Search
Home Blog Page 690

HACCI to collaborate with leading Greek Industry, Commerce and Export Organisations

The Greek Herald
-
0
HACCI to collaborate with leading Greek Industry, Commerce and Export Organisations

The Hellenic Australian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) has announced its collaboration with Greece’s leading Industry, Commerce, and Export Organisations. 

On Tuesday, June 18, HACCI NF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Athens (ACCI), Piraeus (PCCI), Thessaloniki (TCCI), and the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), aiming to foster closer collaboration and strengthen bilateral ties between Australia and Greece across various sectors including commerce, industry, and exports.

This historic agreement was forged during a series of video conferences between the HACCI NF Council and representatives of the Hellenic Industry, Commerce, and Export Organisations. It was signed by HACCI NF Council Chair and HACCI Victoria Board Chair Fotini Kypraios, HACCI WA President, Dr Elena Limnios, HACCI NT Chair Angela Tomazos, and HACCI SA Chair Kostas Koutsonas, Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Sofia Kounenaki – Efraimoglou, Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Vassilis Korkidis, Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ioannis Masoutis, and Greek Exporters Association (SEVE) President, Symeon Diamantidis. 

Fotini Kypraios portrait
HACCI NF Council Chair and HACCI Victoria Board Chair Fotini Kypraios.

Through the MoU, the signatories set a collective goal to identify areas of collaboration, such as the holding of webinars, sourcing of speakers, holding joint events, and also to identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration including, but not limited to, areas such as business to business connections, trade fairs, dissemination of insights and research, mentoring, policy advocacy, events, cross promotion and marketing of initiatives, events and activities.

The MoU states a series of objectives, including networking and facilitating connections between the signatory organisations’ members, comprising Greek Australians and Greeks in business, through a centralised communication system; sharing information about events in Greece and Australia; knowledge exchange and innovation showcasing Greek businesses in Australia, through teleconference presentations and regular seminars to cultivate benefits and potential investment and other opportunities.

This landmark agreement will serve as a roadmap for the future of bilateral collaborations, strengthening the ties between Greece and Australia on a business and industry level. 

Moving forward, the signatories of the MoU will appoint representatives to oversee the implementation of joint activities and initiatives. Regular meetings and communication channels will ensure effective coordination and achievement of shared objectives.

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, welcomed the initiative and congratulated the organisations on “formalising their vision for closer collaboration with an MoU.”

Alison Duncan, Head of Mission for Greece
Alison Duncan, Head of Mission for Greece.

“There is broad scope for growing the trade and investment relationship between Australia and Greece, and the Greek Australian business community is a key driver of stronger ties,” Ms Duncan added.

“I’m delighted to see the HACCI National Federation and their Greek counterparts creating new avenues for stronger economic and commercial cooperation in a wide range of fields. I look forward to supporting this promising new partnership.” 

Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos also congratulated the organisations on singing the MoU.

“This partnership marks an era of enhanced collaboration, aiming to explore opportunities in business-to-business connections, trade fairs, research dissemination, mentoring, and policy advocacy,” Mr Venizelos said.

“The MoU’s focus on organising webinars, sourcing expert speakers, and holding joint events will undoubtedly enhance cross-promotion and marketing of initiatives, events, and activities. This collaboration promises to strengthen ties and foster substantial growth and development in commerce and exports between Greece and Australia.” 

HACCI NF Council Chair Fotini Kypraios said the federation is “thrilled to join forces with the Hellenic Industry, Commerce, and Export Organisations.”

“It is a historic moment for us, a testament to the HNF’s commitment to supporting and fostering bilateral trade and professional networks between Australia and Greece,” Ms Kypraios added.

“Since its inception, this sort of collaboration has been one of the HNF key objectives. We are building stronger bridges between Greece and Australia and creating opportunities for progress and advancement at every level.

“Every interaction we have had with stakeholders in Greece and Australia has proven that there is very strong interest in both countries to further explore avenues of bilateral collaboration. More importantly, there’s an extremely high level of skills, experience, and innovative spirit within both business and industry ecosystems, to allow these collaborations take place and bear fruit. We can’t wait to see what great outcomes this collaboration will produce.”

HACCI WA President Dr Elena Limnios concurred and said the agreement “marks a significant step in enhancing trade between Australia and Greece, benefiting not just our members but anyone interested in business or investment between the two countries.”

“We extend our gratitude to Mrs. Alison Duncan, the Australian Ambassador to Greece, for her pivotal role in strengthening our connections at the highest level. Additionally, I acknowledge the leadership of SEVE, whose suggestion earlier this year to formalise our relationship has blossomed into a broad collaboration among all our chambers and trade organisations,” Dr Limnios said.

Future of Australia’s National Second Division in doubt

The Greek Herald
-
0
Future of Australia’s National Second Division in doubt

The future of Football Australia’s National Second Division is in doubt due to a shortage of suitable teams to get the competition off the ground.

Set to launch in 2025, the National Second Division would feature 10 to 14 clubs playing a home-and-away season run through the winter months, with no immediate link to the A-League Men.

Eight ‘foundation’ National Second Division clubs – including APIA Leichhardt, Avondale FC, Marconi, Preston Lions, South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic, Sydney United 58 and Wollongong Wolves – were unveiled by Football Australia in November 2023. They cleared the high financial bar set by the organisation to be involved with the new competition.

national second tier sydney olympic south melbourne fc
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia (right), spoke at a press conference last week. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.

But sources have told The Sydney Morning Herald that the recent application process to fill the remaining two to four club spots has failed. The deadline for that process passed without any updates from Football Australia.

The governing body is now set to meet on Thursday, July 18, with clubs bracing for news that their desired format will not receive the green light.

Football Australia has instead allegedly floated a ‘Champions League-style’ model as an alternative to the National Second Division, in which clubs would remain in their respective state NPLs and play additional matches between those fixtures, akin to cup competitions. Foundation clubs do not support this idea and want their own league.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

South Melbourne to go head-to-head with Oakleigh Cannons in Dockerty Cup final

The Greek Herald
-
0
South Melbourne to go head-to-head with Oakleigh Cannons in Dockerty Cup final

By Bill Roumeliotis

South Melbourne FC secured a 1-0 victory over Hume City at Lakeside Stadium on Tuesday, July 16 and advanced to the Dockerty Cup Final. 

The ‘golden’ goal of the semi-final, scored in the 4th minute by Andy Brennan with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, proved enough for the ‘Blue and White’ team to secure their final spot. 

After that early goal, Hume City controlled much of the game but failed to create clear scoring opportunities. 

Despite not being satisfied with their performance, South Melbourne held onto its victory and advances to the Cup Final. South Melbourne’s opponent in the Dockerty Cup final on August 3 will be Oakleigh Cannons FC, who defeated Melbourne Srbija 1-0.

Melbourne Greek restaurant operated despite demand to close amid pest infestation

The Greek Herald
-
0
Melbourne Greek restaurant operated despite demand to close amid pest infestation

Lygon Street’s Greek souvlaki staple Lambs continue to operate despite health orders to shut its doors following the discovery of rodent faeces, mice carcasses and cockroaches near food preparation stations and amongst inventory.

According to The Herald Sun, the restaurant was served these orders after an unannounced health inspection following a plethora of complaints of live pest infestation.

Lambs was asked by Melbourne City Council to fix its filthy conditions on March 10 in 2023. A failure to do so resulted in the restaurant’s owner Stephen Yannoulidis having to face court.

Raw meat next to take away plastic water bottles at Lambs on Lygon St. Photo: Herald Sun.

Mr Yannoulidis recently attended the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to address the egregious infringements of food safety and hygiene.

The defence submitted Mr Yannoulidis “took his eye off the ball” at the restaurant due to personal reasons, the COVID-19 pandemic and his lack of staff. The court was also told Mr Yannoulidis will keep Lambs on Lygon St open for business.

Magistrate Michael Gurvich said the food safety breaches were “revolting” and “not an isolated incident.”

Mr Yannoulidis and Lambs on Lygon St both avoided a conviction, but were fined $25,000 each and ordered to pay $7727.50 in court costs.

Source: Herald Sun

Greece prepares military deal with Ukraine, intensifying Russian frustration

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greece prepares military deal with Ukraine, intensifying Russian frustration

Greece’s increased support of Ukraine has come at the expense of its relations with Russia, according to an article by AlJazeera.

Athens-based institute, Dianeosis, revealed that approximately 70 percent of Greeks had a favourable perspective of Russia prior to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This event caused a drastic drop to 50 percent following 2022, and further to 30 percent last year.

Since the invasion, Greece has sent to Ukraine 20,000 155mm artillery shells, Stinger missiles and 40 Soviet-era BMP-1 armoured personnel carriers.

40 Soviet-era BMP-1 armoured personnel carriers.
Greece sent to Ukraine 40 Soviet-era BMP-1 armoured personnel carriers.

Four colossal transformers that convert high-voltage DC current produced by power stations to the lower AC voltage are also being prepared to be sent over to Ukraine. These transformers are used on local distribution grids that supply households.

In response, Russia have appealed to its shared Orthodoxy with Greece and its assistance to the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Greece remains firm however, as they equated their ‘belligerent’ behaviour during the invasion to their neighbour Turkey.

According to Aljazeera, Greece and Ukraine are currently negotiating a 10-year assistance agreement similar to those signed by accompanying NATO members.

A diplomatic source cited “Greece wants an agreement… based on military budget surpluses – materials you have to sell or destroy before their use-by date… we do not want a separate Ukraine budget line.”

Source: Aljazeera

Greek Olympian caught in doping scandal

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek Olympian caught in doping scandal

A track and field athlete from Greece’s Olympic team for the 2024 Paris Games in France has tested positive for performance enhancing substances following a random doping check just 10 days before the opening ceremony.

The positive test result was confirmed by the Hellenic Anti-Doping Agency (EOKAN). The athlete is permitted to appeal for a second sample test, or they must accept the positive result of the original test.

Greece’s Olympic delegation includes 101 athletes, 14 of whom compete in track and field.

The identity of the athlete remains unknown.

Source: Ekathimerini

Greece’s basketball team claim victory over Puerto Rico in Olympic warm-up

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greece’s basketball team claim victory over Puerto Rico in Olympic warm-up

Stressful but victorious, Greece’s men’s basketball team defeated Puerto Rico 67-65 in their last friendly match before their participation in the Paris Olympics.

The Greek national team was behind in the score for most of the game, but the determination it showed in the fourth period brought the reversal with a basket by Papanikolaou at 39:45 before the end (66-65) and finally the victory with 67-65, which was formed with 1/2 shots of Papagiannis.

The men’s national team competed without Nick Kalathis, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Giannoulis Larentzakis, while in the second half Vassilis Toliopoulos was also sidelined with a shoulder injury (he will undergo magnetic resonance imaging).

Greece’s leading scorer was Dinos Mitoglou, who reached the double-double with 18 points and 8 rebounds. A worthy supporter of Giorgos Papagiannis with 13 points and 7 rebounds and Kostas Papanikolaou with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

Source: Zougla

50 years on: Frederika Apokidou reflects on Cyprus invasion and move to Australia

Kathy Karageorgiou
-
0
50 years on: Frederika Apokidou reflects on Cyprus invasion and move to Australia

To gain a first-hand understanding of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, I spoke with a charming and vivacious Cypriot lady – Frederika Apokidou.

“Turkish troops illegally invaded the northeastern parts of Cyprus. As a result, 200,000 were forced to leave their homes ending up as refugees in their own country. 4,000 people lost their lives and 1,619 people were declared missing,” Frederika explained.

“50 years later, Cyprus is still being occupied and divided. Human rights have definitely been violated. A solution is pending for reunification of the island.”

Frederika lived in Cyprus until October 1974, which was a few months after the island’s invasion by Turkey, when she moved to Australia with her three children where she remains. 

Frederika's children in Cyprus before moving to Australia in 1974.
Frederika’s children in Cyprus before moving to Australia in 1974.

“The Australians were very polite people. This country gave me opportunities which I grabbed,” Frederika asserted.

She lived in the midst of socio-political and historical events unfolding until and during the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey. 

“In 1974 things suddenly became scary – due to the Junta military coup in Greece, and the small extreme group (EOKA-B) in Cyprus who supported the Junta, prompting in-fighting between the Turks and Greek Cypriots. They demanded immediate ‘Enosis’ – for Cyprus to unite with Greece,” Frederika said.

Now divided since 1974, 37 per cent of Cyprus’ territory – the northern part – is illegally occupied by Turkey. ‘The green-line’ which divides Northern Cyprus from the rest of Cyprus has UN Peace Keeping Forces monitoring the area in case hostilities reignite.

“They are there to keep an eye on the communities although I was hesitant,” Frederika said, “When relatives eventually persuaded me to accompany them on a day trip to the northern part of Cyprus on the Turkish border in 1988, I was forced to show my passport to the Turkish guards – and that’s in my own birth country!”

Her children in 1984, before embarking on a holiday to Cyprus.
Her children in 1984, before embarking on a holiday to Cyprus.

In her final year of High School in Limassol, Cyprus, from where Frederika hails, the British closed down the renowned Lanitio High School which she had attended for five years, due to student rebellions there in 1955. 

“We got annoyed with the British rule then, but generally I don’t remember anything bad with the British administration,” she said.

And in terms of living amongst Turkish people in Cyprus, Frederika said: “Turks in Cyprus generally lived in their separate suburbs but also lived in parts of ours, such as in Limassol. They were generally friendly and peaceful. The political tensions caused a Turkish family – the father was a lawyer – to decide to leave for England. They lived next door to my girlfriend and gave her the key to their house to mind.”

On her life in Australia, Frederika claimed: “The main reason I succeeded in Australia was because I’ve worked hard and hardly looked back. I saw no point in doing so, not because I didn’t love my country, but I came to realise that one should put the past behind and always move forward. I immediately enrolled my kids at the local school in Melbourne, where they got a special English teacher to help with their English, and I then subsequently immediately went to work.”

Frederika now
Frederika today.

Smiling, Frederika added: “When I arrived, my first job was for a Cypriot importer. Then six months later, I got a letter from the Commonwealth Employment Office encouraging me to sit for exams with the prospect of getting a job as an Interpreter. In Cyprus we did four hours of English a week, so I wasn’t confident – but I passed the exam! After I’d passed the exam, I got a job as an Interpreter with the Victorian Education Department and at the same time I started an Associate Diploma in Interpreting and Translating at R.M.I T.  University. A few years later I attended Melbourne University where I gained a Graduate Diploma in Education Administration. This led to work at The Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.”

graduation with family
Graduation with family.

Frederika also successfully produced and presented a radio programme about Cyprus on a Melbourne Greek station every Saturday for almost five years, which gave her and her listeners great joy, but at the same time, it was reminiscent of Cyprus still being occupied.

“At 85 years old now, I still work as a Telephone Interpreter providing services to Services Australia. It’s a satisfying and rewarding experience for me,” she concluded.

“I’ve been through a lot in my life, including losing my beloved daughter Anna for whom I’m still grieving. I enjoy having my children and grandchildren around. I’m generally happy and grateful living in this great country, Australia.”

SEKA NSW unveils program of events marking 50 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

The Greek Herald
-
0
SEKA NSW unveils program of events marking 50 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

The Justice for Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee (SEKA NSW) has announced its program of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus this year.

The events kick off in July and include a documentary screening, a wreath laying ceremony, a peaceful protest and anti-occupation gathering.

The commemorative events will be attended by Panayiotis Palates, Commissioner of the Citizen of the Republic of Cyprus.

Here is the full program of events:

Saturday, July 20

Kay Pavlou’s new one-hour documentary Two Homelands will be screened at the Cyprus Club in Stanmore on Saturday, July 20. The night costs $10 at the door and will start at 7pm with music by Tassos Lambrou on the bouzouki. At 8pm, Hellen Arestides will perform songs in the theme of ‘homelands,’ before Ms Pavlou’s documentary is screened at 8.15pm. In the documentary, six elderly Greek Cypriots reflect on their war-torn homeland and life in Australia.

Sunday, July 28

At 10am on Sunday, July 28, there will be a memorial service for the fallen and prayer for the missing persons at the Cathedral of St Sophia and Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Church at 411A Bourke Street, Surry Hills, Sydney.

From 1.30pm, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Martin Place cenotaph in Sydney, to commemorate those Australian, Cypriot and Allied Soldiers who have fought for freedom and democracy. A peaceful protest march will follow by those present at the Cenotaph and will end at Sydney
Town Hall.

This will be followed by an anti-occupation gathering with speeches and a cultural program at the Cyprus Community Club in Stanmore at 3.30pm.

If you would like to attend the wreath laying ceremony at Martin Place, free buses will be available from the Cyprus Community Club at 58-76 Stanmore Road, Stanmore, Sydney. Buses will be leaving between 12pm and 12.45pm. For more information, contact the Cyprus Community of NSW on 9557 1256.

First look at the $400 million Adelaide Central Market redevelopment

The Greek Herald
-
0
First look at the $400 million Adelaide Central Market redevelopment

A rare opportunity to join one of the world’s top food and produce markets, visited by more than eight million people each year, is now available with the Adelaide Central Market Authority.

Rated as one of the best and largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, the Market is casting the net nationally, seeking Expressions of Interest from prospective tenants to find the best established and up-and-coming food and hospitality businesses to join this iconic project.

The expansion of the Adelaide Central Market is due to be completed in 2026 and will create up to 53 new tenancies. The new tenancies will comprise a combination of traditional market-style stalls inspired by the existing Market, kiosks suitable for food, beverage and complementary retail outlets, and perimeter store tenancies offering a more traditional dining, hospitality and retail experience.

Upon completion, the expansion will double the size of the existing Market footprint and increase the total number of tenancies to 123 across 6,760 sqm of lettable retail space with 1000 undercover car parks and projected visitation of 10 million annually.

“We’ve got one of the best markets in the world and this expansion will strengthen our position as a global food and cultural destination, showcasing the outstanding local produce and the fantastic small businesses we have within South Australia,” Adelaide Central Market Authority Chairman Theo Maras said.

“It’s a testament to its heritage and importance to the community that the Market is at the heart of such a significant investment and once-in-a-generation development for the City of Adelaide.”

The expanded Adelaide Central Market, in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, is part of the $400 million Market Square development being jointly delivered by the City of Adelaide and ICD Property, creating a mixed- use precinct of national significance and new inner-city social and commercial hub.

adelaide central market
Artists impression of the new Adelaide Central Market.

Above the expanded Market will be 234 boutique apartments, complementary retail and supermarket, nine floors of premium commercial office space, Australia’s first 248-room Treehouse Hotel and an elevated outdoor urban terrace.

Fabienne Reilly, Adelaide Central Market Authority General Manager, said: “the Adelaide Central Market is embarking on an exciting new era that ensures it remains relevant for current and future generations while continuing to celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture for which the Market is renowned.”

“We’re looking for passionate food and beverage businesses that share our commitment to quality, innovation, and community spirit,” Reilly added.

“Applicants will be assessed on criteria aimed at ensuring the Market continues to serve the community and offer more of what our shoppers know and love.”

adelaide central market
Artists impression of the new Adelaide Central Market.

Under the Market Expansion plans, its original east-west pedestrian access to Victoria Square will be reinstated. New areas will include The Laneway, a north-south connection between Grote and Gouger streets supporting urban culture and art and lined with outdoor dining options, as well as the grand Market Hall designed to be a new meeting place at the heart of the expanded Market and will host pop-ups, activities and events.

The new tenancies will suit a mix of retail categories including:

  • Fresh food and produce – traders providing take-home and consumable food products
  • Hospitality and catering – specialising in grab-and-go or ‘eat there’ experiences
  • Hybrid food offering – a blend between food retail and food catering
  • Living and giving – traders that complement food retail and food catering categories

The Adelaide Central Market is currently 100% leased, with Market traders looking forward to the business growth and opportunities the Market Expansion will bring.

“The Market Expansion will bring more of what people already love about the Adelaide Central Market – the food, the people and the community. It’s an Adelaide icon and definitely one of the best markets in the world,” said trader Valerie Henbest, of Smelly Cheese Co.

adelaide central market
Trader Valerie Henbest, of Smelly Cheese Co.

“The Adelaide Central Market is a truly unique experience,” said Tony O’Connell, of O’Connell’s Meats, whose family has been part of the Market for more than 40 years. “The expansion will only make it better.”

Carla Alemao, of Saudade Portuguese Tarts, said: “My business is thriving at the Market – it’s been a perfect fit since we opened our doors in 2022 and has taken our business to the next level. We’re really excited by the Market expansion and the new business opportunities it will bring.”

adelaide central market
Tony O’Connell of O’Connell’s Meats.

The leasing campaign for the ground floor will run in conjunction with ICD Property’s upcoming leasing campaign for level 1 which will include a boutique supermarket along with other service-based retail and food and beverage offerings.

Expressions of Interest closes 31 August. For more information, visit adelaidecentralmarket.com/expansion

1...689690691...1,983Page 690 of 1,983

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.