which will be in both Greek and English, will inform users that they can pay by credit card.
This decision, announced by Deputy Finance Minister Christos Dimas, follows the recommendation of Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE) Governor Giorgos Pitsilis. It is part of a government effort to combat tax evasion.
Photo: ABC
This new requirement, also applicable to open-air “laiki” markets, aims to inform consumers of their rights. The sticker will inform users that the driver is obliged to issue a receipt at the end of the route and accept payment by card. It also notes that customers are not required to pay in cash or before receiving a legal receipt.
Taxi service providers can obtain the stickers from the Panhellenic Taxi Federation, which is responsible for ensuring compliance. Failure to display the label will result in a 1,000-euro fine.
The finance ministry has indicated that this requirement will be extended to other services in the near future.
Google is enhancing its fire boundary detection capabilities using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide detailed tracking of fire perimeters in Search and Maps, along with location-based push notifications, amna.gr has recorded.
According to a recent update from Google, this tool is being extended to 15 additional countries across Europe and Africa, including Greece. The new countries are: Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Kenya, Croatia, Cyprus, Montenegro, Monaco, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovenia, and Turkey.
The information is spread through alerts and features that offer safety tips for people near a fire.
Accurate and Reliable Tracking
Google’s AI fire monitoring model is trained using multiple data sources, including extensive satellite photos. The wildfire model is validated by comparing it with Google’s model of fire scars—shapes left on the ground after a fire has been contained—based on data from previous fires. Additional AI models are used to confirm the existence of fires, resulting in more precise fire boundaries than satellite photos alone can provide.
Photo: AP/Thanassis. Stavrakis
Accessible and Useful Information When People Need It
Launched this summer, Google has already mapped over 40 wildfires in southern Europe, including recent fires in Spain, Greece, and Cyprus, and others from Portugal to Kenya. Google displays fire boundaries in Search and Maps and provides this information through notifications, complementing existing efforts to help people access critical information and stay safe.
When using the navigation function
The information is also available on Google Maps when using the navigation feature, helping travelers understand if there are wildfires near their route.
This initiative is part of Google’s broader effort to use AI to help communities around the world adapt to the effects of climate change and the associated risks. The feature has already been launched in countries affected by fires and is based on the quality of Google’s model in each country. As the company continues to improve its services, it aims to expand to more countries to share important information with people when they need it.
Inner West Hawks FC (formerly Stanmore Hawks FC) was founded in 1978 by the now-Cyprus Community of New South Wales.
The club was created by a group of young men who came to Australia to start a new life and sought friendship within the Cypriot community. Their aim was to play at the highest level possible and at the same time, provide the younger and future generations with hope, mentorship and ambition.
Since then, the football club has faced multiple competition restructures, as well as plenty of victories. Today, current President George Phillips talks to The Greek Herald about the club’s bright future.
George, how are things regarding the financial management of the club?
Well, the first year or two were very difficult financially, because I started as President with a massive debt for the club. Gradually, we managed to repay the debt over the past three years. The debt also affected player salaries. We couldn’t really pay the players what they truly deserved. But most of the loyal players stayed with us, and we appreciate that greatly. Our financial situation now is better, probably better than ever. We owe thanks to the support of the Cyprus Community of NSW, as we currently have no debts at all.
We had two debts. We had a private debt that has been repaid, and we had debts to many suppliers, all of which have now been repaid. So, essentially, we are starting the 2025 season with a clean slate and no debt, with a small profit expected for the 2024 season.
His experience is incredible, having played in the International Championship, even with Alex Ferguson, playing in Greece. But I was a bit cautious because my experience has shown me in the past that good players don’t necessarily make good coaches. So yes, I was very cautious and interviewed him several times, but I felt that his coaching experience, because he had done a bit of coaching at Sydney Olympic and other clubs, was positive. Yes, he’s a good guy. Aside from being a good player, he was also a good coach and good family man. I had a good feeling about him, so we decided to take him on. And I believe if you look at the league table we’re in, you’ll see we’ve done exceptionally well this year. Last year we finished last. I told Jim, if you can finish somewhere near the middle of the table, I’ll be very pleased. And here we are now, sitting in fourth place, which is much better than I would have dreamed earlier in the season.
How do you see the future for the club?
The future looks very good as long as we continue doing what we’re doing. We are very careful with expenses. We don’t waste money needlessly. We are very, very careful. And I think we can just balance income with expenses. It’s a very difficult business, the football business, because most clubs lose a lot of money and rely on sponsorships. And that’s true for us too. You know, we need sponsors to try to balance expenses and provide the necessary facilities and equipment for the players to train well.
Inner West Hawks FC (formerly Stanmore Hawks FC) was founded in 1978.
Is it true there was a negotiation to merge the Inner West Hawks with Sydney Olympic?
It is not true at all. We had no discussion about merging. We had discussions with Sydney Olympic this year. I can also tell you I’ve had annual discussions with Sydney Olympic since I became President. I’m trying to build a relationship of trust with Sydney Olympic, as it is a Greek team set to be in the National Second Division. I thought some of our players could go there and some of their players could come here, and we could work together for the common good of the Greeks and football in Sydney. The discussions I had this year had nothing to do with merging. They were just two Greek clubs meeting to see what we can do together to help both clubs.
The club has partnered with Brydens Lawyers. How did that collaboration come about?
I saw Lee [Hagipantelis] on TV when he was involved with the West Tigers of Balmain. When I saw him, I didn’t know his last name, but I later saw that it was Hagipantelis. I said to myself, he must be Cypriot. Then I made two Inner West Hawks jerseys with the name Hagipantelis on the back and sent them to him, saying we would like to discuss a sponsorship agreement. To cut a long story short, he called me and said that putting his name on the back of the jerseys with the Cypriot flag on the sleeve was a way to open a dialogue. Within a few days, we had an online meeting, and he was very happy to support us and become one of our main sponsors for the 2024 season.
Award-winning photographer Georgia Politis is set to launch her Darwin DiverCity Series exhibition on Friday, August 9 at Darwin Galleria in the Northern Territory from 5.30pm to 7pm.
The exhibition launch on Friday, August 9 is being held to celebrate the completion of the first series of the Darwin DiverCity project after four years. Forty-eight portraits will be displayed along with their stories celebrating what it means to be a Territorian, and the many characters, cultures and stories that come with it.
The exhibition is being supported by Activate Darwin and will be on display at Darwin Galleria for one week only only Saturday, August 17. There is free entry.
Ahead of the exhibition launch, we sat down with the 30-year-old Georgia to hear all about the Darwin DiverCity Series and what inspired her.
Georgia Politis is proud of her Greek heritage.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your Greek heritage.
I am a second-generation Darwin-born Greek woman. My families originate from many parts of Greece such as Kalymnos, Kos, Crete, and the Peloponnese, along with my great-grandparents originating from Astypalea, Kastellorizo and Karpathos. I grew up Greek dancing for most of my childhood through to my early 20’s.
How did you get into photography?
I have always loved visual art from a child. I dabbled into photography multiple times throughout my youth, and won my first photography award for a school competition in year 8. However, it was not until 2016 when I was gifted an entry-level DSLR from my now-husband where my journey was set. I started off taking my camera to every event or family get together I attended, and this then grew my skills. After much encouragement for me to ‘give it a go’ as a business, I eventually established Georgia Politis Photography in 2017. It was the consistent voice of one Greek woman at a party who I did not know very well, where she kept saying I would get very far if I gave it a go. Despite thinking there was no way of it working out, I eventually listened to her and now the rest is history.
Photos taken by Georgia Politis for the ‘Darwin DiverCity Series.’ All photos copyright: Georgia Politis Photography.
You’ve recently released the photo book ‘Darwin DiverCity Series.’ How did this photographic project come about?
This project first came as an idea in 2018. While I have always been fascinated with culture and people in some way, I never knew how to document or preserve it in the way I felt like I needed to. I would often hear stories of my grandfathers or extended family members who had passed on – and would always wonder how we could document these stories before they got lost.
In 2018, I went to Athens and saw my great-grandmother. I took a portrait of her in her dining room. At that point, I knew I needed to photograph people. It was when the world stopped in 2020 that I had time to think about how I wanted to follow my dreams of documenting people in some form, when I came up with the Darwin DiverCity Series. Initially, it was a special promotion – without the plan to write much of a story. After just two bookings, I retracted the offer and gifted the remaining photos to the first clients. From there, the original plan of 10 or 20 kept growing, eventually capturing over 50 people for free. 48 stories and portraits are now in the book, from all walks of life.
What is in the book? How does it showcase the multiculturalism of Darwin?
The series celebrates what it means to be a Territorian. We are full of stories, cultures, experiences and quirks. I have said to many people that the book represents a neighbourhood of Darwin.
The ‘Darwin DiverCity Series’ aims to capture the multiculturalism of Darwin in the Northern Territory. All photos copyright: Georgia Politis Photography.
What were the challenges and rewards you faced during the production of the book?
The main challenge was time. At one point I had three small businesses and was working two jobs. I never had time to work on my passion project, and it kept getting pushed back. However, I would always eventually find some time to focus on it, which usually was twice per year for a few months. The reward was always meeting more people, who had such amazing stories behind them and despite their challenges, still had a smile on their face. Many roadblocks appeared during the process, especially finding an exhibition location and keeping costs down during the duration of the series.
Do you have a favourite profile from the book? What is it and why is it your favourite?
I have a connection to all of the profiles which hold a special place in my heart, but of course – my grandfathers, who are in the book and are one of the main inspirations and what kept me going through the series. Both passed away young, and never got to share their story – which is the reason why I feel so strongly about documenting people.
How does your Greek heritage inspire your work and more broadly, the book?
Having a Greek heritage means having a love for people and culture. I am proud to have Greek heritage, and love the way Greek people unite over music, food and culture with both Greek and non-Greek people. This is my ‘food for the soul,’ sharing to all cultures the richness of where I am now, a place full of different backgrounds, stories and experiences.
The ‘Darwin DiverCity Series’ features people of all ages. All photos copyright: Georgia Politis Photography.
You will be launching the book on Friday, August 9. What can people expect at the launch?
The exhibition will be launched at Darwin Galleria, Smith Street Mall between 5.30pm to 7.00pm. The opening of the exhibition celebrates everyone in the series where they will get the opportunity to speak to a range of people who have been documented. The exhibition will then be open for one week.
What’s next for you?
The Darwin DiverCity Series is not finished; I do plan to eventually open it up one more time and photograph 52 more people. This means the series will reach 100 people total before it is officially closed. For now, I would like to enjoy how far this series has reached both worldwide and within Australia.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Stories get lost over time, and with technology in the current times – our expectation is that it will always be there right at our fingertips. However, someone needs to still document people in order for this to be possible. That is my mission in my work.
The Darwin DiverCity Series Grand Opening will be on Friday, August 9 between 5.30pm and 7.00pm at Darwin Galleria (37 Smith St, Darwin City, NT). Go and meet the people in the series, along with the creator and photographer, Georgia Politis. The exhibition will run until Saturday, August 17.
After being introduced to Australian beauty salons nine years ago, the Greek skincare brand Juliette Armand is steadily increasing, both as a professional salon, as well as a retail brand. Their huge success internationally began in 1992, continuously expanding their presence in more than 40 countries around the world.
Discovered nine years ago by an entrepreneur with a passion for skincare, the brand is known for offering results driven, affordable, and cruelty-free products.
Since Freda Christoforou acquired the business, making Sydney the Head office of Juliette Armand in March 2023, her focus has been on enhancing customer service and the brand’s digital presence, with a strong emphasis on training. She said that from the minute she took over, she was drawn in by the brands “compelling philosophy and rich history.”
Freda Christoforou (above) acquired the business, making Sydney the head office of Juliette Armand in March 2023.
“The fact that it originated as a Greek family-run skincare business with over three decades of establishment and is currently distributed in 42 countries globally resonated with me, given my Greek background,” Freda told The Greek Herald.
“This prompted my desire to not only embrace the brand, but also elevate it to new heights, unlocking its full potential.
“The feedback from those who have sampled the skincare products has also been consistently positive, with individuals expressing an immediate affinity for the brand. This positive reception fuels my belief in the brand’s capacity to thrive and flourish.”
Some of Freda’s favourite products which she loves to incorporate into her daily and weekly skincare routine include the Elements Hydra Cleansing Milk, the Hyaluronic Acid Serum, the Vitamin B Serum, the Vitality Dry Oil and Nourishing Cream, the Skin Boosters Opsis Eye Gel, the Cacao Exfoliating Cream, and the Hydrating Mask.
Juliette Armand has an extensive range of luxurious products.
“This curated combination of Juliette Armand products has become an integral part of my skincare ritual, contributing to the overall well-being and vibrancy of my skin,” Freda said.
While actively seeking an anti-aging skincare solution in her 40s, Freda discovered the “exceptional products” Juliette Armand offers.
“The immediate effects on my skin were striking—hydration, plumpness, and a radiant glow were instantly noticeable,” she said.
“The positive comments I received further affirmed the transformative impact of these products.”
With a background in marketing and IT distribution, Freda said she decided to take over Juliette Armand as she believed in its potential.
“Having previously engaged in sales agent work for Juliette Armand several years ago, I forged connections with the owners and captivated by the brand’s essence, expressed my interest in acquiring the business,” she said.
“This venture is not merely a business transaction, but a heartfelt pursuit born out of genuine admiration for the brand’s quality and ethos.”
Freda added that what captivated her even more was the brand’s “uniqueness.”
“Not being available in every salon adds an exclusivity that I find intriguing,” she said.
Juliette Armand’s retail products cover three ranges: Elements Cosmeceutical, Skin Boosters (the alternative to plastic surgery), and Ameson Medical Aesthetic Skin Care (Mesotherapy and Chemical Exfoliation).
Juliette Armand has an extensive range of luxurious products and are consistently testing and researching in their own laboratory in Athens, for the next new ingredient and combination, to further enhance their already popular skincare ranges.
Boasting an extensive range of professional salon facial and body protocols, as well as retail products covering three ranges, Elements Cosmeceutical, Skin Boosters (the alternative to plastic surgery), and Ameson Medical Aesthetic Skin Care (Mesotherapy and Chemical Exfoliation). Each individual facial and body product holds an array of ingredients for every skin concern or condition. Topped with their own patented active ingredients and a diverse delivery system to pinpoint the individual cells which need repairing, through Cosmetic Drone technology and hydrating and plumping the skin with Cross linked Hyaluronic Acid. All products are dermatologically tested and allergen free. With no Parabens, SLS or Propylene Glycol. Not tested on animals.
“The Juliette Armand distributor is now ready to embark on the journey to build brand awareness for Juliette Armand in Australia and New Zealand, I am excited about the prospect of introducing more salons and individuals to the exceptional qualities that make this brand stand out,” Freda said.
“The Australian market is very important to us as we continue to grow the brand here.
“Additionally, we are preparing for the launch of dedicated websites in New Zealand, with the goal of expanding both our B2B and B2C customer bases.
“This strategic approach aligns seamlessly with our commitment to continuous improvement and expansion within the beauty and skincare industry.”
The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA), in collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), have announced the HMSA Careers Day, an extraordinary event aimed at bringing together the community for an enriching experience.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at The Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale Street) in Melbourne.
The HMSA Careers Day will have more than 30 Greek Australian professionals representing over 20 different industries. It will be a unique opportunity for students in years 10-12 to meet and network with fellow Greek Australian professionals who are leaders in their fields. Students can learn about a variety of career pathways, how professionals are using their Greek heritage in their day-to-day work, as well as discuss future career aspirations and employment/internship opportunities.
The HMSA Careers Day will comprise of panel discussions, smaller group ‘break-out’ sessions, as well as expo style networking. There will be something to cater for all students. As an additional option, one parent can attend with each student.
Distinguished Professionals attending the event include (and are not limited to):
A/Prof Marinis Pirpiris – Orthopaedic Surgeon, President of HMSA, Treasurer of the GCM
Yianni Zaparas – Partner at Zaparas Lawyers
Melissa Pateras – CEO at Meleros Cosmetics
Ross Savas – Managing Director of Kay & Burton
Kathy Tsaples – Chef, Author, Owner at Sweet Greek
Captain George Kailis – Boeing 737 Flight Training Captain
Atromitos FC has announced the end of its collaboration with 28-year-old forward Nikos Vergos, one year before the end of their contract.
This decision came after the Greek player expressed a desire to continue his career in Australia, following an offer he received.
Nikos Vergos has set his sights on Australia.
Additionally, significant reinforcement in his position by Atromitos (Van Veert, Carlitos, and potentially Bakou) played a role. As is customary, Atromitos did not block Vergos’ path and bid him a warm farewell.
It is worth noting that the Greek striker joined Atromitos last summer, making 35 appearances and scoring six goals.
Last season, with the intervention of Melbourne Victory’s assistant coach Arthur Diles, Vergos was in advanced talks with Melbourne Victory but chose to sign with Atromitos instead.
The late Cypriot Australian leader Georgia Alexandrou received a posthumous award on Wednesday, July 31 from the government of the Republic of Cyprus for her service to the Cypriot diasporic community.
She served as the first female president of the Cyprus Community of Canberra and ACT (CCACT) from 2000 to 2023 and was elected president of the Pan Australian Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee – Paseka in 2021. Her leadership brought stability and progress to Cypriots in Canberra and throughout Australia.
The posthumous award in Ms Alexandrou’s honour was presented to her husband Christos by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides at an award ceremony at the President Palace in Nicosia on Wednesday.
The award ceremony was part of events for the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora currently taking place on the Mediterranean island this week. The Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus, HE Fiona McKergow was also present.
The Greek Soccer Federation (EPO) has officially announced Ivan Jovanovic as the new head coach of the national team.
Jovanovic, who previously coached the Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, will now focus on leading the national team’s effort to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
This marks Jovanovic’s second tenure managing a national team. His previous stint with the United Arab Emirates ended prematurely in December 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the team not having played a single match under his leadership.
In December last year, Jovanovic was succeeded by Fatih Terim as head coach of Panathinaikos, after having guided the team to a Greek Cup victory in the 2021-2022 season and securing a second-place finish in the 2022-2023 season.
Race walker Antigoni Drisbioti and tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas fought hard in their respective Olympic competitions on Thursday, but were unable to secure progression to the next stage in Paris.
Antigoni Drisbioti
With the Greek flag in her hands, Drisbioti finished her race at the Olympic Games. She placed 22nd, finishing the 20km walk in 1 hour 31 minutes, marking her best performance of the year.
She told Greek media afterwards that the Paris Olympics would probably be her last, after competing at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and at Tokyo in 2021.
“Starting from scratch, I have now reached, as a full-grown woman and athlete, the point where I have all of you with me,” she said after her race. “What more could I possibly ask for? I began alone, and now I have all of Greece with me.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas
The dream of the 2024 Olympic Games was extinguished for Stefanos Tsitsipas on Thursday night, following a 2-0 set loss (6-3, 7-6) to Novak Djokovic at Philippe Chatrier, in a very intense match, which lasted 2 hours and 3 minutes.
The Serbian tennis player beat the Greek champion for the 12th time in 14 meetings and advanced to the semi-finals, where he will face Italian Lorenzo Muzzetti, who earlier won 2-0 sets (7-5, 7-5) against Alexander Zverev.
World No. 2 Djokovic took the first set 6-3 in 44 minutes, holding his own serve and breaking Tsitsipas in the 4th game on his one and only chance. At the same time, the Greek tennis player committed 11 unforced errors in this first set.
Tsitsipas dramatically improved his performance in the second set and, making two breaks, found himself leading 4-0. Djokovic – after the discomfort he had in his right knee – managed to reduce it to 4-2, before leveling at 5-5.
The two tennis players finally settled their differences in the tie-break, where Djokovic had more solutions and more composure to finish the job.
