His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia inaugurated the “Five Loaves” charitable program at the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Marrickville, Sydney, on March 10.
The decision extends the network of Greek Orthodox parishes providing food assistance across Australia.
The program, led by Parish Priest Archimandrite Fr Eirinaios Trialonakis and supported by parish volunteers and the Philoptochos Association, aims to help families in need, the homeless, and shelters for abused women and children. Each week, 350 hot meals are prepared and distributed.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia inaugurated the “Five Loaves” charitable program.
The Archbishop praised the parish’s commitment, highlighting that charitable ministry, offered without distinction, reflects the Gospel’s teaching of love for one’s neighbour.
The parish will also soon collaborate with Marrickville Police to identify and assist vulnerable community members more effectively.
A fundraising High Tea event organised by Philanthropy – AHEPA Sydney & NSW over the weekend was a resounding success achieving its participation and money targets.
The amount raised, a total of $10,000, will support the cancer research projects of Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, Head of RMIT’s Longevity and Chronic Diseases Program.
The world-renowned scientist captivated the audience with her presentation that covered a range of topics from cancer research and medical advances to aging and health promoting lifestyles.
She revealed interesting facts about her upbringing in Melbourne to a family of Greek migrants before explaining the ways disease can be treated.
“We have vaccines for many types of cancer that cure the disease, but the money to bring those treatments to patients is not there,” said the professor.
She spoke passionately of the importance of prevention and early detection of cancer and urged the audience to participate in the national screening programs.
Official guest was a representative of the Greek Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Paraskevi Tsintzou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy, who congratulated the AHEPA Sydney & NSW Philanthropy division for its initiative to give Sydney communities the rare opportunity to see and hear Melbourne-based Professor Apostolopoulos.
Announcing the outcome of the fundraising event, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc President Nia Gitsas stressed that the $10,000 collected was an amazing result and that the bar for future events of the organisation has been raised.
She thanked the audience, the organisations and the businesses who contributed, for their meaningful support and generosity. The committee of Philanthropy was clearly very pleased with their fundraising effort that took place on March 8, International Women’s Day.
“The planets aligned for us today,” said Philanthropy President Hrisoula Tsambazi, pointing out that “everyone who took the stage, from the keynote speaker and the organisation’s president to the members of the Philanthropy executive, who worked for the event, we are all women.”
The Philanthropy executive, who all worked with enthusiasm and zeal for the fundraiser, also includes vice president Valerie Pontikakos, secretary Vivian Nikolareas and treasurer Fay Skandalakis.
This was Philanthropy’s first event since it was created last year as a Special Interest Group under the streamlined structure of the newly renamed AHEPA Sydney and NSW Incorporated. The High Tea took place at Conca D’oro in Riverwood on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Anthia Psarras, principal of Eastlakes Public School, has been named Heffron Woman of the Year for her leadership and contributions to the multicultural, multilingual school community.
The award was presented by Ron Hoenig, the Member for Heffron, who visited the school to mark the occasion and congratulate Psarras on her contribution to the local community.
In a social media post after the visit, Hoenig reflected on the personal significance of returning to the school where he began his own education.
“It was a pleasure to return to Eastlakes Public School today,” he said. “Eastlakes holds special memories for me. I started school here in Kindergarten when it was still an infants school, so it’s always a little nostalgic walking back through the gates.”
Hoenig praised Psarras’ leadership, noting the strong role the school plays in supporting the diverse community it serves.
“Anthia has built something very special at Eastlakes. The school reflects the community it serves – multicultural, multilingual and full of potential,” he said.
He also acknowledged the important role schools such as Eastlakes play for families newly arriving in Australia.
“Many families arrive in Australia with little English, and schools like Eastlakes play a vital role in helping children succeed. That takes strong leadership, and Anthia provides it,” he added.
The Heffron Woman of the Year Award recognises women within the electorate who demonstrate leadership, service and a strong commitment to their communities.
Congratulating Psarras, Hoenig described the honour as “very well-deserved recognition.”
An evocative new exhibition bringing together painting, photography and poetry will open at Port Melbourne Library Art Space on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 5.30pm, presenting a deeply personal artistic dialogue between sisters Christella and Andrea Demetriou.
The opening will feature a keynote address by Nikolaos Varellas, Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus, and remarks by Alex Makin, Mayor of the City of Port Phillip. Poet Andrea Demetriou will also present readings from her work, including pieces from The Inconsolable Clock.
The exhibition will run daily until 29 March 2026 during library hours.
Through paintings, photographs and poems, the exhibition traces the lives of two sisters raised in Port Melbourne within a precarious migrant and refugee family, exploring themes of survival, sisterhood and artistic expression. Set against the familiar backdrop of Port Melbourne’s coastline, the works reveal how beauty and creativity can emerge from personal hardship and loss.
‘The Kiss’ by Cristella Dimitriou.
Christella’s paintings in the exhibition reflect themes of erotic and sisterly love, censorship of personal and political expression, existential isolation and the absence of compassion in a human desert. Her work is also shaped by the trauma surrounding her father’s death and her own battle with cancer.
Art historian and critic Dr Dora Rogan, Officier des Arts et Lettres, writes: “Through her recent art and particularly her series Atopos*, meaning ‘without place’, Christella has reached the peak of her artistic practice. Her spirit translates into tangible work, conveying intangible metaphysical visions.”
Reflecting on her sister’s legacy, Andrea Demetriou writes: “Every time I revisit my sister’s works I encounter a form of magic. In pieces such as Ladder to the Sky or Yellow Vertebra, even the traces of cancer on her bones are transformed into something beautiful.”
The photographic works of St Kilda, Port Melbourne and Albert Park Beach capture the sisters’ deep connection to the sea — a place they saw as their true home. In a past interview with The Age, Andrea reflected on this bond, saying: “Port Melbourne by the water forever.”
Australian artist Tony Oliver, a prominent figure in the Aboriginal art world, has described Andrea’s photography as deeply romantic:“I like the tension between something conventional and something mysterious in the images — something like Monet and something like Rothko.”
Many of the poems in the exhibition reflect the sisters’ profound love for their father, from whom they inherited their artistic sensibility. His sudden death profoundly shaped the family’s story and the creative journey that followed.
The exhibition’s title refers to the theft of the sisters’ personal belongings, artworks and books by other family members — a loss that, as the artists suggest, could not steal their spirit or creative voice.
The exhibition is proudly supported by the City of Port Phillip.
Event Details
Opening: Thursday, 19 March 2026, 5.30pm
Venue: Port Melbourne Library Art Space, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Greek pop star Katerina Lioliou has postponed her highly anticipated Australia tour, affecting sold-out concerts in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
The decision, announced via her official social media channels, was attributed to “extraordinary circumstances” and disruptions to international flights due to the current Middle East conflict.
Organisers confirmed the shows are not cancelled, with new dates to be announced once travel conditions stabilise.
Lioliou’s team expressed regret, stating: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and support.”
The tour had generated strong excitement within Australia’s Greek Australian community, with fans already voicing support online and awaiting the rescheduled performances.
Concertgoers are advised to follow official channels for updates on new dates and ticket arrangements.
Inspired by 50 years of placemaking expertise and the world’s great Rivieras, yet unmistakably Australian, Makris Group has unveiled the next chapter of its landmark $500 million transformation of Marina Mirage, with the official release of only 38 residences.
Nestled at the heart of the Southport Spit and directly connected to the Broadwater, this development forms a central component of the Queensland Government’s Spit Master Plan. The project integrates residences, hospitality, marina facilities and public realm within a cohesive waterfront precinct ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Con Makris, Executive Chairman, Makris Group said, “The Gold Coast continues to evolve internationally as a leading lifestyle and tourism destination, and Marina Mirage reflects that status.”
“Marina Mirage brings the luxury, elegance and lifestyle of the world’s great Rivieras, realising our vision to create a precinct of global calibre that is uniquely Australian,” Con added.
A new benchmark for luxury coastal living
The development will deliver a globally benchmarked waterfront destination that integrates luxury residences, curated retail and dining, A Luxury Collection hotel by Marriott International, wellness facilities and marina facilities – all deeply connected to the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Southport Spit.
The Marina Mirage Gold Coast, a Luxury Collection Resort is Marriott International’s first mainland Luxury Collection property in Australia. The 126-key, first-class new-build resort will anchor the reimagined Marina Mirage waterfront precinct, blending world-class sophistication with a distinctly Gold Coast sensibility.
Jason Makris, Chief Executive Officer of Makris Group, said the project represents the next chapter of Marina Mirage, shaped by experience, collaboration and a clear long-term vision.
“Working with an exceptional team of designers and partners, we’re delivering a precinct where hospitality, living, wellness and public realm come together seamlessly. It’s not just about buildings – it’s about creating an enduring destination that elevates the Gold Coast on the global stage while remaining unmistakably Australian,” Jason said.
“A limited collection of 38 residences – comprising penthouses, villas and private residences – is now available for sale, positioning the offering as a rare intergenerational holding on the Gold Coast.”
Architecturally Designed by Fraser + Partners with interiors by Fiona Lynch Office and landscaping by Aspect Studios, the residences feature expansive terraces, direct access to dining and marina amenities, and integrated hotel-style services, setting a new standard for top-tier coastal living.
The development marks Makris Group’s entry into luxury residential property. The tightly held collection is expected to attract both interstate and international buyers seeking permanent waterfront holdings on the Gold Coast, where comparable marina-connected product remains limited.
Markris Group collaborated with leading Australian design institutions, Fraser & Partners, Fiona Lynch Office and Aspect Studios to realise the next chapter for Marina Mirage.
Architecture: A timeless coastal village
Following an international design competition, leading Australian design practice Fraser & Partners were appointed lead architects.
Callum Fraser, lead architect for the project and Principal at Fraser and Partners said, “Architecturally conceived as a romantic, stone-hewn Byzantine village rising from the Broadwater, the project draws inspiration from ancient seafaring cities and the great Rivieras.”
“Shaped by climate, water and culture, our intent is to create an enduring, human-scaled coastal environment that feels elemental yet contemporary, and intrinsically connected to Country,” Mr Fraser added.
In contrast to the high-rise typology that defines much of the Gold Coast skyline, Marina Mirage adopts a low-rise village format prioritising human scale, permeability and subtropical responsiveness.
Seven buildings are arranged around a central palm garden and 50-metre pool, creating a sheltered internal landscape connected to the Broadwater. Layered terraces, shaded colonnades and rooftop gardens respond to climate and prevailing breezes, while reinterpreted sail-like roof forms reference the site’s architectural history.
Material selection draws from coastal geology and maritime heritage. Limestone, travertine and oak are paired with bronze detailing and oyster-shell references – acknowledging the intertidal ecology of the Broadwater and the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region.
Interiors: Refined, elemental, distinctly Australian
Interiors by Fiona Lynch Office continue the architectural language through a restrained and tactile material palette.
Drawing from Southeast Queensland’s geology and marine landscape – coral stone, oyster shell and mineral-rich hinterland – the residences are composed with clarity and permanence. Limestone, travertine and oak are complemented by Paralavae stone and refined bronze detailing, establishing interiors that feel grounded and enduring.
Proportion and volume are central to the design approach. High ceilings, generous stone planes and expansive glazing maximise natural light and water views, while floorplans prioritise indoor–outdoor continuity with terraces functioning as true extensions of living space.
Bespoke joinery and custom furniture introduce craftsmanship without excess, supporting a residential character distinct from traditional hotel-led product.
Landscaping: Rainforest meets Riviera
Designed by Aspect Studios, the landscape architecture celebrates Southeast Queensland’s coastal ecology, reintroducing native species that restore elements of the site’s historic littoral rainforest.
Lush layers of native palms, glossy-leaved rainforest plants, ferns, orchids and coastal species create a living botanical environment that supports biodiversity while framing sweeping Broadwater views. Architecture and landscape integrate seamlessly, with greenery enveloping balconies and rooftops to create shaded microclimates and tranquil sanctuaries.
Pools, waterways and ocean vistas are visually interconnected, reinforcing Marina Mirage’s identity as a destination shaped by water, climate and landscape.
The Australian Riviera
Marina Mirage signals a recalibration of Australia’s luxury identity. Low-rise, eco-aligned and deeply responsive to place, the village enhances the natural beauty of The Spit while setting a new benchmark for coastal living.
First opened in 1988, Marina Mirage has long been synonymous with waterfront prestige. Under the stewardship of Makris Group, that legacy is being reimagined for a new generation – delivering a refined coastal precinct that enhances public amenity, strengthens connectivity along the Spit and contributes meaningfully to Queensland’s tourism and cultural landscape.
Two pieces of Louis Vuitton luggage once owned by the legendary Greek singer Demis Roussos (1946-2015) and his wife Pamela Roussos (b. 1948), are to be offered at auction, carrying with them an extraordinary story that reaches far beyond the world of luxury travel.
The pieces are rare survivors of one of the most notorious airline terrorist attacks of the late 20th century, the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847.
On June 14, 1985, the Boeing 727 was seized shortly after departing Athens for Rome. The aircraft was forced to shuttle between Beirut and Algiers during a 17-day ordeal that gripped international headlines.
Among the passengers was the famous Greek musician Demis Roussos, who sold more than 60 million records worldwide over the course of his career.
He first achieved international success with the band Aphrodite’s Child before establishing himself as a solo artist with hits including: Forever and Ever, Goodbye My Love Goodbye, Rain and Tears and My Friend the Wind. His distinctive voice and stage presence made him a household name across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
A Louis Vuitton vanity case or Monogram Boîte à Pharmacie, estimate £1,200-£1,800.
Roussos, who turned 40 during the hijacking, was held alongside his wife Pamela, for five days, before being released along with other Greek nationals.
In later interviews, he recalled how the hostages recognised him immediately and asked him to sing during the time he was held. The wider crisis continued for a further 12 days following Roussos’ release, tragically resulting in the murder of US Navy diver Robert Stethem.
Remarkably, the Louis Vuitton luggage Roussos had purchased in Paris as gifts for his wife Pamela, remained intact. They were eventually recovered and later restored at Louis Vuitton in Paris in the 1990s and have since been kept carefully packed away by Pamela at the family home.
The first is a Louis Vuitton Monogram Boîte à Pharmacie (or vanity case), dating from the 1980s. Crafted in the house’s signature monogram coated canvas with brown leather trim and brass hardware, it retains its internal fittings, including adjustable bottle holders, a removable mirror-lined compartment and central partition.
The case is monogrammed to the front with the initials P.R. referencing Pamela Ratiu, formerly Pamela Roussos. It is estimated to fetch £1,200-£1,800.
A 1980’s Louis Vuitton Monogram Alzer 80 suitcase. Estimate £800-£1,200.
Accompanying it, is a Louis Vuitton Monogram Alzer 80 suitcase, also from the 1980’s. Known for its structured form and reinforced brass corners, the Alzer was designed for long-haul travel and remains in production today, with contemporary examples retailing at £10,800. This example, complete with its interior tray and straps, carries an estimate of £800-£1,200.
Pamela Roussos tells us: “Demis chose the Louis Vuitton cases in Paris as a gift for me and they were always a pleasure to travel with. They were beautifully made and incredibly practical, even after everything they went through, they remained remarkably intact.”
Commenting, Elmwood’s specialist Jess Mackenzie said: “Interest in Louis Vuitton luggage remains exceptionally strong. Collectors are particularly drawn to vintage and rare examples, which are admired for their quality, technical ingenuity and historic craftsmanship. These items are valued not only as luxury travel accessories but also as artefacts that reflect Louis Vuitton’s heritage.”
Mackenzie added: “Celebrity provenance can add significant value and pieces such as these, linked to major cultural figures such as one of Greece’s most recognisable musical icons, or connected to defining historical moments such as the hijacking, are especially sought after.”
The luggage will be offered in Elmwood’s Designer Handbags & Accessories auction on April 23, 2026.
Families of residents who died during the COVID-19 outbreak at St Basil’s Home for the Aged in Fawkner, Victoria, have spoken out after the aged care provider was fined $150,000 over workplace safety failures linked to the tragedy.
Speaking outside court on Wednesday, Spiro Vasilakis, whose mother Maria died during the outbreak at the facility’s Fawkner site in Victoria, described the penalty as “very disappointing.”
“At the end of the day we have a penalty of $150,000 to pay for 45 lives,” he said. “We want to see someone held accountable.”
Another family member, Maxine Mitsinikos, whose mother Georgia Mitsinikos also died during the outbreak, said families were still waiting for closure and accountability.
“I want them to be accountable, somehow, for these lives,” she said. “I want there to be some kind of compensation.”
The case stems from a devastating COVID-19 outbreak that began in July 2020, when the first infection was confirmed on July 9. Within days, widespread transmission was detected after all residents and staff were tested.
In the weeks that followed, 45 residents died from COVID-19-related complications, while dozens of staff members were also infected.
WorkSafe Victoria initially laid nine charges under occupational health and safety laws. However, following extended discussions, St Basil’s pleaded guilty to one charge relating to whether five staff members had received adequate training and instruction on how to correctly put on and remove personal protective equipment (PPE). The remaining eight charges were withdrawn.
The Victorian County Court found the aged care provider had failed to properly train and supervise workers during the early stages of the pandemic. At the time, the facility housed more than 90 residents and employed around 110 staff.
In sentencing, the court noted the case had taken more than five years to resolve and acknowledged that St Basil’s has since strengthened its systems and procedures.
In an earlier statement, St Basil’s said the organisation has undergone “a complete renewal of Board oversight and senior management,” adding that governance and day-to-day operations are now significantly different from those in place during the 2020 outbreak.
Today, 77 residents live at the Fawkner aged care home.
A separate coronial inquest examining the deaths of residents remains ongoing, though proceedings had previously been put on hold.
A total of 21 Greeks from the shipping and business sectors have been included in the latest Forbes list of the world’s billionaires for 2026, published on March 10.
Topping the Greek rankings is Vicky Safra and her four children, who placed 94th globally with a net worth of $27.1 billion after inheriting their fortune from banker Joseph Safra, who died in December 2020.
Shipowner Maria Angelicoussi follows with a fortune of $7.5 billion, ranked 509th globally. Her wealth has steadily risen in recent years, increasing from $5.6 billion in 2023 to $6.4 billion in 2024 and $7.6 billion in 2025.
Vangelis Marinakis ranks 567th with a fortune of $7 billion, up from $4.9 billion last year. The Greek top five is completed by shipowners George Economou (No. 806) and George Prokopiou (No. 908).
Also in the top 10 are Andreas Martinos (No. 972) with $4.4 billion and mining magnate Telis Mystakidis (No. 1011) with $4.2 billion.
The top 10 is rounded out by Spyros Latsis and family (No. 1108, $3.9 billion), Panagiotis Tsakos and family (No. 1189, $3.6 billion), and Philip Niarchos (No. 1504, $2.8 billion).
The list also includes several Greek football club owners: Marinakis, who owns Olympiacos FC; Aristotelis Mystakidis, the new owner of PAOK FC; and Giannis Alafouzos, owner of Panathinaikos FC.
Other Greek billionaires on the 2026 list include members of the Angelicoussi, Latsis and Martinos families, as well as business figures such as Ioannis Papalekas, Evangelos Mytilineos, Georgios Peristeris, Ioannis Coustas and Diamantis Diamantidis.
Greece has released the official music video for its Eurovision Song Contest 2026 entry “Ferto,” performed by Akylas.
The video clip debuted on Wednesday, March 11, offering fans a first look at the performance that will represent Greece at this year’s competition.
In the video, Akylas appears as a video game character travelling through iconic locations across Greece, combining digital animation with real-world scenery.
The release marks a key step in Greece’s Eurovision campaign as excitement builds ahead of Akylas’s live performance at the international contest.
