Hotels in Greece are facing a wave of booking cancellations as the war in Iran disrupts travel patterns and raises costs across the tourism sector.
Many visitors from Israel and the United States, traditionally key tourism markets, are cancelling trips due to concerns over the ongoing conflict.
At the same time, some travellers are shifting holidays away from Egypt and Turkey and choosing Greek destinations instead.
The island of Alonissos has recorded a surge in interest from British tourists, with bookings already exceeding the capacity of local hotels.
President of the Union of Greek Hoteliers, Tsiklakidis, warned that if the conflict continues, the country’s tourism industry could suffer significant losses by May.
Rising fuel costs are also affecting travel, with ferry fares and intercity bus tickets increasing by about 10 percent, while airlines say flights will continue but ticket prices are expected to rise.
An Italian naval frigate has arrived in Cyprus as part of a broader European deployment linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis, Italian authorities said.
The frigate ITS Federico Martinengo sailed from the southern Italian port of Taranto with more than 160 crew members on board.
The deployment is part of a coordinated initiative involving several European countries, including France, Spain and Netherlands.
Greece has also reinforced its presence on the island, deploying the frigates HS Kimon and HS Psara along with four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy has sent Wildcat helicopters and the destroyer HMS Dragon toward the island.
France has deployed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, while Spain has dispatched the frigate Cristóbal Colón and the Netherlands has also sent a frigate to the region.
The vessel, Star Gwyneth, is operated by Star Bulk Carriers, led by CEO Petros Pappas, whose company manages a fleet of 125 ships.
Maritime reports said the carrier was struck by a projectile of unknown origin early in the morning, damaging one cargo hold.
The ship remains seaworthy, with no injuries reported and no Greek nationals among the crew. No pollution or leaks were detected, and the vessel later moved to a new anchorage for inspection.
Two other vessels were also targeted. The Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was struck while anchored, sparking a fire that has since been brought under control, while the Japanese-operated containership One Majesty suffered partial hull damage near Ras Al Khaimah but remains navigable.
Additional incidents are under investigation near Abu Musa, while a drone sighting near Duqm has triggered further security alerts.
The attacks have heightened concern across the maritime industry, with shipowners increasing security measures and closely monitoring vessel movements as the situation in the strategic waterway remains highly volatile.
Donald Trump said it will ultimately be his decision when the war with Iran ends, declaring the United States has struck the country “harder than virtually any country in history has been hit” and warning “we’re not finished yet.”
Speaking outside the White House, Trump said continued military pressure was needed: “More of the same,” he said. “And we’ll see how that all comes out.”
As the conflict escalated, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned police in California about a potential Iranian drone strike, while evacuations and office closures occurred in Dubai due to regional security concerns.
Photo: AP.
To ease rising global energy prices caused by the conflict, the International Energy Agency announced the release of 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves.
The war has also affected shipping and energy infrastructure in the region, including an attack on a Thai bulk carrier in the Strait of Hormuz and drone strikes on fuel tanks at Salalah Port.
Meanwhile, a preliminary report found the US responsible for a Tomahawk missile strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed 150 people.
International Women’s Day was marked in South Australia with a powerful celebration of women’s leadership, creativity and cultural expression, as the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SA) and the French‑Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SA) came together to host Women in Creative Business.
Held at The Lab at ILA in Adelaide, the event brought together business leaders, creatives and community members to honour women shaping the creative industries, with a particular focus on emerging Greek‑Australian film talent.
At the centre of the evening was young Greek Australian filmmaker Madeleine Parry, whose work was showcased to an extremely engaged audience.
The event opened with a screening of one of Parry’s films, followed by discussion highlighting her growing body of work and the significance of storytelling as a cultural bridge. The screening also served to promote Parry’s latest feature film, Eleftheria – a project already attracting strong interest and industry recognition.
Parry has received several national and international accolades for her work, including directing the Emmy‑ and Peabody‑winning Hannah Gadsby: Nanette for Netflix. Her success has positioned her as one of SA’s most exciting creative exports, and a powerful example of Greek diaspora talent making an impact on the global stage.
“Madeleine represents exactly the kind of creative voice we want to support and elevate,” Alex Demetriou from the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in SA said.
“She is doing extraordinary work, telling meaningful stories, and showing what is possible for young Greek Australians pursuing creative careers.”
The evening also featured a panel discussion exploring women’s leadership in the arts and creative industries, with The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP among the panellists.
Minister Michaels, who is of Greek Cypriot heritage, holds the South Australian portfolios for Small Business, Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and the Arts. Her participation underscored the importance of policy, representation and support for creative practitioners, particularly women and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Minister Andrea Michaels.Madeleine Parry.
Minister Michaels spoke about the role of the arts in shaping inclusive communities and the importance of ensuring that creative industries remain accessible and sustainable for future generations.
Joining Minister Michaels on the panel was Beth Neate, a respected leader in SA’s arts and creative sector and CEO of Guildhouse, a peak body for visual art and design.
The event was moderated by French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member (NSW) and respected arts and cultural leader Lyn Tuit GAICD, and brought together voices from across business, government and the creative sector.
Attendees engaged in discussion around gender equity, cultural identity, creative entrepreneurship and the pathways available to women working in film and the arts.
For the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in SA, the event formed part of a broader commitment to celebrating Greek Australian achievement beyond traditional business sectors, recognising the growing influence of creative industries within both the Greek diaspora and the South Australian economy.
Madeleine + HACCI SA Board members – Voula Gaganis, Dione Andrews-Chrisakis, Elias Demoutzidis, (panel members) Andrea Michaels, Madeleine Parry, Alex Demetriou (Chair of HACCI SA).
“This was about more than a single event,” organisers noted. “It was about recognising excellence, inspiring the next generation, and ensuring that Greek Australian stories and voices continue to be seen and heard.”
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in SA acknowledged the strong collaboration with Florence Masters from the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SA), noting that the event reflected the value of cross-cultural partnerships in promoting creative industries.
The event concluded with networking and conversation, leaving attendees inspired by the talent on display and the strength of collaboration between cultural, business and creative communities in the state.
History was made this weekend as the first ever International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration jointly hosted by 18 Greek and Cypriot women’s organisations took place in Melbourne under the leadership of the Pan Hellenic Women’s Federation of Australia (PHWFA).
Close to 300 attendees gathered to celebrate women’s achievements, community leadership, and the global theme of International Women’s Day, “Give to Gain – When we give, we gain.” The event marked an unprecedented moment of unity, bringing together women, community leaders, and organisations from across Victoria to honour the contributions, resilience, and strength of Greek and Cypriot women.
Founder of the PHWFA, Georgina Papafotiou, described the event as a historic milestone for the Hellenic and Cypriot communities in Australia.
“This event is historic. Never before in Australia have so many Greek and Cypriot organisations come together to celebrate and recognise women in such a unified and meaningful way,” Ms Papafotiou said.
“It is the result of collaboration, determination, and a shared vision to empower women across generations. We have received overwhelming support from organisations, leaders, and individuals across Victoria.
“This energy shows that when we unite, we can achieve extraordinary things for our communities. This is only the beginning – a platform has been created for all Greek and Cypriot women to be seen, heard, and supported.”
The celebration highlighted the Federation’s mission to unite Greek and Cypriot women at local, State, and National levels, showcasing the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and empowerment across generations. It also demonstrated the Federation’s role in statewide support, connecting women and organisations across Victoria to share knowledge, opportunities, and resources.
Overwhelming support was received from many across Victoria, including presidents, committees, and members of the 18 participating organisations, many of whom dedicated countless hours to ensure the success of the event.
“We are deeply grateful to the incredible women on the organising committees who committed so much of their time and energy to make this historic event possible,” Ms Papafotiou said.
Special acknowledgement was also given to Agapi Pashos, Secretary of the Greek Democritus Workers League, whose dedication and support contributed significantly to the smooth running of the event.
The audience was privileged to hear presentations from two distinguished guest speakers.
Liana Papoutsis, a Melbourne-based ACA counsellor, lecturer, and speaker specialising in Family Violence, coercive control, and trauma recovery, delivered a powerful address that brought clarity about safety, resilience, and rebuilding after harm. Her presentation provided practical insights and inspiration, empowering individuals to recognise their strength and navigate life after trauma.
Vicky Papazoglou presented an inspiring reflection on the story of Waris Dirie, a Somali woman who survived female genital mutilation and became a global advocate for women’s rights. She then shared the story of Franca Viola, the Italian woman whose courageous refusal to accept a forced marriage after assault helped change laws and societal attitudes toward women’s rights.
Their presentations sparked thoughtful discussion, highlighting courage, resilience, and the transformative power of advocacy for women everywhere.
The event was attended by many distinguished current and former leaders from the Greek and Cypriot communities, including Presidents of organisations, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Mayors, Councillors, and other community leaders, further underlining the historic significance of this celebration.
The event was strengthened by remarks from four respected community Presidents, who expressed their strong support for the initiative, including Bill Papastergiadis, Arthur Salahas, Kyrie Herekakis, and Sotirios Stylianou.
Adding vibrancy and celebration, exceptional performers generously volunteered their time to entertain and inspire attendees, including Anthea Sidiropoulos, Harmony Choir, Anastasios Theophanous, and NICO Entertainment DJs – Kosta & Thomas. Their performances created a lively, uplifting atmosphere for all attendees.
The organisers expressed sincere gratitude to the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria for generously providing the venue at no cost, reflecting strong local support for this historic initiative.
Sponsors were warmly acknowledged for their generosity and commitment to supporting women and community initiatives, which were vital to the event’s success.
The PHWFA was established to unite organisations, foster networks of support, and ensure that women of all backgrounds, experiences, and generations are represented and heard.
This initiative is ongoing and marks the beginning of an important journey. A Board representing the Federation in Victoria will be elected within the next six months, and plans are already underway to expand the Federation to other States across Australia over the coming years.
The Federation also welcomes additional organisations to join this growing network of collaboration, advocacy, and support.
“This is only the beginning,” Ms Papafotiou said. “With the continued support of our organisations, leaders, and communities across Victoria, we look forward to building a strong Federation that represents and supports Greek and Cypriot women throughout Australia. Together, we are creating a legacy — a platform that will empower women for generations to come.”
Organisations interested in becoming involved or learning more about the Federation are encouraged to make contact: Georgina Papafotiou: 0435 119 894 or Agapi Pashos: 0458 936 634
The success of the inaugural International Women’s Day celebration marks the start of a new chapter of collaboration, unity, and empowerment, and will be remembered as a historic milestone for Greek and Cypriot women in Australia.
The Greek Festival of Sydney’s second annual Greek Australian Comedy Gala, Paravasis, brought the house down at the Sydney Comedy Store last Sunday, playing to a full house of Greek and non-Greek Australians alike.
Greek and Italian Australian comedian Anthony Locascio curated a lineup of the best young Greek Australian comedians, showing the diversity of humour and wit within the Greek Australian community. Locascio was “absolutely thrilled” with the show.
Anthony Locascio.
“I was ecstatic at the audience’s response. We had a predominantly young crowd in who hung off every word each comic said. And they barely said a word about being Greek. The mission to represent Greek Australians in a way that expands the identity was fully accomplished, and I’m now very keen to make it a fully-fledged annual part of the GFOS programming,” he said.
Likewise, Festival Director Tilda Sikes was “delighted” watching the audience laugh along to Paravasis.
“Everyone in the audience had a ball, myself included. We’re so appreciative of Anthony and these young comedians, who were just fantastic, for their support of the Greek Festival. We can’t wait to see more of them at the Sydney Comedy Festival later this year,” she said.
While Locascio kicked off the night and popped in between sets to introduce the comedians and perform some of his own hilarious jokes, he mostly left the laughs to the up-and-comers on the lineup.
First up was Melbournian Con Coutis, whose eccentric, tech-infused storytelling created the perfect offbeat energy to start off the night. His bit parodying smug guitar players who can “say whatever they want” while playing brought some of the first big laughs of the evening.
Con Coutis.
Afterwards, Montana Papadinis’ set took the humour in a more controversial, but no less funny direction. Pulling off material referencing her dad’s gambling addiction and being kidnapped overseas is no easy feat, but Papadinis managed it perfectly, leaving the audience cringing as much as they laughed.
Montana Papadinis.
2025 RAW Comedy runner up Josh Spyro’s frenetic set had the audience roaring, with material ranging from road rage to his Greek dad’s aversion to therapy. Spyro loved performing at the gala, describing the crowd’s energy as “electric” as himself and the other comedians “…dove deep into what it truly means to be Greek – going beyond the souvlaki and the ‘opa!’ stereotypes to explore something richer, something real.”
Josh Spyro.
After a short intermission and a crowd work-heavy welcome back from Locascio, RAW Comedy runner up Mariah Nickolas brought a more reserved, hilarious set to change up the pace. Nickolas’ set included some genuinely heartfelt and funny moments, like her story of coming out as bisexual to her grandmother. But she never compromised on her self-described “introvert” humour, describing her method of flirting as like “when two straight men make eye contact in a threesome.”
Mariah Nickolas.
The final act of the night was 2025 RAW Comedy winner Peter Josip, who set the tone for his set immediately when he strolled out on stage sporting an Umbro tracksuit and swinging a komboloi. Josip’s hilarious stories from his “hot girl summer” and being mistaken as a Mexican man in the US were the perfect way to cap off the evening, ensuring the audience left with huge smiles.
Peter Josip.
Josip “…[doesn’t] think it could have gone any better”, and appreciated the “…incredible audience that were really into comedy that all happened to be Greek… as a Hellenic comedian [it’s] refreshing that they were all just as into jokes that had nothing to do about being Greek, as well as jokes about being Greek.”Judging from the laughter that flowed from the audience as they left the Comedy Store, there can be no doubt that Paravasis was a huge success. The stereotypical ‘ethnic comedy’ expected from Greek Australian comedians may be fun; but when they move beyond these conventions and cliches, they access a higher level of nuanced, diverse humour that’s sure to make you laugh till your cheeks hurt.
The book was launched this week at the Greek Centre as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminar Series, with the evening expertly presented by Dr Nick Dallas of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM).
The room reflected the very communities the book explores. Families filled the space, many carrying their own histories of survival and migration. Among those present were long-time advocates connected to the memory of the Greek Genocide, including advocates like Simela Stamatopoulos, Roma Siachos, Nikolaos Makridis, Kostas Antoniadis and Sophia Kotanidou, alongside former Victorian minister John Pantazopoulos, former Mayor of Merribek Lambros Tapinos, Merribek Councillor Helen Politis, Hume Councilor John Haddad. The evening was sponsored by Mary Tsaganas in memory of her mother, Olympia.
It was an intergenerational and multicultural audience, scholars, community leaders, university students and elders, with Dr Kritikakos’ family and friends also turning out in force.
The evening featured a conversation between Dr Kritikakos and historian Professor Joy Damousi, who supervised his doctoral research at the University of Melbourne.
“It’s always a pleasure to see your students thrive,” Professor Damousi said. “This is a very special event to celebrate Themistocles’ first book. It announces him as a new scholar in the field, one who is making important contributions to current debates.”
From family memory to research
For Dr Kritikakos, the subject was never purely academic.
“My interest started through my personal connection and hearing stories growing up within my family,” he said. “In the local community, particularly in Brunswick, stories were shared, but there was also silence around certain issues.”
Those memories were especially vivid on his mother’s side.
“My mother often spoke about the experiences of her parents, who were born in Asia Minor,” he said. “She told me what she knew of their traumatic histories.”
That mixture of memory and silence shaped his research.
“I noticed very early on that certain stories remained within families,” he said. “They didn’t always enter the public sphere.”
Carrying trauma across generations
In the book, Dr Kritikakos examines how descendants of survivors inherit fragments of trauma, often without hearing the full story.
Through interviews with Armenian, Greek and Assyrian Australians, he found that many people sensed something was wrong long before they understood the history behind it.
“Very often there were hints,” he said. “People noticed grief or moments when something felt wrong, but they didn’t understand what had happened until later in life.”
For some participants, the interviews were the first time they had shared their family’s story in full.
“Many expressed a sense of responsibility, almost a burden, to make sense of the history they carried,” he said.
Looking across communities
Rather than focusing on a single group, the book brings Armenian, Greek and Assyrian experiences together.
“I wanted to highlight communities whose histories have often been overlooked,” Dr Kritikakos said.
While the Armenian genocide has received broader international recognition, he noted that the persecution of Greek and Assyrian communities during the same period remains far less widely discussed.
“For me it made sense to look at groups that were less visible and examine how their experiences overlapped,” he said.
Professor Damousi said the comparative approach was one of the book’s strengths.
“It’s a big enough project to study one community,” she said. “To bring together three communities, each with their own histories and complexities, is a remarkable achievement.”
Cooperation, not competition
The research also traces growing cooperation between Armenian, Greek and Assyrian communities in Australia.
“What I noticed was that dialogue began between the communities,” Dr Kritikakos said. “They started sharing their experiences and research.”
Rather than competing for recognition, activists have increasingly worked together.
“There’s a new generation that recognises the value of cooperation,” he said. “They’re building coalitions and creating shared narratives of memory.”
The Gallipoli shadow
During the Q&A, an audience member raised the question of why Australia has historically been reluctant to formally recognise the genocides.
“There’s a strong story shared with Turkey about the birth of the nation,” he said. “That reconciliation between former enemies has shaped how these events are discussed.”
Yet Australians were not distant observers to the violence of the early twentieth century.
“Australian soldiers, journalists and humanitarian workers witnessed these events,” he said. “They documented atrocities and helped refugees.”
Those stories, he argued, remain largely absent from mainstream Australian history.
Expanding Australia’s story
For Dr Kritikakos, bringing these histories forward is about broadening how Australia understands itself.
“Migrant stories and diaspora stories are essential to understanding Australia,” he said, adding that these still shape identities and communities across generations.
“I’m deeply grateful to the participants from the Armenian, Greek and Assyrian communities. Many generously shared memories that have often remained private for generations. Thank you for continuing this conversation.”
Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Genocide Recognition in Twenty-First Century Australia: Memory, Identity, and Cooperation (Palgrave Studies in the History of Genocide, 2026) is available on Amazon.
Earlwood Wanderers made history with their first Australia Cup victory, defeating Shoalhaven Heads Berry FC 7-0 in the first preliminary round at Strathfield Park last Sunday.
The win featured four goal scorers: Harry Lekopoulos (18′, 49′), Luke Azizi (20′, 60′), Logan Teixeira (42′, 87′), and Dimitri Vallas (80′).
Captain Apostolos Tatsis, who attended the 2015 FFA Cup launch as an 11-year-old, led the team to the milestone triumph.
Earlwood will face Rydalmere Lions FC from NSW League One in the next round.
The team lineup included Azizi, Argyropoulos, Diniotis, Giannopoulos, Graham, Koumoulas, Lekopoulos, Maher, Saab, Simister, Tatsis, Vallas, Vavayis, Sentas, and Teixeira, under coaches Jim Athan and Christos Tatsis.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, has presented a Commemorative Medallion of the Hellenic Republic to Alison Pearson in recognition of the military service of her grandfather, Private William Allen John Woods, during the Second World War.
The medal honours Woods’ role in defending Greece during the German invasion in 1941. According to family accounts shared by Pearson, the Australian soldier was captured by German forces in June 1941 while fighting in Crete.
Following his capture, Woods was held as a prisoner of war in Poland for several years before being liberated at the end of the war in 1945, when he returned to Australia.
Presenting the medallion, Mr Skemperis acknowledged the sacrifice and courage of Allied soldiers who fought alongside the Greek people during the war.
