Arkadia property group has released its plans to redevelop two north shore shopping centres into high-rise towers in the Neutral Bay town centre.
Four towers standing up to 12 storeys tall have been proposed for land currently occupied by The Grove Shopping Centre, Theo’s Arcade and the Neutral Bay Community Centre as part of large-scale planning proposal released last week.
Arkadia, a prominent Neutral Bay landholder that owns sites including the arcade, is leading the development. The company is owned by the Karedis family, who started their business in Neutral Bay 68 years ago.
The development would transform the town centre, along with other multi-storey buildings planned for the town centre (shown in grey).
Arkadia’s plans show the redevelopment would include “a new community centre, a vibrant mix of retail and commercial uses, as well as residential dwellings” to enhance the Neutral Bay local centre.
The plans are anticipated to rekindle discussions on the allowable density in Neutral Bay, following earlier proposals to raise height limits in the town center that triggered strong community debate and divisions among North Sydney councillors.
Arkadia’s proposal is expected to be assessed by the Sydney North Planning Panel.
A wave of over 35 letters from Armenian, Assyrian, Greek, Kurdish, Cypriot, Tamil, Tigray, Lebanese, Indian Hindu, Christian and Islamic community leaders have been addressed to the Victorian Premier and Members of Parliament supporting a future motion to recognise the 1915 Genocides, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia.
Support for the initiative has been expressed through formal letters from:
Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia
Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU)
Australian Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Advocacy Network
Assyrian Australian Social Development Club
Assyrian Church of the East Australia
Assyrian Democratic Movement
Assyrian Democratic Organisation
Assyrian National Council – Australia
Australian Assyrian Arts and Literature Foundation
Australian Hellenic Council
Australian Tigray Alliance
Beth Nahrain Assyria Association
Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria
Darebin Ethnic Communities Council
Educational Institution Hellenism of Anatolia
Federation of Pontian Associations Australia
Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens
Food For Thought Network
Greek Australian Cultural League of Melbourne
Hellenic Writers Association
Jewish Hellenic Association of Victoria
Maronite Eparchy of Australia New Zealand and Oceania
Pan Australian Justice For Cyprus
Pansamian Brotherhood of Melbourne Pythagoras
Pan Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria
Phoenix the New Generation
Pontic Educational and Cultural Association of Melbourne Victoria “Akrites Tou Pontou”
The Australian Federation of Pontian Associations
The Greek community of Victoria
The Pan-Epirotic Federation of Australia
The United Australian Lebanese Movement
The Young Assyrians
Return to Anatolia
Victorian Council of Churches
The letter from the Victorian Council of Churches President, Rev. Deacon Dr Joseph Leach and Executive Officer, Rev Dr Sandy Boyce called on members of parliament to take a “principled stance” on this issue.
The letter read: “Recognition of these Genocides is not only important to affirm history but also serves as a means to reconcile the past and provide a sense of closure to the descendants of genocide survivors. In a broader sense, recognition also plays an integral part in preventing future genocides – a view that genocide scholars widely support.”
Armenian National Committee of Australia Michael Kolokossian said, “We are confident that such a motion has overwhelming support in both houses from all sides of politics and that the motion’s passage is simply a matter of time.”
Australian Hellenic Council – Victoria President Peter Stefanidis said: “We know the Victorian Parliament stands for truth and justice and promotes tolerance through banning the use of Nazi insignia and fostering an environment of reconciliation for Indigenous Australians. However, there are certain forces pushing it is a parliament of Genocide denial. It can not be both.’’
Kos Samaras, former assistant state secretary of the Victorian Labor Party, has come out in defence of the motion slamming attacks against the Victorian Greens from ‘certain sections’ of the community.
Chris Crewther, the Member for Mornington has also publicly written on X to highlight the broad support for the motion and said, “There are times in politics and life, that one has to have the moral courage to do the right thing, regardless of political considerations or self-interest. That’s why Parliament needs to support the upcoming motion to recognise the genocide of Greeks, Armenians and Assyrians.”
The Joint Justice Initiative, spearheading a future motion, was launched in February 2020 at Australia’s Parliament House and featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Assyrian National Council – Australia (ANC) and Australian Hellenic Council (AHC), which declares Australia’s recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides as a priority on behalf of their communities.
Former United States President Barack Obama took a strong stand against Donald Trump’s recent controversial remarks about NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, accusing Trump of not understanding the concept of being both Black and Greek.
Speaking at a rally at the Fiserv Forum last week, Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, casually questioned Antetokounmpo’s Greek heritage, suggesting a comparison with himself.
“And tell me who has more Greek in him? The Greek or me?” Trump asked the crowd. “I think we have about the same, right? He is some.”
At the time of Trump’s comments, Antetokounmpo was competing in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After the match, he was asked about Trump’s remarks and appeared to dismiss them.
Giannis Antetokounmpo. Photo: ESPN.
“I’m not aware of the comments… At the end of the day, I don’t follow politics that much. And the little that I follow, I try to keep my political views to myself and my family,” Antetokounmpo said.
“I’m here to, you know, win basketball games and not answer to non-basketball questions. But, I wish both candidates best of luck.”
Obama has also weighed in on the controversy, sharply criticising Trump’s history of racial insensitivity.
“If you’re Black or Latino, you know what it’s like to feel overlooked by politicians – except when it’s election season,” Obama stated.
“Trump clearly doesn’t understand that an NBA superstar can be both Black and Greek.”
Obama went on to denounce Trump’s pattern of derogatory statements, including offensive stereotypes about immigrants and Latin Americans.
Greek police apprehended a third individual on Monday, October 4 connected to last week’s explosion in central Athens, which authorities attribute to an alleged emerging domestic extremist group.
The 30-year-old woman turned herself in at Athens International Airport after being traced to Switzerland, according to officials.
The October 31 explosion, which occurred in a third-floor apartment in the Ambelokipi neighbourhood, killed a 36-year-old man suspected of assembling an explosive device. A 33-year-old woman was gravely injured and is currently hospitalised under police supervision, while a 31-year-old male suspect also surrendered to authorities.
“It was a monstrous bomb with concentrated explosive material,” Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrisochoidis told Skai television. “It would have caused great destruction, because it was very powerful.”
Due to severe damage from the blast, the apartment block has been deemed uninhabitable.
The site of the bomb explosion in Athens, Greece. Photo: Ekathimerini.
Chrisochoidis stated that those allegedly involved were young individuals seemingly aspiring to form a new wave of domestic terrorism in Greece.
As anti-terrorism units investigated the blast site, three other locations, and a seized vehicle, they recovered two handguns with loaded magazines, digital devices, disguise materials including wigs and rubber masks, and handwritten diagrams.
Greece has a history of left-wing extremist violence dating back to the 1970s, with multiple bombings and assassinations carried out by militants. Most prominent groups have since been disbanded, and incidents have diminished, with the most recent significant event being a bomb defusal near riot police headquarters in December 2023 after an anonymous warning.
“I think we are dealing with an attempt of some young people who are aiming to become a third generation of terrorism in Greece,” Chrisochoidis commented.
The investigation continues to determine the intended target and timing of the planned attack. All three suspects, along with the deceased man, are Greek nationals.
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, hosted an official reception at the Hellenic Club of Canberra on Thursday, October 31 to mark three significant occasions.
The event was held to mark the 64th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, the commemoration of 50 years since the Turkish invasion of the island, and the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union.
The new Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Nikolaos Varellas, began the reception by paying tribute to the memory of Georgia Alexandrou, former President of the Cyprus Community of Canberra, who passed away in April this year.
Mr Varellas highlighted the significance of the gathering, marking Cyprus’ independence, 50 years since the Turkish invasion, and 20 years in the European Union. He also expressed warm greetings to all Cypriots, exclaiming “Χronia Polla, Cyprus!”
Antonis Sammoutis.Nikolaos Varellas
Following his welcome, notable figures, including Adeel Khan from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Geoff Bowan from DFAT’s Eastern and South-East Europe Branch, and EU Ambassador Gabriele Visentin, joined Cypriot High Commissioner Mr Sammoutis in offering toasts.
With heartfelt toasts to both the President of Cyprus and the King of Australia, the event celebrated shared values of unity and resilience. The national anthems of Cyprus, Australia, and the EU’s “Ode to Joy” resounded through the ballroom.
Attendees watched a video from Dr Constantinos Kombos, Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, commemorating 50 years since the invasion and stressing hopes for reunification. A brief film from Cyprus’ Press and Information Office reinforced this vision.
Official proceedings concluded with a speech by High Commissioner Mr Sammoutis, who highlighted Cyprus’ progress over the past years, touching on its achievements within the EU and its commitment to reunification.
The night concluded with gratitude extended to the Hellenic Club of Canberra for hosting the gathering, and guests enjoyed a reception that celebrated Cypriot heritage and aspirations for justice.
The annual John Perry AO QC Oration, hosted by the South Australian Chapter of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association (HAL), brought together eminent judges, distinguished figures and the Adelaide legal profession to honour the legacy of Justice John William Perry, the first Supreme Court Justice of South Australia with a Hellenic background.
This year’s oration was delivered by the Hon. Robert Beech-Jones, Justice of the High Court of Australia, who offered a compelling address on the moral and ethical challenges that lawyers face when confronting oppressive and non-democratic regimes.
Justice Beech-Jones discussed the role lawyers play in times of political turmoil and the ethical choices they confront when defending justice under oppressive regimes. His Honour explored historical examples of lawyers who stood up to dictatorships, focusing on Hans Litten, a German lawyer who famously cross-examined Adolf Hitler in 1931, and South African lawyers Sidney Kentridge and Bram Fischer, who challenged apartheid.
Each of these figures, His Honour noted, made courageous choices, many times at significant personal cost, using their positions to resist oppression and uphold the principles of justice—even when achieving true justice within their societies seemed remote. Justice Beech-Jones contrasted these struggles with Australia’s stable democracy, suggesting that, while local lawyers do not face such dilemmas today, their vigilance is crucial to preserving democratic values.
For today’s Australian legal community, Justice Beech-Jones’s oration was both a tribute to these historical figures’ courage and a reminder of the enduring ethical responsibilities of the legal profession in safeguarding justice and democracy.
The Hon. Melissa Anne Perry, daughter of the late Justice John William Perry and a Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, shared a heartfelt reflection on her father’s legacy, honouring his trailblazing contributions to South Australia’s judiciary and his role as a pioneering figure in the Australian legal landscape. She spoke of his dedication to justice, integrity, and public service, emphasising how he merged his legal career with a deep commitment to his community.
Justice Perry’s tribute illuminated not only her father’s professional achievements but also his compassionate and noble character, inspiring attendees to carry forward his values in their own lives and to honour his legacy.
The evening was further enriched by an address from Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, the new Consul General of Greece in SA, who honoured the spirit of OXI Day, a symbol of Greece’s WWII defiance. Dr Theodoropoulou recounted the historical significance of this day, when on October 28, 1940, Greece defied Mussolini’s demand for occupation. This “No,” or “OXI,” became a rallying cry for resistance and showcased Greece’s resolve against tyranny.
Dr Theodoropoulou highlighted how this defiance reverberated across the world, gaining international admiration amongst the Allies and affecting the course of the Axis campaign. She also brought attention to the many ANZAC troops who fought alongside Greeks during the war, a powerful symbol of shared sacrifice and solidarity between our two nations.
Dr Theodoropoulou also shared the inspiring story of George Bizos, a Greek-born lawyer who emigrated to South Africa during WWII and ultimately became a defender of justice alongside Nelson Mandela. Fleeing from German-occupied Greece at age 13, Bizos faced numerous challenges in a foreign land but rose to prominence in the South African legal system, later defending Mandela and others in the famous Rivonia Trial.
Throughout the evening, attendees were encouraged to network and engage, forming meaningful interactions with one another. HAL co-chairs Peter Tantalos and Aria Bolkus thanked attendees, the event sponsor WRP Legal & Advisory, and the association’s committee for their support in bringing the Oration to life. They recognised HAL’s role as a bridge between cultures, fostering connections between Australian and Hellenic values within the legal profession.
In line with this mission, the event featured an engaging performance by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) Dance Academy, whose members showcased traditional Greek dances from the Peloponnese. This lively display of Greek heritage added a festive spirit to the evening, reinforcing the cultural pride that HAL seeks to cultivate. It also provided the catalyst for attendees to participate in Greek dancing late into the night, fostering a sense of unity and joy as guests of all backgrounds joined hands to celebrate Hellenic culture.
Mr Tantalos also spoke about the upcoming HAL international conference in Athens, Greece which will take place from 7-10 July 2025 on the theme, “Safeguarding democracy, rule of law and justice – global challenges and the role of AI,” held jointly with the Athens Bar Association, the Cyprus Bar Association, and the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York. Those interested in the conference are encouraged to email conference@hal.asn.au and ask for further information.
*The Hellenic Australian Lawyers (HAL) is the peak representative body of Hellenic Lawyers in Australia and provides opportunities for Hellenes and philhellenes to engage in a professional environment that celebrates Hellenic ideals, philosophy, law, and culture, while also advancing cultural harmony and diversity in the Australian legal profession.
Melbourne author and lawyer Dean Kalimniou’s (Konstantinos Kalymnios) latest book of Greek short stories «Εικονοκλάσματα» (Eikonoklasmata), which was published recently in Greece to critical acclaim, was launched on Sunday, November 3 at the Greek Centre.
The event was co-hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), the Greek Australian Cultural League of Melbourne, and the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia.
In his address, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis referred to Mr Kalimniou’s prolific output.
“I have been an avid reader of his work ever since I arrived in Australia,” the Consul General noted, observing that the title of his latest collection provides food for thought: “I am not sure whether he is an Iconoclast or an Iconodule. I can’t wait to find out.”
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis reflected upon the way “the book draws upon a multitude of places and historical periods on the periphery of the Hellenic World in order to provide poignant messages relating to our existence in the here and now.”
Mr Papastergiadis also referred to the author as “an icon of our community in his own right,” and highlighted the GCM’s support of Mr Kalimniou’s various literary and cultural endeavours over a number of years.
Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at LaTrobe University, Dr George Vassilacopoulos enraptured those present with a detailed analysis of what he considers to be a most complex work. Commenting on the author’s riveting narrative and use of language from all periods of Greek history, he then drew upon Platonic political thought, in order to deconstruct the motifs and framing devices of the collection, highlighting the manner in which history, language and belief systems are seamlessly employed by the author in order to make sense of the present.
“Ultimately, this is a work that thinks about the reader, just as the reader thinks about the work,” Dr Vassilacopoulos stated. “And the author’s heroes and heroines all have one thing in common: they all take a stance of resistance against something, even though they know that their resistance is doomed to failure. More than a work of literature, this is a highly political work, in the Platonic sense.”
He also posited that the author’s identification with the Greek language was key to understanding what he deemed to be his “ultimate truth.”
The event concluded with readings from the collection by the author.
CommBank Pararoos’ Head Coach Kai Lammert and CommBank ParaMatildas’ Head Coach Kelly Stirton have confirmed their squads to compete at the IFCPF World Cup 2024 in Salou, Spain.
Lammert has selected a 14-player squad which includes two possible Pararoos’ debutants as well as the team’s iconic 45-year old captain David Barber (Football QLD) – impressively entering his 26th year playing international football – and CommBank Pararoos favourite Ben Roche (NNSW Football), who will come out of retirement to add valuable experience and depth to the squad, which features eight players with 10 or fewer caps.
Giacomo Izzo (Football West) and William McGrath (Football NSW) are in-line to make their Pararoos’ debuts, while Rafferty Bacon (Football West), Christian Bitsikas (Football VIC), Luc Launder (Capital Football) and Kaylan Van Heer (Football VIC) are among the possible World Cup debutants.
Running from 6 – 24 November, the CommBank Pararoos will be striving to finish in the single digits against the world’s best for the first time, having finished 12th (2015), 10th (2017), 11th (2019) and 11th (2022) at their last four World Cup appearances.
Drawn in Group C, the CommBank Pararoos – contesting their 11th World Cup – will play their first match of the IFCPF World Cup against the USA on Monday, 11 November at 7.30pm AEDT (9.30am CET) before facing Thailand on Wednesday, 13 November at 10.00pm AEDT (12.00pm CET) and the Netherlands on Friday, 15 November at 7.30pm AEDT (9.30am CET). Men’s tournament fixtures and results can be found HERE.
CommBank Pararoos’ Head Coach Kai Lammert spoke about the squad’s composition and outlined his goal for the tournament.
“We’ve held four productive training camps this year, as well as the Para Nationals in Canberra, all to prepare for us for the challenges that lie ahead over the next three weeks,” Lammert explained.
CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert has named a 14-player squad for the IFCPF World Cup 2024 🙌
“I’m grateful for the leadership and experience Benny (Roche) will bring to the squad after agreeing to come out of retirement to have one last shot at the World Cup. Benny knows David (Barber) extremely well, and the pair complement our young players and bring balance to the squad.
“We haven’t faced the Netherlands for over a decade, and I know we have improved immensely since then. There are no easy games when you’re playing in a World Cup, and I expect the boys will be very excited to hit the pitch in Spain.
“Our target at the World Cup is to finish in the single digits, outperforming our current international ranking of 10 to set a new standard for men’s CP football in Australia,” Lammert concluded.
Stirton’s 10-player CommBank Para Matildas’ squad consists of a mix of experience and youth with seasoned campaigners Rae Anderson (NNSW Football), Georgia Beikhoff (Football NSW) and Elosie Northam (Football NSW) leading the side.
Rebecca Jones (Capital Football) and Trinity McPhie (Football QLD) could make their ParaMatildas’ debut on the world stage, while Annmarie De Uriarte (Football NSW) and Carly Salmon (Capital Football) will be motivated to make their World Cup debuts.
In their first IFCPF World Cup appearance in 2022 – which was also the year the team was formed by Football Australia – the CommBank ParaMatildas progressed to the Gold Medal match before narrowly falling to the USA in extra-time. Following their triumph at the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Women’s Championships in 2023, the CommBank ParaMatildas will be determined to claim top honours.
Set to run from 11 – 20 November, the CommBank ParaMatildas will kick-start their campaign at the IFCPF World Cup against Japan on Friday, 15 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET), before coming up against the USA on Sunday, 17 November at 12.30pm (2.30pm CET), Ireland on Monday, 18 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET) and Denmark on Tuesday, 19 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET). Women’s tournament fixtures and results can be found HERE.
CommBank ParaMatildas’ Head Coach Kelly Stirton expressed her excitement to witness what the squad will accomplish in Spain.
“This is what we have been building for since the Para Asian Cup in Melbourne last year and the players and staff cannot wait to showcase the progress and development made in that time,” Stirton said.
“The disappointment of losing the final at the last World Cup to USA in extra time is fueling our desire to go one better and prove we’re the best women’s CP Football team in the world.
“Our squad contains plenty of firepower, speed and agility making us a dynamic team on the field but we’re also fortunate to have a composed and positive team off the field.
“We are heading to Spain to play for each other and our country. This team has shown me that obstacles put in front of them can be overcome by working together as a team and I can’t wait to see what they’re able to achieve in Spain,” Stirton concluded.
All CommBank Pararoos and ParaMatildas matches at the IFCPF World Cup 2024 will be streamed live and free on Football Australia’s YouTube Channel HERE.
COMMBANK PARAROOS IFCPF WORLD CUP 2024 SQUAD
NAME
MEMBER FEDERATION
CAPS (Goals)
Rafferty BACON
Football West
1* (0)
David BARBER (Cpt)
Football QLD
111 (70)
Christian BITSIKAS
Football VIC
2 (1)*
Jeremy BOYCE
Football NSW
10 (1)
Daniel CAMPBELL
NNSW Football
24 (8)
Giacomo IZZO
Football West
0*
Luc LAUNDER
Capital Football
5 (1)*
Alessandro LA VERGHETTA
Football West
17 (2)
Taj LYNCH
Football NSW
21 (1)
William MCGRATH
Football NSW
0*
Augustine MURPHY
Football NSW
19 (2)
Ben ROCHE
NNSW Football
65 (35)
Christian TSANGAS
Football VIC
6 (0)
Kaylan VAN HEER
Football VIC
6 (2)*
*Denotes potential IFCPF World Cup match debutant
Follow the journey of the CommBank Pararoos at the IFCPF Men’s World Cup 2024 through their website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
IFCPF Men’s World Cup 2024
When: November 6-24, 2024
Where: Salou, Spain
COMMBANK PARAMATILDAS IFCPF WORLD CUP 2024 SQUAD
NAME
MEMBER FEDERATION
CAPS (Goals)
Rae ANDERSON
NNSW Football
9 (0)
Georgia BEIKOFF
Football NSW
12 (22)
Tahlia BLANSHARD
NNSW Football
11 (1)
Annmarie DE URIARTE
Football NSW
7 (11)*
Lainee HARRISON
NNSW Football
5 (5)
Rebecca JONES
Capital Football
0*
Eloise NORTHAM
Football NSW
12 (9)
Trinity MCPHIE
Football QLD
0*
Carly SALMON (Co-Cpt)
Capital Football
7 (4)*
Katelyn SMITH (Co-Cpt)
Football West
10 (5)
*Denotes potential IFCPF World Cup match debutant
Follow the CommBank ParaMatildas journey at the IFCPF Women’s World Cup 2024 through their website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Nestled between the GOCSA Olympic Hall and the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the event was a culmination of months of preparation, bringing the spirit of a traditional paniyiri into the heart of the Adelaide CBD.
Throughout the night, attendees embraced the sounds of traditional Greek music by an interstate ensemble, creating a lively atmosphere for the festivities. Market stalls showcased a variety of local businesses, offering both Greek-inspired goods and other unique products, while the Ladies Philoptochos delighted everyone with freshly prepared loukoumades.
The event radiated the core values of filotimo – a profound sense of hospitality and generosity – and kefi, the spirit of joyous and energetic celebration.
Long tables stretched across the grounds, inviting guests to gather, share food, and connect in a communal atmosphere. The air was alive with happiness, music, and dance, as everyone embraced the spirit of fellowship and festivity that defines a traditional Greek paniyiri.
Honouring the legacy of the community
The official opening began with an address by Peter Gonis, Vice President of GOCSA, who paid tribute to the history and legacy of the Community. He recounted the journey of early Greek migrants, arriving in Adelaide in the 1920s seeking a sense of belonging and stability. In 1936, the Greek community pooled their resources to purchase the land that would become the site of the Cathedral of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, marking the beginning of a legacy of faith and community togetherness.
“…Our paniyiri celebrates the Greek community’s existence in South Australia for over 100 years. It is a tribute to the migrant story, a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the pursuit of a better life…” Mr Gonis said.
“It is also an opportunity to celebrate our next generation, our Neolea… [who are] ready to step up and take the reins, embracing their heritage and following in the footsteps of the yiayiathes [grandmothers]and pappouthes [grandfathers].”
A culmination of art, music, and tradition
Hellas Lucas, chair of GOCSA Cultural Committee, added that the Grattan Street Paniyiri was the Odyssey Festival’s grand finale, following a month of cultural events that celebrated Greek heritage through art exhibitions, thought-provoking lectures and a nostalgic concert dedicated to Laiki music from the 1960s and 70s.
The Hon. Mira Dannawi MLC, representing the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, congratulated GOCSA for their efforts over the entire month of the Odyssey Festival.
The Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Dr Jane Lomax Smith, addressing GOCSA, stated that: “This is another splendid evening… to be in our streets, to be on this plot of land, having this amazing festival. What a joy it is for all of us.”
“I have to say a couple of things about GOCSA and the community in the city. [GOCSA] belongs here, it’s embedded here, and it’s made the city great,” the Lord Mayor added.
“The members of the Community are so significant to us because they have held together the newcomers and the new arrivals that arrived into the community… [maintaining] their religion, culture and community. They have instilled the value of hard work and enterprise that makes a city great… I hope this [festival] comes back every year… so we can enjoy this festival spirit.”
Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in South Australia, described the event as a “cultural shock” in making her think that “I am in Greece right now.”
“Congratulations for bringing the Greek spirit here and [I will] tell Athens [how] amazing this is,” the Consul General added.
The beginning of an annual celebration
Following the official opening, the intermediate and advanced group of the GOCSA Dance Academy performed a series of folk dances from around Greece. This energetic display encouraged festival goers to participate in Greek dancing late into the night, fostering a sense of unity as attendees of all backgrounds joined to embrace Greek culture.
Despite being over 14,000 kilometres away from Greece, the soul of the paniyiri was alive in the Adelaide CBD. The Grattan Street Paniyiri was a testament to the enduring presence of Greek culture and community in Adelaide and represents a bridge to the expression of Greek culture for future generations.
The success of this inaugural event suggests that it may well become a cherished annual tradition, inviting all of Adelaide to experience the magic of a Greek paniyiri.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
On Sunday, November 3, Greeks from Canberra and its surrounds came together for a belated celebration of OXI Day.
The commemorative event commenced with a Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, presided over by Father Petros and Father Platonas. The church was filled with proud parents and many special guests.
The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, gave a speech after the liturgy on the significance of OXI Day.
“Today, we honour those who fought, defending fundamental and timeless values of Hellenism, such as democracy, freedom, independence and justice,” Mr Venizelos said.
“We remember our many heroes and never forget their sacrifice.”
Students of the Greek School of Canberra later stood at the front of the church and recited poems and performed the song Pirame T’ Argyrokastro by Marinella, to mark the significant day in Greek history.
Following the liturgy, everyone was then invited to attend the Hellenic War Memorial where the annual wreath laying ceremony and a minute’s silence took place. There were also a number of speeches.
Many special guests were in attendance including Ambassador Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; Captain Gary Zervos RAN, on behalf of the Australian Defence Force; Captain Dimitrios Limberidis, on behalf of the Hellenic Navy; the Secretary of the Hellenic Sub-Branch RSL Melbourne, Major Terry Kanellos (RETD) OAM; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), Pana Tsironis; the President of the Hellenic Club of Canberra, Steve Kartsonas; John Loukadellis; new military attache in Canberra, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos and many more.
Representatives from the Hellenic RSL Sub-Branch, AHEPA, the Hellenic Youth Club, and associations such as the Cypriots, Karpathians, Lemnians, Pontians, and Cretans were also in attendance.
Major Kanellos expressed how it felt to celebrate alongside so many young people in the Canberra Greek community.
“It’s really good to see that the young people here are still maintaining those links with their mother country and are interested in learning about the history with the songs that they sing and the poems that they recite,” Mr Kanellos said.
“Hopefully all these things mean something to them, so that when they grow up, they pass them on to their kids as well.”
President of the GOCCC, Mr Tsironis also conveyed his pride and appreciation for the local Greek community.
“I feel honoured and blessed to be a part of the community and to put on such an event for everyone to enjoy and be a part of,” Mr Tsironis told The Greek Herald.
“The 28th of October is all about Hellenism. It’s about our freedom, it’s about our courage, it’s about our endurance, and it’s about us doing the right thing.
“We are a small but tight knit community, and it’s important for us to remember our past and what assisted in getting us here today.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.
