The gruelling process for homebuyers in Victoria will be made easier under a new state government proposal to increase transparency in property sale prices. Under this plan, agents and homeowners will be required to share their sale price when selling which will allow for clearer price ranges and idea of the market.
The Victorian government will introduce this proposal to parliament in June and will put this change in effect in 2027.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos commented on this new law and said, “These secret sold prices distort the market. They artificially inflate property prices and make the market less competitive.”
Under the plan, agents and homeowners will be required to share their sale price when selling.
Working alongside the real estate industry, the Victorian government will refine the details of this proposed policy.
The government’s new plan comes after a Blind Bidding investigation revealed that the government had been advised years ago to introduce these mandated sale prices to expose underquoting.
In an additional attempt to assist homebuyers, Premier Jacinta Allan has spoken out about mandating free building and pest reports if she is re-elected this November.
Staikos added that these reports would include critical details about whether the property is structurally sound and if mould or termites are present. Further information about these reports is yet to be released.
A funeral service was held on Friday, March 13 for philanthropist and builder John Halikos after his sudden death last week. Many were in attendance to pay their respects at Darwin’s Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
Halikos died aged 66 in a hospital in Darwin, Northern Territory, following a sudden heart attack late at night. News of his passing spread shock and deep sadness among his family in Kalymnos and throughout the large Greek diaspora in Australia.
Known for his philanthropic work, Halikos built a successful career in Australia as head of the Halikos Group, one of the NT’s leading development and construction companies.
Halikos will soon be buried in his birthplace Kalymnos.
A funeral service was held on Friday, March 13 for philanthropist and builder John Halikos.
The Darwin orthodox funeral was led by St Nicholas’ parish priest Father Joel Xanthos and a speech was delivered by Very Rev Christos Tsoraklidis from St Savvas the New of Kalymnos parish priest.
Attendees of the service were able to donate to raise funds for the new St Savvas church to open in Palmerston.
Father Xanthos told NT News, “We are all on a journey towards death, but hopefully not one that ends in death but leads into the kingdom of heaven.”
“Death should not be turned into a morbid experience, but a joyous transformation of what we believe in Christ’s resurrection. Life is brief, but the life of Christ is eternal.”
Matt Thistlethwaite MP has praised the Cyprus Community of New South Wales in a speech to Federal Parliament, describing it as “a living bridge between Cyprus and Australia” and highlighting its enduring contributions to the nation.
Speaking in the House of Representatives following his attendance at the Australia-Cyprus Achievement Awards last month, Thistlethwaite said the ceremony celebrated “achievement, service and shared heritage between Australia and Cyprus” and the remarkable journey of the community since many first arrived after the Second World War.
“They were young, they didn’t speak English, they found our food boring and tasteless, they had little but the clothes on their back, but they worked hard,” Thistlethwaite said.
“They maintained their faith through the Greek Orthodox Church and community. They had families and they made a life of it in Australia, and hasn’t our nation benefitted because of that…”
Thistlethwaite noted the community’s role in shaping modern Australian suburbs and the multicultural character of the country.
He highlighted some of the award recipients, including Neophytos Stavrou, recognised for lifelong service to commerce, culture, faith and philanthropy, and Con Theocharides and his family, honoured for their humanitarian leadership through their charity A Touch of Kindness, which feeds the homeless and displaced in Sydney each week.
Other awardees included Professor Richard Green, who received the 2026 Australia-Cyprus Achievement Hall of Fame award for his work in classical and Cypriot archaeology and advancing scholarly ties between the two nations, and Jacquelene Tsovolos, who was recognised for promoting civil participation among young Cypriot Australians.
“The awards reflected the legacy of a community that has enriched Australia in so many ways,” Thistlethwaite said, underscoring the ongoing impact of the Cyprus community on the nation’s cultural and civic life.
The National Premier League Victoria delivered a strong round for Greek-backed clubs, with Hellas Melbourne and Heidelberg United both securing away victories, while Oakleigh Cannons suffered a narrow defeat.
South Melbourne opened the fifth round on Friday night with a 1–0 win over Green Gully at Green Gully Reserve, continuing their impressive start to the season. The result lifts the Sky Blues to the top of the table with 12 points after four consecutive victories.
Fielding a squad largely made up of 18-year-old players, South Melbourne sealed the win thanks to a goal from George Saristavros, who marked his first appearance for the senior team with the decisive strike. The young forward has progressed through the club’s junior system, highlighting the club’s continued focus on youth development.
On the same evening, Heidelberg United (Alexander) secured an entertaining 3–2 victory over Oakleigh Cannons.
Under coach John Anastasiadis, “Megas” took control of the match in the first half with goals from Fulton (22’) and Duarte (25’ and 32’) to establish a commanding lead.
Oakleigh mounted a late comeback, with Guest scoring in the 88th minute and Boyce adding another in stoppage time, but the Cannons were unable to overturn the deficit.
The results underline the continued strong presence of Hellenic heritage clubs in the NPL Victoria competition as the season gathers momentum.
George Georgiadis has welcomed the opportunity for Never Never Distilling Co. to join the first wave of traders in the major expansion of the Adelaide Central Market.
The McLaren Vale-based gin producer will open a new bar, dining and retail space in the redeveloped precinct as part of a $400 million project set to double the market’s size with additional stalls, food kiosks and larger retail and dining areas along Gouger and Grote streets.
Georgiadis said the company “jumped at the chance” to be part of the expansion.
“We’re creating a space where people can settle in for a drink, try something new and soak up the atmosphere of the market,” he said.
Construction on the redevelopment is well underway ahead of its expected opening later this year. The project will introduce a mix of new traders, including Adelaide Hills chocolatier Red Cacao, Banana Boogie Bakery, Rohde Egg Co. and Madam Seafood, all opening their first CBD locations.
Sushi Train will also return to the market more than four years after closing its Gouger Street restaurant, joining other new offerings including Mexican venue Juan’s Torta Cantina and Japanese café Yuku Do.
The long-running The Honey Shoppe will open a new-look store in the expanded precinct, while homewares retailer Geranium Shop is also among the 10 traders secured so far.
The expanded Adelaide Central Market precinct is expected to open towards the end of 2026.
The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation has entered voluntary administration, with an external administrator appointed to take control of the organisation.
According to records lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Timothy James Cook of Balance Insolvency was appointed administrator on 15 March 2026.
Under Australia’s corporate law framework, voluntary administration is a process in which an independent administrator is appointed to assess an organisation’s financial position and determine possible next steps, including restructuring, returning control to directors, or winding up the company.
The Foundation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at Ramsgate RSL on Sunday, March 15, where members adopted the audited financial statements for the year ending 2025 and elected six directors unopposed to fill board vacancies.
Leon Bombotas chaired the AGM after Board Chair Theophilus Premetis allegedly did not attend.
Mr Premetis has disputed this account and told The Greek Herald he briefly attended at the outset of the meeting, opened proceedings and informed those present that the organisation had entered voluntary administration before leaving. Minutes of the AGM reviewed by The Greek Herald, however, record that he was not present when the meeting formally proceeded.
Following the meeting, Mr Bombotas issued a statement to The Greek Herald addressing rumours circulating that some directors may have been considering placing the Foundation into voluntary administration.
“At this stage there has been no formal notification of such a step to the Secretary or to the meeting,” Mr Bombotas said.
However, corporate records reviewed by The Greek Herald show that the Foundation was placed into voluntary administration on 15 March 2026.
Mr Bombotas noted that the audited financial statements adopted at the AGM related to the reporting period ending in 2025 and that, since that reporting period, the Board had not yet received a full written financial update for the current period other than a verbal briefing from the Treasurer.
According to Mr Bombotas, the Treasurer had previously informed the Board that the Foundation’s “Taverna Night” fundraising event held in November had been profitable, while a one-off donation to the University of Ioannina in October had been approved by the Board at the time.
“Based on the information currently available the Foundation remains solvent and there is nothing to indicate that it is unable, or likely to become unable, to meet its financial obligations,” Mr Bombotas said.
The Modern Greek Studies program at Macquarie University has been discontinued.
AGM tensions over nominations
Prior to the commencement of the AGM, tensions arose over the administrative handling of director nominations and proxy forms submitted ahead of the meeting.
Secretary Sam Giovas reported that 12 director nominations were received but only six were deemed valid, while 17 of 31 proxy forms were accepted following a compliance review under the Corporations Act and the Foundation’s constitution.
Some attendees strongly disagreed with the decision to rule certain submissions invalid, with venue staff and security called to manage the situation before the meeting proceeded.
Once underway, the meeting confirmed a quorum and adopted the financial statements without questions from members. Six nominees – Vasilios Skandalakis, Zoe Re, Nicholas Giovas, Paris Paranomos, Bill Cotsis and Ted Dorotheos Tzovaras – were declared elected to the board unopposed.
Members also unanimously passed a resolution calling for improved governance and compliance practices within the Foundation.
The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation is structured as a public company limited by guarantee and was established to support Greek studies initiatives linked to Macquarie University. The company is also listed as a registered charity and is regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
With the appointment of administrators, the organisation now enters a formal administration process while its financial position and future operations are assessed.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on 16 March 2026 to include a response from Theophilus Premetis.
Victorian taxpayers will pay $125 million after the state government settled a class action brought by thousands of businesses over losses linked to failures in the hotel quarantine program that triggered the state’s second COVID-19 wave.
At a Supreme Court of Victoria directions hearing, barrister Adam Hochroth said the parties had reached an agreement, telling the court: “The terms of the settlement deeds are confidential at this stage, but I can tell your honour that the amount of settlement is $125 million – inclusive of everything, costs interest etc.”
The payout, one of the largest class actions in Victoria’s history, avoids a planned three-month trial expected to cost taxpayers $40 million in legal fees.
The settlement also means former health minister Jenny Mikakos, former jobs minister Martin Pakula, and former department heads Kym Peake and Simon Phemister will not have to give evidence.
Around 16,000 businesses registered for the class action, led by the owners of the 5 Boroughs NY burger chain, who claimed economic damage from the quarantine failures that led to the 2020 winter outbreak, which killed 768 people and forced Melbourne into a 112-day lockdown.
Lawyer Damian Scattini said: “The $125 million settlement that we have achieved on their behalf is recognition of this hardship, and I hope it provides some measure of relief for eligible businesses.”
If approved by the court, the funds will be distributed to eligible businesses under a court-approved scheme.
The Presentation of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church has become a focal point of community opposition to a proposed eight-storey building as part of the central Coburg renewal project in Coburg.
More than 4,150 people have signed an online petition organised by members of the church community urging Merri-bek City Council to revise its plans.
The building would be located directly opposite the church on Victoria Street and separated only by a narrow road.
Petition organisers argue the development would place extra strain on parking and road infrastructure and undermine the religious and community services provided by the church.
At a recent council meeting, councillor Helen Politis warned the building’s location could compromise access to the church and deepen community division.
“We have had overwhelming feedback that this building placed where it is actually is potentially harmful to the community and can create a lot of negative outcomes rather than positive ones,” she said.
Her proposal to remove the building from the concept plan was defeated five votes to four, meaning the project will proceed to another round of community consultation.
The controversy comes as the council unveiled the first designs for a $60 million library and piazza project nearby, which will be the first stage of the broader “Coburg is Here” renewal plan.
The proposal aims to redevelop public car parks into housing, retail and community spaces, including about 1,000 new apartments and townhouses.
Vanuatu United FC became the first team to secure victory over South Melbourne FC after a superb performance in their opening Round 4 match in Honiara.
The Australian side left a number of first-choice players at home, including captain Marco Jankovic and Jordon Lampard, as they balanced their OFC Pro League campaign with domestic commitments.
Vanuatu United looked to take advantage of the circumstances and enjoyed the wealth of possession in the first-half, as they bid to rebound from defeat to PNG Hekari FC in their final Round 3 fixture.
There was an early setback when the influential Bill Kaltack was forced off within the half hour through injury. Kerry Iawak coming off the bench for the unforeseen reshuffle.
Alex Saniel has been Vanuatu United’s biggest goal scoring threat this season and it was the No.7 again who made the impact for Lars Hopp’s side.
William Cardona whipped an excellent corner kick in from the left-hand side and Saniel rose highest to power a header past Ilia Shalamanov-Trenkova.
The same combination almost yielded a second soon after, but Saniel was unable to properly connect with a Cardona cross and South Melbourne were able to hang on and survive just one down heading into the break.
Sinisa Cohadzic made a change at half-time, bringing on James Lackay for Che Gorr Burchmore, but it was Vanuatu United who started the second period on the front foot, when Owen Smith went close to doubling the lead.
The game opened up considerably as both sides pushed forward, with South Melbourne trying desperately to get Yuki Uchida and Jordan Swibel into influential positions.
Winger Arran Cocks was the first to go close for his side as the clocked ticked over the hour mark. Cutting in from the right-hand side, his effort was well hit, but too close to Matt Acton, who held on firmly.
Despite their best efforts however, it was Vanuatu United who looked more threatening and they finally made their pressure pay with a wonderful second goal.
Alex Saniel’s aggressive press forced a mistake at the back, with Otto Ingham picking up the ball. He played it to Cardona who flipped a delicate pass over the defensive line to Owen Smith. Smith in turn laid it off first time to Ingham who finished past Shalamanov-Trenkova to make it 2-0.
South Melbourne looked to have won an immediate chance to pull a goal back when referee Ben Aukwai pointed to the spot following a foul by Jason Thomas on Jack Pope. A VAR check however deemed the infringement took place outside the area.
Swibel took the resulting free-kick and after Acton spilled his effort, Luka Coveny hooked a rebound up and off the top of the bar, as Vanuatu United breathed a sigh of relief.
It proved to be the final genuine chance as Vanuatu United held on to inflict South Melbourne’s first defeat of the campaign and push themselves to the brink of the top four.
Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos has confirmed demolition will begin later this month on the long-awaited rebuild of the Australian Grand Prix pit building at Albert Park Circuit.
Works on the site are set to officially begin on March 27 as part of a major redevelopment linked to the Australian Grand Prix.
Dimopoulos described the project as a significant step for both the event and the local community.
“The new Melbourne Indoor Sports Centre will give the Albert Park community a bigger and better home for local sport, while delivering modern race facilities for the Australian Grand Prix,” he said.
“We’re investing in the future of the Australian Grand Prix so Melbourne can continue hosting this world-class event and showcasing Victoria to millions around the globe.”
New images released by the government show the upgraded complex will include seven indoor multi-purpose courts with change rooms, two more than the current facility.
During the Grand Prix, the venue will convert into a motorsport hub with 14 new garages, a race control centre, media room and VIP hospitality areas.
The current pit facilities date back to 1995, when Melbourne first began hosting the Formula One event.
The redevelopment, first announced in 2024, has faced scrutiny after a report by Andrew Greaves warned the project could exceed its budget by at least $115 million due to asbestos contamination.
The report also noted a contractor proposal estimating construction costs at $395 million, though a final budget has not yet been set.
Despite concerns and rumours of delays to the planned 2028 completion, the government says construction will continue through 2026 and into 2027 using a mix of new, existing and temporary facilities.
The redevelopment forms part of negotiations that secured the Melbourne race at Albert Park until at least 2037.
The 2026 event drew a record crowd of 483,934 across four days, reinforcing the Grand Prix’s status as one of Victoria’s biggest tourism drawcards.
