Aristomenis (Menios) Spiropoulos, the man behind Athena Cake Shop in Marrickville, Sydney, passed away on Wednesday, June 26.
Aristomenis, alongside his late wife Athena, ran the iconic pastry shop on Illawarra Road for decades.
His love for pastries started when he was 12 years old, working in Nikolaos Karavitis’ cake shop in Patras before he and Athena established their own cake shop, Astoria, in Nafpaktos years later.
Aristomenis, Athena and their two children Efy and Kosmas migrated to Australia in 1969. Aristomenis’ first job was in the ‘Glass Factory’ and he also worked in an oil factory as well as the Hellenic Bakery (called Artos Bakery at the time).
Athena Spyropoulos from Athena Cake Shop passed away earlier this year. Photo: Vasilis Vasilas.
Within four years, the Spiropoulos family bought the premises on Illawarra Road, Marrickville, to establish a cake shop. Aristomenis decided to call the cake shop, Athena Cakes, after his wife.
Over 45 years, Athena Cake Shop had been through a few renovations. Aristomenis and Athena retired, and Efy and her husband Christos ran the business until recently.
Famous Greek singer Antonis Remos is under investigation by a prosecutor and relevant authorities for alleged money laundering and tax evasion amounting to 1.5 million euros, Protothema has reported.
In a statement via his lawyers Stathis Bakalis and Michalis Dimitrakopoulou, the Greek singer vehemently denied the allegations.
“I was informed with regret and reasonable concern that the Anti-Money Laundering Authority has seized all my movable and immovable property due to allegations of tax evasion,” Remos said in the statement.
“My regret stems from a secret procedural process being illegally leaked to the media, exposing me publicly. Moreover, I was never called by the Authority to provide explanations or evidence to prove my innocence. I look forward to being called immediately to clarify the charges against me and to clear my name.”
The financial prosecutor initiated the probe approximately a month ago, investigating the singer and a company he owns that is unrelated to his professional activities. This followed findings from a longer-running investigation by the Anti-Money Laundering Independent Authority.
The investigation began after the singer submitted suspiciously low income tax forms over the past five years, declaring only €50,000 annually despite his successful career in high-society venues and clubs.
Sources say the prosecutor’s investigation will assess the involvement of third parties in the case.
Egypt put up a fight, but Greece did not disappoint in front of 11,216 fans in the stands of the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus. Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo resting, coach Vassilis Spanoulis guided his team to a 93-71 win over the African team.
The hosts were probably a bit too relaxed, being the hot favourites to win this one. Egypt showed them exactly what they showed the rest of the world at the last FIBA Basketball World Cup, staying attached to the Greeks’ hip during the first half and trailing by just 5 points, 46-41, early on in the third period.
Greece’s Vassilis Charalampopoulos had a three-pointer which stretched the gap into double digits, and once Kostas Papanikolaou and Georgios Papagiannis joined him, the lead ballooned to 61-45 at the end of the period.
There was no coming back from that deficit, and Greece could already start thinking about the matchup with Slovenia on Saturday.
Greece will enjoy a day off before the firecracker of a duel with Slovenia in the Semi-Finals.
Thanasi Kokkinakis has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon after slipping and injuring his knee during his second round match against France’s Lucas Pouille on Friday morning.
The Greek Australian fan favourite won the first set but then injured his knee and had to retire with the score at 2-6, 7-5, 5-2.
The shocking injury curse that has afflicted Thanasi Kokkinakis throughout his career has struck again. 💔
“I’ve got to see tomorrow with some scans about the severity of it, but I know I have done a similar injury to what I have in Queen’s, but it feels a bit worse, my gut feeling, but I’ll find out more tomorrow,” Kokkinakis said after retiring.
“My next aim initially before I got injured was to play Atlanta next on the hardcourt swing [in late July], but I have to get an MRI to see if that is possible or not.”
Kokkinakis’ withdrawal means he won’t face Alex de Minaur in round three.
St. Andrew’s Grammar in Western Australia with close to 800 enrolled students, is a school with a community with a single focus – to develop a love of learning through outstanding teaching and a knowledge of every child. Its staff, students and parents work collectively together to achieve academic excellence and maintain the school’s special Hellenic character.
In an interview with The Greek Herald, school Principal Craig Monaghan stressed this distinct Greek core and said St. Andrew’s Grammar is becoming one of Australia’s fastest growing schools.
The school was in significant decline year upon year for a decade, reaching a low of 379 students in 2019 when Mr Monaghan first took on the role of Principal. The school is now just short of 800 students and has averaged a 20 per cent growth year upon year since then. The school is co-educational and offers Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12.
St. Andrew’s Grammar in Western Australia has close to 800 enrolled students and a distinct Hellenic character.
“We’re quite different from other Greek Orthodox schools on the East Coast of Australia who have up to 95 per cent of students with Greek heritage. In 2022, we had seven per cent Greek students and we have since improved that to 13 per cent. We are working hard at ensuring that our Greek families seek us out now prior to us capping the school roll at 900,” Mr Monaghan said.
“We are very multicultural. All our students study the Greek language up to and including Year 8. They study Religion from Kindergarten to Year 8 and either Orthodox or Christian Values Studies from Years 8 to 12. So, we really reinforce the Hellenic culture and the Greek language and Orthodox Christian values to every student, many students who aren’t Greek. It is quite a unique situation.”
The school Principal added that St. Andrew’s Grammar is also focused on academic excellence and on being a community.
St. Andrew’s Grammar is focused on academic excellence and on being a community.
“I think that the academic achievements have been part of the school’s recent popularity. Our recent results, with 100 per cent of our NAPLAN scores being above national and state averages and with our recent ATAR results (median of 88 and nearly a third of students gaining an ATAR of 90 or more), have been exceptional,” Mr Monaghan said.
“However, the key reason parents are looking to us is the fact that we know every child. We know their strengths and their weaknesses. We really teach the child rather than the subject.”
St. Andrew’s Grammar puts the students first.
Building a campus that is ‘second to none’
Despite St. Andrew’s Grammar clearly growing academically and culturally, Mr Monaghan said its campus was “nothing to write home about” – until now.
Centrally located in the Perth suburb of Dianella, the school campus is currently undergoing significant development as part of a new Strategic Plan (2023 – 2028).
Over the next four years, the school will undergo five infrastructure projects which will involve new Pre-Kindergarten classes, a Science and Technology building, a new cafeteria, a Performing Arts Centre, and a specialist sports arena, among many other exciting developments.
Mr Monaghan said these plans are ambitious, but they have the support of its owners the Hellenic Community of Western Australia (HCWA) to accommodate the intensive school growth in recent years.
The HCWA’s ownership of St. Andrew’s Grammar, together with its financial contribution to the school’s prosperity, makes St. Andrew’s the flagship in promoting Hellenism and the Hellenic culture to the greater Western Australia community. The HCWA had the foresight and have been there to ensure the school’s strategic success, including the long-term appointment of Mr Monaghan.
“The campus development is an important project to be able to retain our size, our uniqueness and our Hellenic character, but to also create a campus that is second to none,” he said.
“Parents and students come because of our community, our teachers, our academics. Now we need a campus which ensures that we assist our teachers in doing what they do so well.
“We have the land, we have just never really developed it… so it’s a really, exciting time. Our school will be a building site for the next five years, but I think we will all look back and think ‘wow, look at our campus now.’ It will be as good as any campus in Perth.”
School Principal Craig Monaghan said parents and students come to the school because of its community, teachers and academics.
Retaining the school’s unique Greek character
Of course, with any growth comes change. Although this is something the school Principal is aware of, he said St. Andrew’s Grammar will remain proudly Hellenic, building traditions around Christian values.
“Even if the student has nothing to do with Orthodox Studies at home – they might be from a completely different religion – well, that’s fine because our teachers talk about world religions from a Greek Orthodox background,” Mr Monaghan said.
St. Andrew’s Grammar is proudly Hellenic, building traditions around Christian values.
In the face of a student population which is strongly multicultural with more than 50 different nationalities represented, this Christian base is admirable. Couple this with the school’s celebration of Greek history and culture, and you have the perfect mix.
“We do special assemblies celebrating Greek Independence Day and OXI Day for example, and they are outstanding celebrations. All these Greek events are part and parcel of the school calendar and are predominantly held in our authentic Amphitheatre. They are sacrosanct and a core part of our annual calendar,” Mr Monaghan said.
St. Andrew’s Grammar will also be proudly hosting the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Schools Event (GOAANSE) from May 6 – 9, 2025.
School Principal Craig Monaghan (right) said despite campus growth, the school will not lose its Hellenic character nor its knowledge of every child.
“We are honoured to be hosting this prestigious event. Our whole team of staff and students are excited, and we have been hard at work for a while now to ensure next year’s games are a memorable time for everyone involved,” Mr Monaghan said.
“It’s about celebrating Hellenism, celebrating our culture and holding onto those key events throughout the year. That’s what makes us who we are.”
St. Andrew’s Grammar is holding a Greek & Orthodox Family Open Day on Tuesday, August 13 from 9.30am. Register here: https://bit.ly/3xw36pu
After 50 years as a beloved eatery in Marrickville’s Little Athens, The Yeeros Shop has opened its doors in Annandale, Sydney, marking a new chapter for this iconic Greek institution.
Since it was founded in 1968, The Yeeros Shop has been an icon in the authentic Greek cuisine; capturing the hearts of locals and food enthusiasts alike with dishes that speak to the soul of Greek culture.
As you step into The Yeeros Shop Annandale, you’ll instantly be transported to a local taverna on the Greek islands. The cosy space, reminiscent of a traditional Greek restaurant, features earthy toned walls and cobblestone-patterned flooring, blending simple Greek aesthetics with modern touches.
The Yeeros Shop, however, is more than just its authentic interiors – it’s a symbol of community and family.
Founded by Yiannis Benetos in 1968 and owned by Kostas Tomaras & Poppy Papadopoulos since 2012, the shop has built strong and loyal relationships with its customers over the decades. Kostas, having previously run another nine Yeeros Shops across Greece, found a second home at The Yeeros Shop in Marrickville after migrating to Australia in 2010 with his family.
Together, the partners have since renovated their iconic Marrickville location and now expanded their venture to their new store in Annandale.
Open seven days a week, The Yeeros Shop continues to serve their fan-favourites, including their signature lamb yeeros stuffed with lamb, vegetables, tzatziki and paprika, alongside milk bar hamburgers, steak sandwiches and their hand-cut chips topped generously with chicken salt.
The Annandale location however, is introducing an exciting array of new offerings, such as the classic Pork Yeeros, traditional Skepasti, and the choice of Large Pita or Bread Roll Style Yeeros.
The opening of The Yeeros Shop in Annandale is a symbol of dedication, loyalty and commitment. Situated alongside their sibling venue, Fat Fish, the new location offers communal seating and a warm atmosphere that celebrates family and community.
National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW outfit St George FC have announced the departure of Head Coach Jane Talcevski and have appointed Steve Karavatakis as the new manager in charge.
Karavatakis joins the club with the support of its Head of Football, John Klappas, effective immediately.
Karavatakis brings a rich experience to the club. He has played for numerous NSW clubs through various coaching roles including the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sutherland Sharks youth teams, as well as first grade coach at Canterbury Marrickville and Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Karavatakis will be working with the St George FC senior squad and will soon be announcing his coaching staff.
There's been a coaching change at St George Saints Football Club as Steve Karavatakis has been announced as the club's new Head Coach replacing Jane Talcevski.
“We take this opportunity to acknowledge the departure of Jane Talcevski, Jose Bello, and Daniel Zeleney and their contributions to the club will be greatly missed,” St George FC said in a statement.
“The Club has nurtured an exceptional group of talent across all levels, from Women’s and Men’s teams to SAP and Senior squads.
“St George FC will always support those who demonstrate the physical and human qualities needed to achieve their goals. However, recent weeks and challenges on the park have highlighted that the team, which has worked tirelessly to establish a new identity both on the field, in the training environment, and amongst the broader football community, has struggled to perform at its best.
“As we bid them farewell and acknowledge their achievements as a coaching team underpinned by the support of the club, we are confident that Steve and John will bring fresh perspectives and continue to uphold the values and traditions of St George FC.”
Takeaway shop Souvlaki GR in Plenty, Melbourne has been fined $75,000 after an employee’s hair caught in a rotisserie machine.
According to 7 News, the 22-year-old female employee was working at Souvlaki GR in February 2022 when she reached for a takeaway container lid placed on a high shelf and her ponytail became stuck in the rotisserie machine.
A co-worker pressed the emergency stop button after hearing the woman’s cries for help. A hairdresser from a nearby business was called in to cut the woman’s hair free from the machine.
SouvlakiGr was fined for a workplace incident.
WorkSafe Victoria said the woman suffered a “significant” amount of hair loss and head swelling. She was taken to hospital and did not return to work for two weeks.
The work safety watchdog added that the woman and a co-worker attended a training night held by the business after the incident occurred, marking the “first time they became aware of the existence of workplace policies.”
The shop also should have avoided storing takeaway containers above the rotisserie machine.
Souvlaki GR faced the Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 25 charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work and failing to provide adequate information, instruction and training.
It was fined $75,000 and ordered to pay $5,682 in costs.
Peter Lazaris – the former boss of infamous Surry Hills brothel A Touch of Class – has failed in his court bid to remove his ankle monitor.
Mr Lazaris was arrested and charged in 2022 after NSW Police searched his home as part of a drug investigation and allegedly found an array of official police uniforms and items – which is illegal and can be punishable with a two-year jail sentence.
He was also charged for drug possession, after police found more than 45 grams of methylamphetamine during the home search.
Mr Lazaris has pleaded not guilty to a person not being a police officer wearing or possessing a police uniform, but guilty pleas were entered for drug supply and two counts of drug possession.
Court records showed that Mr Lazaris was released after his arrest on strict bail conditions after a $1 million deposit of a Surry Hills property was used as security. Mr Lazaris was not permitted to enter the suburb of Campsie in Sydney, can’t consume alcohol, and was ordered to wear an ankle monitor, among other conditions.
Peter Lazaris at the start of his trial. Photo: The Daily Telegraph.
Mr Lazaris’ lawyer appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, July 2, to submit a bail variation on his behalf.
Whilst the lawyer was successful in changing her client’s address, among other variations, she said Mr Lazaris’ ankle monitor contract was due to be renewed and appealed for that condition to be deleted altogether.
His lawyer said that when Mr Lazaris proposed the ankle monitoring condition, he never expected the proceedings to continue for this long. She said the renewal would cost Mr Lazaris thousands and he had “demonstrated perfect compliance” since he was granted bail.
Magistrate Price rejected the deletion of the ankle monitor condition, saying there was a “real likelihood” he could be sentenced to full-time jail “given his [criminal] history” and agreed with the prosecution that he presented a flight risk.
Mr Lazaris’ matter will return to court in September.
