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Spiros Missiakos wins 2024 State Award for his service to local football

The Greek Herald
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Spiros Missiakos wins 2024 State Award for his service to local football

Football NSW’s State Dinner was held at the Novotel at Sydney Olympic Park in what was a great celebration of community football with Eurobodalla Football Association’s Sue Badenoch Kinsey awarded the prestigious George Churchward Medal.

Football NSW Directors and Life Members all came together to recognise and acknowledge the elite few who have provided consistent and invaluable service at community level.

There was also representation from State and Local Government with the likes of Kylie Wilkinson (Member for East Hills), Nathan Hagarty (Member for Leppington), Eleni Petinos (Member for Miranda & Shadow Minister for Sport), Mark Coure (Member for Oatley), Alistair Henskens (Member for Wahroonga), Felicity Wilson (Member for North Shore) and Michael Regan (Member for Wakehurst) all of which threw their support behind the event.

Hosted by Stephanie Brantz, the evening kicked off with the presentation of the State Award winners.

State Award winners are nominated by their Association in recognition of their tireless efforts and service to football in their local community.

State Awards formally recognise individuals who have provided consistent and valuable service at any level – Club, Association, Branch or State.

These contributions may include services such as: committee member, coach, manager, match official, canteen manager or grounds person.

The 2024 State Award Winners were:

  • Brad Fitzgibbons – Bankstown District Amateur Football Association  
  • John Boyle – Blacktown & Districts Soccer Football Association
  • Anthony Johnstone – Football Canterbury
  • Steffan Frandsen – Dubbo & District Football Association
  • Steve Lawrence – Eastern Suburbs Football Association
  • Sandy Depers – Football South Coast
  • Leo Blanda – Football St George
  • Darcy Lound – Macarthur Football Association
  • John Tansley – Manly Warringah Football Association
  • Melissa Crane – Nepean Football Association
  • Christine Freer – Northern Suburbs Football Association
  • Stacey Williams – Shoalhaven District Football Association
  • Joel Sleeman – Shoalhaven District Football Association
  • Spiros Missiakos – Southern Districts Soccer Football Association
  • David Albrighton – Southern Tablelands Football Association
  • Laura Cowell – Sutherland Shire Football Association

Fair Play Award

This year’s award recognised the fair play shown by Granville Districts Soccer Football Association’s (GDSFA) All Age Men’s 6 side Auburn District FC.

During the GDSFA Grand Finals, tragedy struck the entire football community when Volkan Ergun collapsed in the All Age Mens 6’s Grand Final between Auburn FC v Auburn District after he scored a goal. The GDSFA football family sprang into immediate action assisting where possible.

Unfortunately Volkan passed that day, our condolences to the family in what was a tragic event. The match was stopped after Volkan collapsed with the score 1-0 to Auburn FC – a goal that he had scored.

Monday, following this tragedy, the GDSFA received an email from the President of Auburn District Mr Mahmoud Chekchok advising that his All Age Mens 6 team had discussed it and requested that the result of the Final stand as 1-0. The club went against the match being forfeited as they wanted the result to stand to leave a long-lasting legacy in Volkan’s honour.

Football NSW were touched by the compassion and great sportsmanship shown by this team.

It’s moments like this that showcase how close knit our football family is.

Future Leaders Award

The Future Leader Award recipient is someone who has shown enthusiasm, determination, innovation, and direction in giving back to football and who is passionate about harnessing the power of football in their local community.

These traits were heavily personified this season by Hazelbrook FC’s Victoria Sharp.

Playing in the Nepean Football Association, Victoria has been a rock and held many positions such as the club’s Female Football Coordinator as well as the Under 13 Girls/1 coach.

Victoria joined the Hazelbrook FC’s committee this season to fill the vacant Female Football Coordinator role and throughout the year drove new initiatives such as working with Wentworth Falls FC on the inaugural Unity Cup, running Female Football Skills Clincs with teammates from the Women’s Division 2 side as well as arranging sponsorship.

She also was a key member of the club’s Division 2 team where she managed the squad and has indicated that she will be going for her C-License in 2025.

Football NSW wishes to congratulate Jason on a well-deserved honour.

Special Recognition Awards

There were four Football members that received Special Recognition Awards on the night highlighting their commitment to the sport.

Eschol Park FC’s registrar Jared Lazarus was acknowledged after demonstrating exceptional courage during a medical emergency while Jordan Springs FC’s Lindy Fenton, Colo FC’s Karen Blanch and Nepean Football Association staff member Cheryl Lynch were recognized for their bravery and incredible selfless actions during a medial episode at a Nepean Football Association Club meeting.

George Churchward Medal

The night’s final and most honoured award, the George Churchward Medal, presented annually to an individual who has exemplified an outstanding commitment to the sport was awarded to Eurobodalla Football Association’s long serving administrator Sue Badenoch Kinsey.

The 2024 season marked 50 years of involvement in football for Sue which began in March 1975 when she served with the now defunct North St. Mary’s Soccer Club and contributed to several roles in the club over the next 4 years.

In 1979, Sue came onboard with the new St. Clair Soccer Club under the leadership of Brian Embury. There the loveable administrator was involved with almost everything at the club including Secretary, Registrar, Treasurer, Canteen Manager to name but a few. Sue also became involved with the Nepean Association, although not on the Board of the Association, Sue often worked with the late Barbara Horley.

However, it wasn’t until Sue and her family moved to the South Coast in late 1988 that she became deeply involved with the Batemans Bay club and then the Eurobodalla Association when word got out that she was involved in sport for many years.

Sue introduced new systems at the Association which included player photos, proof of age I.Ds. as well as a basic weekly fixture list. Sue’s roles on the Board of Eurobodalla Football covered all aspects of community football including refereeing for over 35 years with the Eurobodalla Association.

The experienced administrator has been the Rep Convenor for Southern Branch for over 20 years and enjoys watching the juniors flourish at the next level of their football pathways.

As a Director on the Southern Branch Board, Sue became the delegate to the Football NSW’s Association Standing Committee, serving on this Board for four years. The liaisons and camaraderie Sue experienced with Staff at FNSW as well as delegates from all over NSW has been a highlight of her involvement.

It was a fitting end of the evening as Sue received a standing ovation by the many in attendance.

It was a fantastic evening as Football NSW’s grassroots community embraced in what was a memorable season for all involved with all eyes on a bigger season in 2025.

Source: Football NSW.

Koraly Dimitriadis wins best poetry book at American Book Fest

The Greek Herald
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Koraly Dimitriadis wins best poetry book at American Book Fest

Koraly Dimitriadis’ second poetry book, Just Give Me The Pills, has won best book of narrative poetry at the 21st annual Best Book Awards as part of American Book Fest in Los Angeles, one of the world’s largest international book award prizes for mainstream indie and self-published titles which received thousands of entries. 

The self-published poet, who started her own publishing company, Outside The Box Press, secured national distribution with Woodslane distributors over a decade ago when her first poetry book, Love and Fck Poems, became a bestselling poetry book in Readings books and other bookshops.  

Dimitriadis, who recently launched her debut short story collection, The Mother Must Die, with Puncher and Wattmann in Melbourne at the Greek Community and in Sydney at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak museum, said she found out about the award just as she was about to get on the plane to Bali to perform at the Ubud Writers Festival in Bali.

“I was really shocked to win,” Dimitraidis said. “I know it’s not like the Miles Franklin award, but it’s just nice when your poetry is recognised by the industry.”

Just Give Me The Pills is a story told through poetry of an unhappily married Greek woman finding the courage to leave her marriage in the face of cultural pressures to stay. It depicts her journey or having no idea who she is to claiming her feminist voice. 

“Many people who have followed my journey know I married young and how much I struggled to leave my marriage. Writing the poetry was how I liberated myself, how I found the strength to leave and survive and thrive. I wanted Just Give Me The Pills to be the book I never had. I thought there was something wrong with me, that I wasn’t normal for wanting to leave. I want to help other women with my book, for them to know that it’s okay to leave if you want to,” she said.

Just Give Me The Pills includes Koraly’s poem “Yiayia mou” (My grandmother), which she turned into a film which was an official selection for the Multicultural Film Festival and is currently streaming on SBS on-demand for Australian viewers. It was also selected for various other festivals including the  Cyprus International Film Festival – Golden Aphrodite CYIFF 2024 and WRPN Women’s International Film Festival in the USA.

Greek Australian business wins big at 2024 Australian Fitness Industry Awards

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian business wins big at 2024 Australian Fitness Industry Awards

Greek Australian business owner Jono Petrohilos and his company, Fitness Education Online, have claimed the prestigious Fitness CEC Provider of the Year award at the 2024 Australian Fitness Industry Awards, hosted by AUSactive.

The award recognises the highest standard of continuing education courses (CECs) in the fitness industry, celebrating organisations that make a significant impact on professional development for fitness trainers across Australia.

“I am incredibly proud of this achievement,” Mr Petrohilos said. “Winning this award highlights our commitment to delivering the best training and education to fitness professionals. Our goal has always been to raise the bar for online fitness education, and this recognition validates our efforts.”

This year’s awards ceremony took place at Dolton House, Jones Bay Wharf, bringing together industry leaders, educators, and business owners to honour excellence across 32 categories. Fitness Education Online stood out for its innovative online courses that enable trainers nationwide to advance their skills and qualifications.

Fitness Education Online has consistently demonstrated leadership in the industry, winning the award back in 2022 having been finalists in multiple categories and having three of its students nominated for Student of the Year.

Patricia Karvelas to return as host of ABC’s Afternoon Briefing in 2025

The Greek Herald
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Patricia Karvelas to return as host of ABC’s Afternoon Briefing in 2025

Patricia Karvelas is making a return to her former role as the host of Afternoon Briefing on ABC, bidding farewell to radio.

On October 8, Karvelas announced that she would step down from hosting RN Breakfast, a position she took over from long-serving presenter Fran Kelly in early 2022. Instead, she will focus on a new cross-platform role that includes hosting Afternoon Briefing every weekday and presenting Q+A in 2025.

The experienced ABC political journalist will also continue her weekly political roundup, The Party Room, which she co-hosts with Kelly, along with providing online analysis.

Having launched Afternoon Briefing in 2018, Karvelas expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the show next year.

“I’m so excited to be anchoring a daily national affairs and politics programme, especially at a time when Australians are seeking not just accountability but explanations of really complex issues,” she said.

“Afternoon Briefing has become appointment viewing and is a key part of the news agenda daily. Being able to launch a podcast that is fast, responsive, and engaging on evolving political stories has been my dream. It’s how I consume content, and I know there’s a strong desire from our audience for non-appointment content that meets people in their headphones when it suits them.”

As she returns to Afternoon Briefing, Karvelas will succeed Greg Jennett, who will move on to present the ACT 7pm News from Sunday to Thursday and conduct Stateline interviews in 2025.

ABC News director Justin Stevens commended both journalists, stating that Karvelas and Jennett would provide valuable insights into Australian and international politics in their new positions.

“Patricia Karvelas and Greg Jennett are among the best political journalists in the country and will ensure audiences receive the most up-to-date insights and analysis, bringing their extensive experience to the most significant stories, both here and overseas,” Mr Stevens remarked. “They will be integral members of our coverage as we prepare for the next federal election.”

This transition follows a decline in listenership for RN Breakfast in four of the five major capital cities during October.

Source: news.com.au.

Football Australia unveils new format and start date for National Second Tier

The Greek Herald
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Football Australia unveils new format and start date for National Second Tier

Football Australia today confirmed the launch of the National Second Tier (NST) competition, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to elevating the domestic club football landscape in Australia.

Following a series of workshops and consultation sessions with the eight NST Foundation Clubs, Football Australia confirmed that it will kick-off the NST in October 2025, showcasing the best of Australian club football in a contemporary and sustainable competition format.

Key highlights of the NST competition model for 2025 include:

  • Commitment to Play: Football Australia, alongside the NST Foundation Clubs and key stakeholders, share a commitment to launch the NST Competition in 2025. This decision ensures alignment with the original strategic objectives of connecting the football pyramid in Australia and elevating iconic clubs to the national stage.
  • New Competition Structure: The NST will feature a 16-team format, consisting of group stage matches and culminating in an elimination Finals Series. This structure has been designed to ensure the competition model is sustainable while maintaining a high degree of competitive integrity and commercial appeal.
  • Team Composition: The eight NST Foundation Clubs will be granted automatic access and are joined by eight invitational clubs comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers from the respective domestic season – delivering a national competition.
national second tier
The eight NST Foundation Clubs have already been announced and include both South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC.
  • Season Timeline: The NST competition will be held annually between October and December, initially across nine matchday rounds, and concluding with a Championship Final in early December. The spring calendar window provides the agility to expand and align within the Domestic Match Calendar ensuring optimal fixturing for players, fans, and stakeholders.
  • Brand Launch: Football Australia can confirm the competition’s name, brand identity, marketing collateral, and the new trophy design will be unveiled in the coming months, setting the stage for a memorable debut season.

James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming NST competition: “The introduction of the National Second Tier is a landmark moment for football in Australia. Following productive discussions with our eight Foundation Clubs and consultation with other stakeholders, we are committed to creating a competition that not only elevates our game but also enriches the football community at all levels. The National Second Tier will provide a new platform for iconic clubs to showcase their talent and connect with fans nationwide.”

Football Australia will continue to engage with the NST Foundation Clubs, Member Federations, and other key stakeholders to refine operational details for the new competition.

national second tier
Football Australia will continue to engage with the NST Foundation Clubs. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.

Over the past 12 months, Football Australia has undertaken two comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes to select NST clubs. This work, supported by advisory partner BDO, has successfully identified 14 clubs representing six states and territories that have each passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process.

Six of the 14 clubs were unable to meet the mandatory financial requirements required to play in a standalone NST home & away league competition prior to the deadline in June 2024, however Football Australia will continue to monitor these clubs as they seek to advance their bid proposals.

Football Australia has also committed to a third NST RFP selection process, expanded to target clubs outside of the initial Expression of Interest process and predominantly from underrepresented states. It is hoped this enhanced national focus will identify additional foundation clubs.

The eight clubs announced in November 2023 — APIA Leichhardt FC, Avondale FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Preston Lions FC, South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Sydney United 58 FC, and Wollongong Wolves FC — remain integral to the future growth of the NST and will continue to be recognised as foundation members.

south melb national second tier
South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC leaders join together. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.

The six additional clubs that have passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process include: Adelaide City FC, Caroline Springs-George Cross FC, Gold Coast United FC, Gungahlin United FC, South Hobart FC, and Sunshine Coast FC.

Further updates will be provided as the NST continues to evolve, noting it remains a key strategic objective to establish a standalone NST home & away league competition as soon as the minimum threshold is secured.

Tributes flow for the late esteemed photographer Kostas Papakonstantinou

The Greek Herald
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Tributes flow for the late esteemed photographer Kostas Papakonstantinou

Melbourne’s Greek community is in mourning following the passing of Kostas Papakonstantinou, a cherished figure who touched the lives of many. He died at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.

Born in the village of Kteni in Kozani, Greece, Kostas immigrated to Australia in 1968 aboard the Australis. In 1970, he married his beloved Dina (née Savvidis), hailing from the village of Asproula in Kozani. Together, they raised a large family, blessed with eight children and grandchildren.

Photo: SBS.

Kostas was most widely recognised as a talented photographer. His studio, formerly known as Hioni Photo Studio, stood as a cherished landmark within the Greek community.

Situated on Victoria Parade in Melbourne’s inner-city suburb of Fitzroy, the studio was located near the first Greek Orthodox Church of Victoria, The Holy Church of The Annunciation of Our Lady. This iconic establishment became synonymous with the community, capturing countless memories for families over the decades. In later years, he collaborated with family members at a local floral shop.

Historian Leonard Janiszewski honoured his friend with a heartfelt message that read, “The light in his heart of kindness sparkled brighter than the day – all gloom faded around him, so great was his love for his fellow human being. A soul of immense empathy.”

Greek leaders offer support and condolences amid devastating floods in Spain

The Greek Herald
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Greek leaders offer support and condolences amid devastating floods in Spain

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou have expressed their condolences to Spain in the wake of the catastrophic flooding that struck the Valencia region earlier this week.

As the death toll continues to rise as rescuers search for numerous individuals reported missing, Mitsotakis expressed his sorrow, saying, “Our hearts go out to the people of Spain as they endure the devastation caused by these catastrophic floods. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Greece stands in solidarity with you during this difficult time.”

The Spanish government has declared three days of mourning, starting today, October 31, for the lives lost in what has become one of the deadliest flash floods in the southeast of the country, with at least 92 confirmed fatalities.

People walk through flooded streets in Valencia, Spain, on Wednesday, October 30. Photo: AP Photo / Alberto Saiz.

Thousands remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to find those who may be trapped under rubble or in mud.

Greek Climate and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias reassured Spain’s Ambassador to Greece, Jorge Domek, that Greece is prepared to provide assistance if required.

This comes as weather services have issued additional high alerts for certain areas in Catalonia and western Andalusia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also offered support via her social media account, stating, “What we’re seeing in Spain is devastating. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the rescue teams. The EU has already offered support. Copernicus has been activated. The EU Civil Protection can be mobilised.”

Source: Tovima.

Greece reminds Germany of its demand for WWII reparations

The Greek Herald
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Greece reminds Germany of its demand for WWII reparations

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed the visiting Federal President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to the Maximos Mansion in Athens on Wednesday, October 30. The leaders engaged in discussions focused on international developments, the future of Greek-German relations and the enhancement of cooperation within the European Union.

Mitsotakis expressed his gratitude to Steinmeier for his upcoming visit to Kandanos, Crete, highlighting the significance of acknowledging the Nazi atrocities that occurred on the island during World War II. “I think it’s a very important gesture,” he stated, underscoring the emotional weight of the visit.

The Prime Minister addressed the enduring issue of German war reparations, specifically mentioning the forced occupation loan. He remarked, “For Greece, the matter of reparations and especially the forced occupation loan are issues that are still very much alive, and we hope that at some point we will resolve them.”

During the meeting, Mitsotakis also highlighted Greece’s positive economic trajectory, noting, “Greece is doing very well, much better in the field of the economy.” He stressed the importance of cooperation on significant challenges such as competitiveness and migration, emphasising, “We must cooperate to resolve them.”

Steinmeier reciprocated the sentiments, saying, “I am happy to be back in Greece and to say that I remember both the easy periods in our bilateral relations, but also the difficult ones.”

“I am very happy that Greece has returned to the course of economic growth, fuelling our bilateral economic transactions,” he added.

Looking ahead, Steinmeier expressed hope for the continued development of Greek-German relations, both economically and culturally. He stated, “I therefore hope that our bilateral relations, not only economic but also exchanges in the cultural field and between the two peoples, will develop in the coming years, in the context of a democratic Europe, which represents freedom worldwide and will be a place where it is worthwhile for one to live.”

The meeting underscored a commitment to strengthening ties between Greece and Germany, as both leaders emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges while acknowledging the historical context that shapes their relationship.

Biden expresses optimism for Cyprus solution during meeting with Christodoulides

The Greek Herald
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Biden expresses optimism for Cyprus solution during meeting with Christodoulides

US President Joe Biden expressed optimism regarding a resolution to the Cyprus issue during a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides at the White House on Wednesday, October 30.

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the island’s division, Biden recalled, “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the artificial division of the island. I remember it well; I was in my first year in the US Senate.” He described Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus as a “sad day” and a “sad occasion.”

Despite the challenges, Biden stated, “I remain optimistic about the possibility that a reunited Cyprus under a bizonal, bicommunal federation is possible.”

He emphasised the potential for collaboration between the nations, noting, “There are no limits to what our nations can achieve together; we have been doing this for a long time.”

President Christodoulides echoed Biden’s sentiments regarding the Cyprus problem, saying, “I count on your support, and the support of the US, in our efforts to resume negotiations.” He described it as a “great honour” to visit the White House, asserting that Cyprus is “truly a strategic partner” of the US.

He noted that relations between Cyprus and the US are currently at a “historical high,” emphasising the close cooperation in areas such as “defence and security, energy, law enforcement, technology, and innovation.” Christodoulides also pointed out the “untapped potential” in their bilateral relations, highlighting a shared political will to deepen cooperation, as demonstrated by the commencement of a “strategic dialogue.”

On a regional scale, he described Cyprus as a “predictable and reliable partner of the US” in a “region of great geopolitical importance,” underscoring Cyprus’s EU membership and strong relationships with neighbouring countries. He also mentioned the potential for a ceasefire in Lebanon, stating it “could be reached in the next one to two weeks.”

The provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza through Cyprus was also discussed, with Christodoulides referencing the Amalthea plan and the evacuation of citizens from crisis areas via the Estia plan. He noted that Cyprus has positioned itself “on the right side of history” in executing these initiatives.

Biden expressed satisfaction with the Amalthea plan, which enables the delivery of 8,000 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating, “Cyprus made all this possible.”

In the first Cypriot president visit to the White House since 1996, Christodoulides was accompanied by several officials, including Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, and Cyprus’ ambassador to the US, Evangelos Savva.

Source: Cyprus Mail.

Australia turns blue and white for OXI Day celebrations

Andriana Simos
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Australia turns blue and white for OXI Day celebrations

The 84th anniversary of OXI Day was celebrated this year with a number of wreath laying ceremonies, dancing and heartfelt speeches by Greek diaspora communities across Australia.

Here’s how the commemorations went down throughout the country.

New South Wales:

In New South Wales, AHEPA Australia held their OXI Day celebrations on Friday, October 25 at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba. The evening featured a number of speeches and traditional dances performed by members of the Aristotelian Academy of Dance, led by Dimitris Papapetrou.

AHEPA AUSTRALIA
AHEPA AUSTRALIA
AHEPA AUSTRALIA
AHEPA AUSTRALIA

On Saturday, October 26 from 11am, the Inner West Council held a wreath laying ceremony at the Winged Victory Memorial at Marrickville Town Hall. The event was supported by the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete & the Greek Campaign, the Pan-Macedonian Association of New South Wales, and the Cretan Association of Sydney & New South Wales.

Official guests present on the day included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; the NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig; NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen; and the Mayor of Inner West Council, Darcy Byrne; as well as many Presidents of local Greek communities and youth from local schools or universities.

inner west oxi day
Inner West Council’s OXI Day event.

A Doxology service to mark OXI Day was held in the morning on Sunday, October 27 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady Theotokos in Redfern. This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony in the Cathedral’s courtyard.

all saints oxi day
All Saints Grammar School students at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady Theotokos in Redfern.

Later on Sunday, the inaugural Macarthur Greeks OXI Day was held at the Campbelltown Showground from 11am to 4pm. The event came alive with the irresistible sounds of the bouzouki, dazzling dance performances, and mouth-watering Greek food.

macarthur greeks oxi day
Macarthur Greeks OXI Day celebrations. Photo: Riley Munro.

On Monday, October 28, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) held a cocktail party to mark OXI Day at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba from 7pm.

AHEPA NSW will hold their OXI Day celebrations today, October 30 at their hall in Rockdale from 7.30pm.

GOCNSW-OXI-DAY
GOCNSW OXI Day celebrations.

A final event to commemorate OXI Day in Sydney will be a lecture by Dr Stavros A Paspalas, entitled The Fate of the Antiquities of Greece during World War II, held on November 27 at NSW Parliament House.

Victoria:

In Victoria, the Hellenic RSL Sub Branch in Melbourne marked OXI Day on Monday, October 28.

Commemorations began with a Doxology presided over by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne at St Eustathios Greek Orthodox Church in South Melbourne at 9.30am

The memorial service at the Australian Hellenic Memorial. Photos supplied.

This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial from 12pm. A memorial service was conducted by Bishop Kyriakos. Guests such as the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, and many representatives of community organisations and student delegations later laid wreaths.

At 1pm, another wreath laying ceremony took place at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

South Australia:

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) celebrated OXI Day on Sunday, October 27. The Community held a 10am doxology at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and poems by afternoon Greek school students.

Australian Capital Territory:

This year, the Australian Capital Territory lit up some of its most well-known buildings in blue on Monday, October 28, to commemorate OXI Day. Some of the buildings were Old Parliament House and The National Carillion Bell Tower.

Buildings turned blue in Canberra.

The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) will also hold an event on Sunday, November 3. There will be a special Doxology held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in the morning. Students of the Greek Orthodox School of Canberra will perform poems and songs after the service.

At midday, the Canberra community will be invited to head to the Hellenic War Memorial to watch the annual wreath laying ceremony for the heroes of 1940.

Queensland:

On Monday, October 28, the Greek community and friends of Greece came together at Brisbane City Hall for a memorable evening to commemorate OXI Day. 

brisbane oxi day

The event was hosted by the Honorary Consul General for Greece in Queensland, George Mastrocostas, in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia. The event saw over 250 Greeks and Philhellenes gather in celebration of this significant day in Greek history, which honours the spirit of courage and resistance.

Northern Territory:

In Darwin, the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia held its OXI Day commemorations on Sunday, October 27 at the Community’s hall.

The event included a memorial service, followed by wreath laying and the recital of poems by young students dressed proudly in traditional Greek costumes.

Official guests in attendance included the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Lia Finocchiaro MLA, as well as Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis.

Western Australia:

In Western Australia, local Greeks will be able to celebrate OXI Day on Saturday, November 9. There will be a Doxology at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nektarios in Dianella from 11am, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the State War Memorial in Kings Park from 4.30pm. The ceremony will be hosted by the new Consul-Designate of Greece, Eleni Georgopoulou.

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