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Restraining order against Melbourne community leader Tony Tsourdalakis dropped

The Greek Herald
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Restraining order against Melbourne community leader Tony Tsourdalakis dropped

A personal intervention order placed on former President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ), Tony Tsourdalakis, has been dropped by a Victorian magistrate.

This comes after a hearing for Mr Tsourdalakis’ case at the Ringwood Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 13.

Mr Tsourdalakis was first slapped with the personal intervention order in November 2023, after allegedly threatening to incite violence on former President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, Emanuel Starakis.

In an open letter published in The Greek Herald in July, Mr Starakis voiced concerns around the more than $30,000 in earthquake relief funds raised by the CFANZ and the Pancretan Association in 2021. Mr Starakis wrote that he wanted answers from Mr Tsourdalakis and his Board about where these funds had been allocated after it was announced they were given to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Crete.

Following the publication of this letter, Mr Tsourdalakis was arrested after Victoria Police were made aware of an alleged threat he made against Mr Starakis.

No criminal charges were laid but legal proceedings were launched for a personal safety intervention order.

Tony tsourdalakis restraining order cretan president
Tony Tsourdalakis.

During the first court case on Thursday, November 16, Mr Starakis told the Magistrates Court via video link that Mr Tsourdalakis had reportedly sent a text message to a mutual friend which was perceived as threatening.

“The friend was asked to go find someone who Mr Tsourdalakis could pay, and I’m quoting verbatim, ‘who I can pay to break Starakis’ arms and legs’,” Mr Starakis told the court.

Mr Tsourdalakis’ lawyer said “there was no immediacy” with respect to an intervention order because there were no prior issues between the pair and Mr Tsourdalakis was “well-regarded” within Melbourne’s Greek community, so the threat “was likely never to happen again.”

Besides being the former President of the CFANZ, Mr Tsourdalakis is also a Director at St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Victoria; Board Member at AGAPI Care; President of the Inter-communities Council of Victoria; Member of the Board of Directors of “Aetolian College”; Chairman of the Victorian 2021 Bicentenary Committee; and former Chairman of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day.

In response, the Judge said even though the alleged threat had been made to a mutual friend and not Mr Starakis, the threat had still been made and it was an immediate cause for concern.

When handing down his interim order at the time, the Judge said Mr Tsourdalakis could not have any contact with Mr Starakis and could not be within 200 metres of where he lives or works. He also needed to remain within 5 metres of him.

Mr Tsourdalakis’ lawyer argued that in instances where Mr Tsourdalakis and Mr Starakis attended events of mutual interest within the Greek and Cretan community, the 5 metre restriction was not acceptable. The Judge said in those instances, the restriction would be reduced to 2 metres.

These orders were later extended until Thursday, June 13, when Mr Tsourdalakis’ case appeared before the court again and the intervention order was dropped.

Greek Australian golfer Stephanie Kyriacou stuns in quest for maiden title

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian golfer Stephanie Kyriacou stuns in quest for maiden title

Greek Australian Stephanie Kyriacou has fallen just short of a maiden major title after an absorbing final round at The Amundi Evian Championship in France.

Leading by one after 54 holes at Evian Resort Golf Club, Kyriacou spent much of the final day in a close battle with American Lauren Coughlin.

As the two competed head-to-head and Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (63) posted a clubhouse score of 17-under, Japan’s Ayaka Furue (65) used a hot putter in the final five holes to finish at 19-under, edging out Kyriacou by one shot.

Furue trailed Coughlin by three strokes on the 14th tee but rallied with three consecutive birdies and sealed her win with an eagle on the 72nd hole. Kyriacou’s birdie on the final hole secured her outright second place and her best finish in a major championship.

“It’s mixed emotions,” 23-year-old Kyriacou said after the championship.

“Obviously I wanted to win but I played how I wanted to and I did my best and Ayaka just came in clutch at the end.

“It was a good week. Sucks not to hold the trophy but if you told me I would come second at the start of the week I would’ve been happy.”

Source: Golf Australia

Hellenic Club of Canberra director meets with Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad

The Greek Herald
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Hellenic Club of Canberra director meets with Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad

Hellenic Club of Canberra director John Loukadellis met with Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad John Chrysoulakis last week.

Mr Loukadellis visited Mr Chrysoulakis at his offices in Athens, Greece.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Chrysoulakis said he spoke with Mr Loukadellis about the Hellenic Club of Canberra’s recent re-development plans, as well as a visit by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers to Greece this year.

Their talk also focused on joint initiatives for promoting the Greek language, culture and national identity in Australia. Plans were discussed around hosting other children from Australia for next summer in Greece.

Mary Kostakidis defends actions amid racial discrimination complaint by Zionist Federation

The Greek Herald
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Mary Kostakidis defends actions amid racial discrimination complaint by Zionist Federation

Former SBS broadcaster Mary Kostakidis has defended her actions after the Zionist Federation of Australia lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission accusing her of breaching racial discrimination laws in social media posts.

The complaint alleged Kostakidis posted anti-Semitic hate speech on social media to her 30,000 followers, including reposting a video of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in which he said there was no place for Jews in Israel.

In a statement on Sunday, the chief executive of the Zionist federation, Alon Cassuto, said it was “irresponsible and dangerous” for Kostakidis to repeat “calls by a terrorist for Jews to be ethnically cleansed.”

Cassuto alleged Kostakidis had breached section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to publicly offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person or group on the basis of race, colour or national or ethnic origin.

He said he is taking the action in the context of the current situation in which since 7 October 2023, thousands of Jewish Australians have been victimised, harassed and racially vilified, businesses have been boycotted and people’s safety threatened.

Alon-Cassuto
Chief executive of the Zionist federation, Alon Cassuto, has filed the complaint against Mary Kostakidis.

The Zionist Federation said the decision to launch an action in the Human Rights Commission – under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act – came after lawyers for Cassuto had written to Kostakidis seeking “an acknowledgement that what she has done is unlawful, along with an apology to the Australian Jewish community.” They said they received no response.

Kostakidis has since spoken out against the accusations, saying the complaint was an attempt “to silence people like myself,” and that her posts were taken out of context.

“Of course, I wasn’t promoting it. I was informing people. That’s what I’m supposed to do [as a journalist],” she told Guardian Australia.

Kostakidis, who has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government over the Gaza war, said she was “pretty pissed off” about the complaint and indicated she would fight the case.

“If they can put me in my box, that’s going to frighten everyone else. People will think twice. All you can do is focus on what you think is right – that’s what I’ve done all my career and that’s what I’ll continue to do,” she said.

Source: Guardian Australia.

Andrew Christodoulou to fight ATO’s claim he owes $437,000 in unpaid super contributions

The Greek Herald
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Andrew Christodoulou to fight ATO’s claim he owes $437,000 in unpaid super contributions

Andrew Christodoulou is determined to fight back after the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) sent him a Director Penalty Notice claiming he owes $437,000 in unpaid superannuation guarantee contributions.

Mr Christodoulou told ABC News he received a Director Penalty Notice from the ATO in November 2023, and was expected to pay back the funds within 21 days.

The tax authority alleges the company that Mr Christodoulou ran for 22 years, which went into voluntary administration in 2016 and closed three years later, owes superannuation to workers it employed at the time.

Some of the alleged debts date back to April 2013 while Mr Christodoulou was a director of the security firm, Kudos Australasia.

Company directors must ensure their company’s tax and super obligations are reported and paid on time. If the company misses payment deadlines, the ATO can recover these amounts from the director personally, even if they are no longer in the role.

“How the hell could I owe $437,000 — it is more than my mortgage,” he told ABC News.

australian taxation office andrew christodoulou
The tax authority alleges the company that Mr Christodoulou ran for 22 years owes superannuation to workers it employed at the time.

Mr Christodoulou said he believes workers should be paid their superannuation, but argued unpaid super debt should have been handled at the time.

“These debts that they are chasing were listed from 2013 — we’re talking 11 years ago now,” he said.

“If they [the ATO] had come to us in 2014 or 2015… we could have sorted it out. Back then it was absolutely doable. But to come forward all these years later, with a figure that has no justification, no clarification around it, and give you 21 days to figure it out?”

Mr Christodoulou is working to resolve the dispute with the ATO but he said legal fees are piling up and he fears the tax authority could bankrupt him.

Issues with Director Penalty Notices have come into the spotlight in recent months, with the Federal Government instructing the ATO to pursue over $34 billion in debt owed by small businesses and self-employed Australians, much of which was deferred during COVID.

Source: ABC News.

Greek Defence Minister’s Cyprus visit marks break from junta past, strengthens ties

The Greek Herald
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Greek Defence Minister’s Cyprus visit marks break from junta past, strengthens ties

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias’ visit to Cyprus on Monday underscores a distinct separation between Greece’s modern government and the junta that sponsored a coup in Cyprus 50 years ago, said Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Welcoming Dendias at the Presidential Palace, Christodoulides expressed his pleasure in receiving him and noted the genuine friendship they had developed during their tenure as foreign ministers of their respective countries.

“I will dwell on another dimension, and I think your presence today, on the day of the treacherous coup, is very appropriate – a visit which also sends very specific messages about the clear separation from the Athens junta,” he remarked.

The Greek junta collapsed on July 24, 1974, nine days after the Cyprus coup and four days after Turkey invaded the island in response.

“Since then, Greek governments have always stood by Cypriot Hellenism in its effort, which has one sole goal: the liberation and reunification of this country,” Christodoulides said.

He added, “in this effort, the incumbent Greek government, as well as you personally, are by our side, not just through nice statements, which for a while was characteristic of relations between Greece and Cyprus, but through concrete and substantial actions.”

Dendias noted that the date of his visit, July 15, was symbolic.

“I fully understand the symbolism… The junta’s coup had tragic consequences. From then on, Hellenism has followed a different trajectory. Our relations are those which should be with cordiality, with love, and interest in solving the great national problem,” he said.

He expressed hope for an end to 50 years of occupation and division.

Earlier, Dendias met with his Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas, emphasising that both Cyprus and Greece are “pillars of stability” and work towards de-escalating regional tensions. He highlighted the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting European economies.

Dendias also referenced the Amalthea plan, Cyprus’ humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, as an example of their cooperation.

“The Amalthea plan demonstrates the frontline role the Republic of Cyprus can play in dealing with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” he said.

Additionally, he reiterated Greece’s longstanding support for a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN Security Council resolutions and aligned with European Union laws.

Palmas affirmed the commitment of both countries to maintaining peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, and to deepening their collaborative efforts.

Source: Cyprus Mail.

Close to 50 wildfires blaze across Greece as heatwave persists

The Greek Herald
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Close to 50 wildfires blaze across Greece as heatwave persists

In the past 24 hours, 47 forest and rural fires have blazed across Greece, with 15 blazes still ongoing, according to the firefighting service. 

Immediate successful response was provided to 32 incidents. Eleven of the fires were particularly dangerous, requiring aerial support to contain them before they reached residential and large forested areas.

According to Civil Protection sources, there are currently active fires in the northern Kilkis and Soufli regions, with scattered outbreaks being managed by firefighting units in Crete’s Ano Akria, Iraklio.

crete wildifre
Wildfire on Crete. Photo: Evangelos Bougiotis/AMNA.

Authorities from the Arson Crimes Division are examining the causes behind these fire outbreaks.

The firefighting service urged all citizens to exercise caution and strictly follow authorities’ instructions in case of fire.

These fires comes as very hot temperatures and arid conditions are forecast for much of Greece throughout the week and lasting until Friday.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Community rallies together to support the Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW

The Greek Herald
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Community rallies together to support the Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW

The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW held a fundraiser at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, Sydney on Sunday, July 15 to raise funds for its Greek Studies Programme.

The event was the first time in 30 years the Foundation has called upon the Community’s support. It has come about due to the depletion of funds arising from the historic low interest rates of recent years and increased university costs.

The event opened with a message of support from Archbishop Makarios of Australia, which was read by Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia who also blessed the proceedings.

Other speakers were Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, the Convenor of Greek Studies at UNSW, who emphasised he would speak only in Greek as it was the object of the day. He went on to say that it was a community priority to support and maintain the Greek language as it was a unique characteristic of identity.

“The most significant issue [we face] is retaining knowledge of the Hellenic language amongst the next generation. This is above all what defines us as Australian Hellenes. Our task is to keep Hellenic language alive amongst the next generation,” Dr Adrahtas said.

foundation of hellenic studies at UNSW
Costas Vertzayias (right) speaking with emcee Paul Nicolaou (left).
foundation of hellenic studies at UNSW
Vasilis Adrahtas.

Costa Vertzayias, the Chairman of the Foundation, spoke about the big picture of languages in Australia. Whilst multiculturalism was promoted and worked well, government policies effectively entrenched monolingualism in Australia. This, coupled with universities operating as corporate businesses, has led to the marginalisation of language studies. It means that the community must maintain languages.

Mr Vertzayias stressed that this does not bode well for the future and gave an example of how 20 years ago 14 universities in Australia taught Greek, but this has now been reduced to four. Thirty years ago, there were 1,000 candidates for modern Greek in the Year 12 Higher School Certificate, last year it was less than 100. He emphasised that Hellenic associations should get behind a major campaign to save, promote and maintain Greek. Functions like today can only help in the short term, he said.

Mr Vertzayias also stressed that a Pan-Hellenic Endowment Fund should be established to guarantee not only Greek at universities, but the needs of the community as a whole for the generations that will follow.

“The potential sale of the [Hellenic Village] property at Kemps Creek – which belongs to our community and not only to the member-associations – has the potential to put Hellenic Studies on to a secure footing. The universities are demanding the community fund Hellenic studies. It is up to us all to support the study of Hellenism,” Mr Vertzayias said.

foundation of hellenic studies at UNSW
Costa Vertzayias, the Chairman of the Foundation.

Harry Mavrolefteros, the newest trustee on the Foundation and past President of Hellsoc UNSW, then spoke about the establishment of the 1821 Scholarship Fund. The purpose of the Fund was to encourage more students to take Greek as a subject so as to counter the university argument that there is not sufficient interest in language studies. Beginning in 2025, individual donors will provide $1,821 towards the expense of each student who studies with the Program, subject to conditions set by the Board of Trustees.

Paul Nicolaou, a longstanding trustee of the Foundation and tireless worker for the community, was the day’s emcee. Mr Nicolaou thanked the major sponsors – Bowerhaus jewellery, Harry Mavrolefteros, Connie Dimas Jewellery, Optica, John Skufris and Stella Sorotou.

foundation of hellenic studies at UNSW
Harry Mavrolefteros (left) with Mr Nicolaou.
foundation of hellenic studies at UNSW
Raffles on the day.

Guests present on the day included Fr. George Liangas; Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) and a trustee of the Foundation; Cr. Sam Stratikopoulos; Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney; Poppy Stavrianos; and Christina Efthymiadis AM. Organisations represented at the function were the GOCNSW, the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of St Nektarios Burwood, the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, AHEPA NSW, Panachaian Association of NSW, HELLSOC UNSW, Daughters of Penelope (AHEPA), Panarcadian Association of NSW, Pontian Association of Sydney, Macquarie University Greek Studies Foundation, Kalavryta Association of NSW, OEEGA NSW, Hellenic Art Theatre, and ELKA.

foundation of hellenic studies at UNSW
foundation of hellenic studies at UNSW

The following donations were announced:

  • Greek Orthodox Community of NSW: $3,000
  • Hellenic Lyceum: $2,000
  • Kalymnian Association: $1,500
  • Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of St Nektarios, Burwood: $1,000
  • Dion Vertzayas: $1,000
  • Athenian Association: $500
  • Dr James Giallussi: $400
  • Castellorizian Association: $200
  • Theo Menounos: $200
  • Patty and Vicki Spiropoulos: $100

An amount of $7,390 was made from tickets, raffles and book sales. There was also an anonymous donation of $11,160 made earlier in the year. As the target to meet the 2025 costs has not been met, individuals or associations who wish to donate may do so by contacting: 0430 457 089.

Greek Australian Cultural League celebrates successful opening of Antipodean Palette 2024

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian Cultural League celebrates successful opening of Antipodean Palette 2024

With great success the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL) and its guests celebrated the opening of the Antipodean Palette exhibition on Saturday, July 13.

The formalities started with emcee Vassilia Hatjieleftheriou welcoming the guests and speaking about the commitment of the GACL to the visual arts, and the importance of this annual event for the organisation, the artists and the Greek Australian community in general.

Marie Petridis with her sculpture Abstract Formation
Marie Petridis with her sculpture Abstract Formation.
Left, Sophia Xeros-Konstantinides with her paintings and Ivy Cafici
(L-R) Sophia Xeros-Konstantinides with her paintings and Ivy Cafici.
Olga Antoniadis with her drawings
Olga Antoniadis with her drawings.

Vice President of the GACL Andrea Garivaldis, representing the President of the GACL Cathy Alexopoulos who is currently overseas, addressed the gathering of artists and guests, welcoming all and referring to the important role the Cultural League plays in the cultural life of the Greek Australian community.

The coordinator of the exhibition, Frixos Ioannides, also addressed the gathering, spoking briefly about the history of Antipodean Palette and introduced the participating artists. He stressed that since its inception in 2011, Antipodean Palette has been instrumental in bringing together art lovers to celebrate the arts and artists to showcase their latest work.

Agi Argyropoulos in front of his work, with Frixos
Agi Argyropoulos in front of his work, with Frixos.
Works by Stephanie Dellaportas
Works by Stephanie Dellaportas.
Works by Rosemary Lugg
Works by Rosemary Lugg.

Preparations for this year’s event started several months earlier with members of the Administrative Committee taking on various tasks, all of which were carried out well and in a timely manner.

Frixos congratulated the participating artists for their diligence in preparing their work and delivering it to the gallery on time so that the exhibition could be ready for the opening ceremony. Setting up an exhibition, having interviews, making announcements and preparing press release articles takes time and effort on the part of many people. Frixos thanked everybody involved with preparations for the exhibition and wished the artists well in the future development of their creative work.

GOCSA issue statement to mark 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus

The Greek Herald
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GOCSA issue statement to mark 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus

The President of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), Peter Gardiakos, has issued a statement to mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Full statement in English

GOCSA issues statement to mark 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus
GOCSA’s statement to mark 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion of Cyprus
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