The Senior Citizens Group of the Parish of St Eleftherios in Brunswick hosted a special luncheon on Tuesday, March 10 to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), bringing together community members and guests to recognise the achievements and contributions of women, particularly senior women within the Greek community.
Held at St Eleftherios Hall in Brunswick, the appreciation gathering created a warm and welcoming space for attendees to come together in celebration and reflection.
Secretary Angelo Koutouleas welcomed guests and oversaw the organisation of the luncheon, ensuring all attendees were warmly received and catered for throughout the event.
Special guests included former Federal Member of Parliament Maria Vamvakinou, Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Vice President Anthie Sidiropoulos, Merri-bek Councillor Helen Politis, journalist Claire Gazis OAM, and journalist Dorothy Hatzopoulou.
The luncheon was held with the support of the GCM and recognised the achievements of women, particularly senior members of the community who continue to play an important role in preserving culture, strengthening families and contributing to community life.
The gathering provided an opportunity to acknowledge the legacy and contributions of women whose efforts have helped shape and sustain the community.
The Victorian Council for Greek National Day has announced that, for a second consecutive year, the annual Greek National Day Parade will return to a location within full view of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Following the tireless efforts of the executive team, the parade will once again be held in the heart of Melbourne’s commemorative precinct, reaffirming the enduring bond between Greece and Australia.
The 2026 Greek National Day celebrations will feature a series of significant events, including a commemorative service and a vibrant parade. This year’s program promises to honour the sacrifices of the past while celebrating Greek heritage with pride and enthusiasm.
EVENT 1: Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Doxology
Date: 22 March 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Archdiocese Church of St Eustathios, 221 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne
EVENT 2: Greek Australian Commemorative Service – Shrine of Remembrance
Date: 22 March 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Location: Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance (in front of the Eternal Flame)
A solemn ceremony will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance to honour the longstanding friendship and military alliance between Greece and Australia. This exclusive event will be attended by a small delegation of dignitaries, underscoring the solemnity and significance of the occasion. A wreath-laying ceremony will be conducted to pay tribute to the shared history of service and sacrifice.
EVENT 3: Greek National Day Parade – Birdwood Avenue to the Australian Hellenic Memorial
Date: 22 March 2026
Time: 11:30 AM Arrival of Parade Participants | 1:30 PM Parade Start | 2:30 PM Conclusion
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne (starting point) to the Australian Hellenic Memorial (end point)
Following the commemorative service, dignitaries and spectators will witness a breathtaking procession featuring Greek community organisations, schools, cultural groups, and veterans marching with pride. It is important to note that this parade will not take place on the grounds of the Shrine of Remembrance but will be held in its vicinity, ensuring that this significant landmark remains a central backdrop to the event.
As the parade proceeds past the Australian Hellenic Memorial, participants will pay tribute to the Australian and Greek heroes who sacrificed so much in forging and preserving our identities today. This moment will serve as a poignant reminder of the courage, resilience, and unity that define our shared histories. The parade will stand as a vibrant tribute to Hellenic culture and the contributions of Greek Australians to Victoria’s multicultural society.
EVENT 4: Flag Raising at Federation Square
Date: 25 March 2026
Time: 12:00 AM
Location: Federation Square
On Greek National Day at midnight, the Greek flag will be proudly raised at Federation Square while landmarks throughout the heart of Melbourne will be lit up in blue and white. The raising of the Greek flag on Greek National Day will serve as a powerful reminder of the Greek Australian community’s enduring presence and contributions to Melbourne’s cultural fabric.
The Victorian Council for Greek National Day extends a warm invitation to all Greek Australians and friends of Greece to participate in these special events.
The Pharos Alliance is continuing its efforts to strengthen the use of Modern Greek in Melbourne through a strategic plan aimed at supporting language learning across homes, schools and higher education.
The initiative focuses on three key priorities: building language capacity among families and students, creating more opportunities for Greek to be used in everyday settings across the city, and encouraging young people to see themselves as confident and regular users of the language.
According to the organisation, these priorities are based on international research demonstrating that languages experiencing intergenerational decline can be revitalised through targeted community action and education initiatives.
As part of this work, Pharos Alliance has announced its fourth seminar on raising bilingual children, which will take place on Sunday, 15 March 2026, from 10am to 2pm at Alphington Grammar School.
The seminar will be presented by Joseph Lo Bianco, President of Pharos Alliance and a leading expert in language education and policy. Drawing on his extensive research and recent publications for parents, Professor Lo Bianco will guide families through practical strategies to encourage the use of Greek at home.
The event builds on the success of three previous seminars held in 2023, 2024 and 2025, which brought together parents interested in supporting their children’s bilingual development.
Parents are encouraged to attend with their children, with Greek language students from La Trobe University providing supervised activities for younger participants during the seminar.
Organisers say the session will combine research insights with interactive activities, providing families with practical tools to support their children’s language learning journey.
The cost of the seminar is $15 per family group, which includes a light lunch.
Registrations can be made online here. For further information, enquiries can be directed to pharos.au@gmail.com.
A community leader who has helped people from migrant backgrounds overcome barriers and thrive has been named Blacktown City Woman of the Year.
SydWest Multicultural Services CEO Elfa Moraitakis was announced the winner at Council’s fully-booked Blacktown City’s International Women’s Day Breakfast at Bowman Hall, Blacktown, on Monday.
Ms Moraitakis’ leadership has expanded SydWest’s reach and services supporting refugees and migrants, particularly women and girls.
In an eventful week for Ms Moraitakis, the NSW Government also named her NSW Local Woman of the Year award for the Blacktown electorate.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting paid tribute to Ms Moraitakis and finalists.
“We are lucky to have so many public-spirited and hardworking women who provide our community with opportunities and keep us connected,” he said.
“Elfa and our finalists are great role models for young girls and show how each of us has the ability to make our community a better place and push for equal opportunities for women and girls.”
Kids’ Early Learning Seven Hills East Centre Director Farideh Bahrami was named the staff Woman of the Year.
Mayor Brad Bunting and Cr Talia Amituanai congratulate staff Woman of the Year Farideh Bahrami.
Ms Bahrami has developed a culture of trust and respect that has contributed to the centre exceeding the national quality standards rating.
Council provided Monday’s event for free to the community and attracted guests from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Guests heard from the 2024 Blacktown City Citizen of the Year Rachael Hanlon, who spoke about tertiary education challenges and opportunities for woman.
Council has celebrated its Women of the Year awards since 2008 as part of a wide-ranging program to encourage women and girls to achieve their dreams.
This includes the Women’s Advisory Committee informing Council decision-making, the annual Women’s Forum which gives more women a voice on community issues, and Council’s ongoing work with social services groups to improve opportunities.
CommBank Young Socceroos Head Coach Trevor Morgan has selected a 23-player squad for the Australia–China Friendship Series during the March FIFA Men’s International Window.
The tour to China is supported by the Australian Government through the National Foundation of Australia–China Relations (NFACR) and forms part of a broader program of football engagement aimed at strengthening sporting, cultural and people-to-people links between Australia and China.
Australia will face China in two matches on Saturday 28 March and Tuesday 31 March 2026 at Yiwu Meihu Sports Center Stadium in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province.
The Australia–China Friendship Series represents an important step in preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifying tournament scheduled for 26 August to 6 September 2026.
CommBank Young Socceroos’ Head Coach Trevor Morgan said he was looking forward to assembling the squad together for the first time in 2026.
“Following a successful year in 2025 with the U20 program, we’re excited to assemble in China as we build towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers,” Morgan said.
“We are keen to see how this group of players take on the challenge of strong opposition on home soil, and experience playing in the host country of next year’s U20 Asian Cup.
“After exposing this age group to international football in two tournaments last year, we see this as great opportunity to build on our squad depth and give new players experience that can accelerate their development before our focus turns to FIFA U20 World Cup qualifying.”
COMMBANK YOUNG SOCCEROOS SQUAD | CHINA FRIENDLIES | 23-31 MARCH 2026
Name
Position
Current Club
Junior Club/Member Federation/Country
Jai AJANOVIC
Goalkeeper
Central Coast Mariners FC, Australia
Gymea United FC / Football NSW
Max ANASTASIO
Midfielder
Bologna FC, Italy
Marconi Stallions FC / Football New South Wales
Peter ANTONIOU
Defender
Melbourne City FC, Australia
Bulleen Lions FC / Football Victoria
Alex BOLTON
Midfielder
AIK Fotboll, Sweden
Bayswater City / Football West
Delano CECCHI
Defender
UC Sampdoria, Italy
Fremantle City FC / Football West
Robert COOK
Goalkeeper
Leeds United, England
Joondalup City FC / Football West
Maxwell COOPER
Defender
Newcastle Jets FC, Australia
Warners Bay FC / Football Northern New South Wales
Giovanni DE ABREU
Midfielder
Perth Glory FC, Australia
Sorrento FC / Football West
Arthur DE LIMA
Forward
Central Coast Mariners FC, Australia
Brisbane City FC / Football Queensland
Luka DIDULICA
Defender
Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan
North Geelong Warriors FC / Football Victoria
Will DOBSON
Midfielder
Newcastle Jets FC, Australia
Belmont FC / Football New South Wales
Haine EAMES
Midfielder
Central Coast Mariners FC, Australia
Camden Haven Redbacks FC / Football Northern New South Wales
Daniel GRASKOSKI
Goalkeeper
Melbourne Victory FC, Australia
Northcote City FC / Football Victoria
Mathias MACALLISTER
Forward
Sydney FC, Australia
Avalon SC / Football New South Wales
Quinn MACNICOL
Midfielder
Brisbane Roar FC, Australia
Rochedale Rovers FC / Football Queensland
Lewis MARINUCCI
Defender
Melbourne Victory FC, Australia
Bulleen Lions FC / Football Victoria
Jayden NECOVSKI
Defender
Melbourne City FC, Australia
Pascoe Vale FC / Football Victoria
Marcus NEILL
Forward
Sunderland AFC, England
Langho Juniors FC / England
James OVERY
Defender
Manchester United, England
Joondalup City FC / Football West
Jai ROSE
Midfielder
Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia
The Entrance Bateau Bay FC / Football Northern New South Wales
Australian businessman Mark Bouris has warned the country could face a new inflation crisis driven by rising oil prices, urging the government to cut spending and the Reserve Bank to consider raising interest rates.
Bouris told The Advertiserthe federal government should show “fiscal constraint” in the May budget, arguing that current spending levels are fuelling inflation.
“The government is spending way too much on the economy,” he said. “We need strong fiscal constraint.”
He also criticised the Reserve Bank’s focus on keeping unemployment low, saying rising inflation shows the strategy has “not worked.”
“This experiment the Reserve Bank has been running with trying to keep unemployment low, that experiment hasn’t worked,” Bouris said.
He warned inflation could worsen if oil prices remain elevated, with NAB economists predicting Australia’s inflation rate could reach 4.75 per cent.
“That’s out of control,” Bouris said.
He also said immigration should be better aligned with Australia’s capacity to manage population growth.
“I’m not anti-immigration. I’m the product of immigration. It’s a cultural wonderment. But I definitely want to control it relative to what we can handle,” he said.
The Greek government has imposed a temporary cap on profit margins for fuel and supermarket products to prevent profiteering as global energy prices surge amid tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the measures will remain in place for three months, after heating oil prices rose by 17.41% in a week and road diesel increased by 15.26%, according to Greece’s Independent Market Monitoring Authority.
“Obviously, we cannot address primary price increases, but we are certainly sending a message that this economic turmoil should not lead to profiteering,” Mitsotakis said during a meeting with President Konstantinos Tasoulas.
Under the new rules, petrol and diesel profit margins at service stations will be capped at 12 cents per litre above wholesale prices, while supermarkets face fines of up to five million euros if profit margins exceed their 2025 averages. Authorities said the measures will remain in force until the end of June, with inspections planned.
Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos stressed that “profits are legitimate but profiteering is not.”
Στέλνουμε έμπρακτα το μήνυμα ότι δεν πρέπει αυτή η οικονομική αναταραχή να οδηγήσει σε φαινόμενα κερδοσκοπίας. pic.twitter.com/nZLrC0AZZ7
Meanwhile, Australia has introduced emergency measures to boost fuel supply as analysts warn petrol prices could climb significantly if the conflict disrupts global oil markets.
The federal government will temporarily lower fuel quality standards for 60 days, allowing higher-sulphur fuel normally produced for export at the Ampol refinery in Brisbane to be sold domestically.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the move would help ease shortages, particularly in regional areas affected by panic buying.
“It is a practical action to help farmers, to help regional Australians through this immediate crisis,” Bowen said.
The measures come as analysts warn oil prices could surge sharply if attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route carrying around one-fifth of the world’s oil, continue.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed revenge for those killed in the conflict with the United States, warning that Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and may target American bases in the region.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday – his first remarks since succeeding his slain father – Khamenei said Iran would “avenge the blood of its martyrs.”
He also declared that the United States must close all its bases in the region and insisted the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz should remain shut to pressure Iran’s enemies.
The waterway, which runs along Iran’s coastline, carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most critical shipping routes in global energy markets.
A statement read out on state TV, attributed to Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, is televised in Tehran on March 12, 2026. Photo: AFP.
The statement came as violence intensified across the Gulf. Two tankers were ablaze at Iraq’s port of Basra on Thursday after being struck by boats believed to be carrying Iranian explosives, according to Iraqi authorities. Footage verified by Reuters showed ships engulfed in flames lighting up the night sky, with at least one crew member reported killed.
Earlier in the day, three other vessels were struck in separate incidents across the Gulf. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for one attack on a Thai bulk carrier that was set ablaze after, they said, it had disobeyed their orders. Another container ship reported being hit by an unidentified projectile near the United Arab Emirates.
The attacks represent a sharp escalation in maritime hostilities that have disrupted oil shipments from the Middle East, despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that the war he launched two weeks ago had already been won.
A Greek tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AMNA.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the war began, signalling that Israel may continue targeting Iran’s leadership.
“We are crushing the terror regime in Iran. We are striking and defeating its proxies – Hezbollah in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said, addressing Israeli reporters during a Zoom briefing.
“Hezbollah is feeling our force, and it will feel it even more so. It will pay a very heavy price for its aggression,” he warned.
Netanyahu also praised the military coordination between Israel and the United States, saying: “Through an unprecedented joining of forces between Israel and the United States, we have achieved tremendous accomplishments – achievements that are changing the balance of power in the Middle East and even beyond it.”
In remarks widely interpreted as a veiled threat, Netanyahu referenced the death of Iran’s former supreme leader and suggested the new leadership could face a similar fate.
“We eliminated the old tyrant, and the new tyrant, the puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, can’t show his face in public,” he said.
When asked about possible action against Khamenei and Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, Netanyahu refused to rule out further strikes.
“I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization… I don’t intend to give an exact message here about what we are planning or what we are going to do,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu also claimed the conflict had significantly weakened Tehran and its regional allies.
According to the Israeli leader, Iran is “no longer the same”, and neither the country nor Hezbollah now poses the same level of threat it once did.
Israel has argued that its military campaign was necessary to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu said Tehran had accelerated its nuclear programme and moved it deeper underground despite warnings following last June’s war.
“If we had not acted immediately, within a few months Iran’s industries of death would have become immune to any strike. Therefore, we went out together to battle – the United States and Israel – to continue what we began and to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. To prevent Iran from developing ballistic missiles that threaten Israel, the United States, and the entire world. That is our objective,” he said.
“I’ve been stockpiling stories from England, Greece, the Dominican Republic and all over,” he told The Greek Herald.
“When you’re on the road and living in different places, weird things happen.”
Much of Tsarouchas’ material draws from his upbringing in a Greek migrant family.
“A lot of my stuff is based on my family. My parents left Greece and moved to Canada, and they’d copy things they saw other people doing without the context like going to watch movies, but ones that were not remotely age appropriate. Now you look back and think, how were we allowed to do that?” Angelo says.
When he tests new material, often containing these stories at comedy clubs, the reaction is always the same.
“People come up afterwards and ask, ‘did that really happen?’ And I go, ‘yeah’,” he explains.
Joining Tsarouchas on tour this May is writer, actor and digital creator Arianna Papalexopoulos.
Angelo Tsarouchas with Arianna Papalexopoulos.
The pair first collaborated on a video in 2023 and quickly discovered their natural comedic chemistry. Their online sketches have since racked up millions of views, while the duo have taken their dynamic from phone screen to stage, touring together across the United States, Canada and Greece. Bringing her along to Australia was a no brainer.
“[Arianna] is a very funny, very talented woman,” Tsarouchas said.
“Our videos have literally millions of views. There’s an age gap but it works for us because she can play my daughter or she can play the waitress at the Greek restaurant and I’ll be playing the cook. It’s been great working with her.”
Tsarouchas’ Diaspora Tour dives into how Greek traditions and culture endure far beyond the motherland, revealing how a piece of Greece can be found in the most unexpected corners of the world.
“Whether it’s Wellington, Melbourne or Montreal, the root core is still the same,” he said.
“When you go to a Greek festival anywhere in the world, they’re still putting out the gyro. There’s always a common bond.”
But the cultural quirks of Greece still perplex and provide the perfect material for a laugh for those of us who may have gotten used to the ways of our home countries.
Angelo Tsarouchas with his family. He says ‘Diaspora Tour’ dives into how Greek traditions and culture endure far beyond the motherland.
“When Arianna and I were flying from Athens to Thessaloniki for a show, we were both in aisle seats when this woman came in and said her seat was by the window,” he recalled.
“The plane lands and she immediately says, ‘I want to get through’ and there’s nowhere to go.
“I said to Ari, ‘where is she going to go? We’re jammed!’ But you know Greeks, we have no patience. Arianna looks at her and says, ‘where am I going to go?’ Then I told her, ‘lady, we can’t move.’”
Eventually the passenger squeezed past them.
“We’re standing there laughing because people see our skits and think we’re exaggerating these stories,” Tsarouchas said.
Angelo Tsarouchas is a fan favourite.
Speaking earnestly, Tsarouchas understands there is plenty going on in the world. And he’s faced with the balance of being conscientious whilst still trying to keep things light in dark times.
“We need comedy now more than ever. The world is in disarray and dividing, and if people can come for an hour and laugh, they can forget about it for a moment,” he said.
“And people really appreciate it. They come up to me after the show and thank me for coming to their city.
“I’ve got friends who aren’t talking anymore, divided politically, religiously and economically. Comedy is the one thread that can bring people from different backgrounds together. People who want to laugh will just come and laugh.”
Tickets to Angelo Tsarouchas’ new show Diaspora are on sale now at funnygreek.com.
May 1, 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
May 2, 2026 – The Athenaeum Theatre One, Melbourne
On Tuesday, March 10, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with young participants of the GO Youth Initiative in New South Wales.
The event marked the start of the new year of Orthodox youth activities with a Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos) service at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah, Sydney.
Following the service, the Archbishop addressed the young people, acknowledging the anxiety many feel amid global conflict, division and uncertainty.
He encouraged them to view such challenges as opportunities to deepen their spiritual life, emphasising that the Christian message offers hope and healing through Christ.
Highlighting that true peace is not simply the absence of conflict but a deeper inner state found through faith, he urged the youth to strengthen their relationship with Christ through prayer, participation in the Church and mutual support.
Archbishop Makarios concluded by reminding the young audience that faith is not merely a tradition of the past, but a living experience that can bring hope, purpose and peace even in difficult times.
