Greece’s Supreme Court has ordered the return to prison of Alexandros Giotopoulos, the convicted leader of the disbanded November 17 militant organisation, less than three weeks after he was released on parole.
The 82-year-old, who is serving 17 life sentences plus an additional 25 years for his role in the group’s campaign of assassinations and bombings, was released from Korydallos Prison on May 21 after spending around 24 years behind bars.
However, the Supreme Court has overturned the decision that granted his conditional release, ruling that he had not yet met the legal requirements to qualify for parole.
The decision followed an appeal by Deputy Supreme Court Prosecutor Sofoklis Logothetis, who argued that legislation introduced in 2021 requires inmates serving multiple life sentences to complete at least 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for release.
The ruling reinstates an earlier lower court decision that had rejected Giotopoulos’ application and means he must immediately return to custody.
Police gathered outside his residence as arrangements were made for his return to prison. Reports indicated he would first spend the night at Athens police headquarters before appearing before a prosecutor in Piraeus.
The case will now be reconsidered by a different panel of the Piraeus Appeals Court, although the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law is binding on future proceedings.
Giotopoulos was arrested on the island of Lipsi in 2002 and convicted the following year as the leader of November 17, the militant group responsible for a decades-long campaign of attacks targeting Greek and foreign officials, diplomats and military personnel. His final sentence was handed down in 2007.
The case remains highly sensitive in Greece due to the group’s violent legacy and the continued imprisonment of other convicted members, including Dimitris Koufontinas and the Xeros brothers.
The Hellenic Community of Western Australia has celebrated the remarkable recovery of Greek tourist Ioannis (Yiannis) Vidiniotis, who has revealed he is walking again after suffering a devastating spinal injury while swimming at Perth’s Cottesloe beach on New Year’s Eve.
Doctors at Royal Perth Hospital only gave him a five-percent chance to walk again after undergoing two spinal surgeries.
The Hellenic Community of Western Australia facilitated a fundraising effort through the GoFundMe platform before Yiannis was able to fly back to Greece in February, under strict medical supervision, to start rehabilitation at a specialist clinic in Athens.
Since then, Yiannis has undergone intense rehabilitation and shared an emotional video message with supporters, thanking the Greek community of Australia and the wider Australian public for standing by him throughout his journey and recovery.
“I want to say a big thank you to the people and the Hellenic Community and all Greek Australian diaspora, who without even knowing me were able to stand by me,” he said in his statement.
“I think I was very lucky in my misfortune. Right now, four months on after the accident I can walk again with a cane and take care of myself and it’s only a matter of time before I go home – something no one expected.
“Against all the odds, four months after the accident, I’m able to keep fighting to get back to the normal daily life I had before the accident.
“I hope this story serves as an inspiration for others who have found themselves in similar situations, giving them strength and the determination that I had from the beginning.”
Hellenic Community of Western Australia CEO Paul Savvas said Yiannis’ story had become a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, faith and community support.
“When doctors told Yiannis he had just a five per cent chance of walking again, most people would have struggled to imagine a day like today. Yet here we are, watching him take those steps and inspire people across the world,” Mr Savvas said.
“His determination has been extraordinary, but so too has the generosity shown by Western Australians who embraced a young man they had never met and rallied behind him when he needed it most.
“This wasn’t simply a Greek community effort. People from every background stepped forward to help. Thousands of Australians contributed because they saw a young man facing an unimaginable challenge and wanted to make a difference.”
Mr Savvas said Yiannis’ recovery would continue to inspire people long after his rehabilitation journey ends.
“Sometimes five per cent is enough. Yiannis’ courage, determination and refusal to give up are an inspiration to us all,” he said.
Construction boss George Alex has launched an appeal against his convictions and prison sentence for his role in a $10 million tax fraud scheme, after being granted bail last year while awaiting the outcome.
Alex was sentenced in December 2024 to a maximum of nine years and three months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of overseeing a labour-hire operation that avoided millions of dollars in tax obligations between 2018 and 2020.
However, it can be revealed for the first time that he was released on strict bail conditions in August 2025 after successfully arguing there were exceptional circumstances warranting his release pending appeal.
Appearing before the NSW Supreme Court on Monday, June 15, Alex sought to have his convictions overturned or, failing that, his sentence reduced.
His legal team argued the trial was affected by alleged juror misconduct, claiming one juror conducted online research about Alex during proceedings and that the information may have spread to others on the jury.
“There is a risk of a substantial miscarriage of justice,” defence barrister Tim Game SC told the court.
The appeal also raises concerns about how the trial judge handled the removal of two jurors and whether directions given to the remaining jurors were adequate.
Crown prosecutor Elizabeth H Ruddle KC rejected those claims, arguing there was no evidence the jury had been improperly influenced.
“There is not a sufficient finding of apprehended bias by this jury,” she said.
Alex was convicted alongside several co-conspirators over a scheme that siphoned off more than $100,000 a week in unpaid pay-as-you-go tax. At sentencing, the court found he received the “lion’s share” of the criminal proceeds.
He remains on conditional bail, which includes daily police reporting, a curfew and the surrender of his passport.
The appeal, which is also being pursued by several of Alex’s co-offenders, is expected to conclude later this week. Justice Anthony Payne, Justice Anna Mitchelmore and Acting Justice Robert Allan Hulme are presiding over the hearing.
A newly signed agreement between the United States and Iran is being touted by President Donald Trump as a breakthrough towards peace, but questions over Israel’s military presence in Lebanon and a lack of clarity surrounding the deal’s details have fueled uncertainty across the region.
The memorandum of understanding was reportedly signed electronically by President Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.
While the agreement is not a comprehensive peace settlement, it establishes a framework for negotiations over the next 60 days on issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The deal’s all signed,” Mr Trump said upon arriving in France for the G7 summit.
Many of the agreement’s provisions remain undisclosed, with conflicting messages emerging about when the full details will be released. A White House official said they would become public within 48 hours, while Trump later indicated further information would be released following a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday.
One of the key unresolved issues is Lebanon. Iran has previously demanded an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon as part of broader negotiations, but US officials have insisted Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon is not a condition of the current agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared cautious in his first public comments since the deal was announced, admitting he had not yet seen all its details. Instead, he focused on what he described as Israel’s success in protecting the country “from the threat of nuclear annihilation”.
Netanyahu also reaffirmed Israel’s intention to maintain its military presence in areas seized during recent operations in Lebanon.
“And I want to make it clear, we will remain in the security zones as long as it takes to protect our country,” he said.
The position has raised concerns that Israel’s continued operations against Hezbollah could undermine efforts to reduce tensions. Fighting in southern Lebanon eased on Monday, although cross-border attacks continued, with Lebanon reporting casualties from Israeli drone strikes and Hezbollah claiming responsibility for rocket and drone attacks on Israeli forces.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the agreement, expressing hope that it would “put a definitive end to the cycle of violence, and establish a phase of stability, security, recovery, and reconstruction”.
The agreement also addresses navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. The United States says the waterway will remain open and toll-free during the 60-day negotiation period, with Trump declaring it would be “completely opened” by Friday.
However, reports in Iranian state media have suggested Tehran may seek to impose shipping charges after the initial ceasefire period, highlighting continuing disagreements over the deal’s interpretation.
The agreement has received support from a number of international leaders and is expected to dominate discussions at the G7 summit in France.
Four people have been killed and dozens injured after Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Kyiv in recent weeks, with a strike also damaging the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, one of Ukraine’s most significant religious and cultural landmarks.
The monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1051, caught fire during the attack. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said the site sustained serious damage in what Ukrainian officials described as a direct strike.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko condemned the attack, stating: “A brutal assault on our people and our heritage. This is the true face of Russia’s Orthodox values.”
The overnight barrage saw Russia launch 70 missiles and 611 drones across Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian military. Air defence systems reportedly intercepted 50 missiles and 582 drones, though ballistic missiles continued to pose a significant threat.
“Ballistic missiles remain a problem for us,” Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said. “Of the 34 ballistic missiles launched, only 15 were shot down, although that is a strong result.”
In Kyiv, drones and missiles struck residential high-rise buildings and power infrastructure, leaving around 140,000 residents without electricity. Authorities reported four deaths and 30 injuries in the capital.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate condemned the Russian strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it an unjustifiable attack on a sacred UNESCO-listed site. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew later spoke with Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing his condemnation of the attack, condolences for the victims, and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew condemned the attack.
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack on the monastery and said it reinforced international efforts to secure a ceasefire.
“This attack only justifies our determination to do everything we can, along with our allies and partners, to work towards a ceasefire and then for a peace deal, which Russia is stubbornly refusing,” Macron said.
European Union Vice-President Kaja Kallas described the targeting of civilians and a UNESCO-listed site as “war crimes”, while Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv would seek action through UNESCO and other international bodies.
Russia denied responsibility for the damage to the monastery, claiming it had been struck by a US-made Patriot air defence missile. President Zelenskyy rejected that account, saying the site was hit by a Russian drone.
The attack came as diplomatic efforts to end the war continued. President Zelenskyy recently spoke with US President Donald Trump and has renewed calls for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposals that have received support from Britain, France and Germany.
Despite ongoing international mediation efforts, including Turkey’s offer to host talks between the two sides, progress towards a ceasefire remains limited more than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
More than 200 parishioners, clergy, dignitaries and supporters from Greek Orthodox parishes across Adelaide gathered on 13 June 2026 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Parish, Noarlunga.
The evening marked an opportunity not only to celebrate four decades of the parish, but also to reflect on a remarkable story of vision, sacrifice, perseverance and faith that defines the parish in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
More than 200 parishioners, clergy, dignitaries and supporters from Greek Orthodox parishes across Adelaide gathered. All photos copyright: Greek Orthodox Parish of Saint Andrew Noarlunga / Michael Tsakrios.
A vision for the south
The origins of St Andrew’s can be traced to the early 1980s, when His Grace Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis recognised the growing number of Orthodox faithful living in Adelaide’s southern suburbs and the need for a permanent spiritual home. His Grace also recognised the strong devotion many Cypriot migrants held for Saint Andrew the First-Called, one of Cyprus’ most beloved saints.
What followed was a grassroots effort led by committed parishioners including Richard and Stella Harding, who worked to identify Orthodox families across the southern districts and bring them together. Through the support of George Mitropoulos and the Southern District Hellenic Schools Association, the foundations of a future parish began to take shape.
The first service associated with the future parish was celebrated on 29 November 1984, when Great Vespers for the Feast of Saint Andrew was held under a tent erected on the site where the church now stands. The service was presided over by His Grace Bishop Paul of Christianoupolis. Three days later, on 2 December 1984, the first Divine Liturgy was held.
Building a parish from the ground up
Fr John Psalios.
Before a church building existed, services were held in the Drama Room of Christies Beach High School. Reflecting on those pioneering years at the anniversary gala, Fr John Psalios recalled the realities of establishing parish life in the southern suburbs.
“We were holding boxes together to take into the drama room and set all the things out ready for a service, and then pack them all up again, and take them away,” he said. “It was a beautiful experience.”
The parish was formally established in 1986 and Fr John became its first permanent parish priest. That same year, the late Archbishop Stylianos of Australia laid the foundation stone of the church, and by October 1987 the building had been completed. Later, Fr Nicholas Pavlou also officiated services for the parish.
The early years were marked by financial hardship, volunteer labour and extraordinary commitment from parishioners determined to see the parish succeed.
“We had to keep paying interest repayments every month to the bank and we, on many occasions, never, ever, ever had that amount,” Fr John recalled. “We just prayed, and a miracle would always happen.”
Those sacrifices laid the foundations not only for a church building, but for a parish culture built upon volunteerism and faith.
Growth across the decades
Over the following decades, the parish continued to flourish through the ministries of Fr John, Fr Konstantinos Skoumbourdis, Fr Michael Psaromatis, and the current parish priest, Fr Armandos Manafis.
Generations of families were baptised, married and buried within the parish. Youth programs, Sunday School, Greek language education, community outreach and cultural activities helped transform St Andrew’s into a centre of Orthodox life in Adelaide’s south.
Fr Michael Psaromatis.Fr Armandos Manafis.
Among those reflecting on the parish’s development was Fr Michael, who served at St Andrew’s from 2012 to 2020.
“Saint Andrews was a parish of connections, and is a parish of connections,” he said.
He recalled the many families, volunteers and benefactors who welcomed his family and contributed to the life of the parish, describing a community whose strength was found in ordinary acts of service, hospitality and faith.
Looking back on his years in Noarlunga, Fr Michael said: “For me, the story of Saint Andrews has always been this: a humble parish with a big heart.”
He stressed that the parish’s achievements belonged to the whole community.
“Those things did not belong to one person or a group of people, they belonged and belong to the parish,” he said.
Fire, faith and renewal
One of the defining chapters in the parish’s modern history came in March 2024 when the church was devastated by fire during Holy and Great Lent, only weeks before Pascha.
The loss was deeply felt throughout South Australia’s Orthodox community. Yet the response reflected the same resilience that had characterised the parish since its foundation. Fundraising efforts, donations from parishes across the State, and contribution from the South Australian Government, helped make reconstruction possible.
Supporters of the parish enjoyed the night.
The rebuilding culminated in one of the most significant events in South Australian Orthodox history. On 13 September 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia consecrated St Andrew’s Church with His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide. It was the first consecration of a Greek Orthodox church in South Australia since 1961.
The consecration represented the fulfilment of a vision first conceived more than 40 years earlier and marked a new chapter in the life of the parish.
His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide.
Reflections on forty years
Addressing the anniversary gathering, Bishop Silouan paid tribute to the generations of faithful who had built and sustained the parish over four decades.
“We honour the memory of all our pioneering forefathers,” he said, describing them as people who “had deep faith in God. They trusted in Him and relied on the protection of the Mother of God.”
He praised the sacrifices of those who established the parish and acknowledged the contributions of the clergy who had served throughout its history.
“A tireless, merciful, hopeful, and authentic example of St. Andrew and its parish highlights the success of the migrant community,” Bishop Silouan said. “It is amazing what a migrant can achieve together with their families and the love of the Australian people.”
The Bishop also drew attention to the spiritual example of Saint Andrew the First-Called, whose life of faith, sacrifice and obedience continues to inspire Orthodox Christians today.
Looking to the future, he encouraged parishioners to approach the next 40 years with the same faith that guided those who built the parish.
Looking to the future
Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Ambassador and Consul General of Greece in Adelaide.
Among the evening’s distinguished guests was Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, who reflected on both the recent trials and the enduring significance of St Andrew’s to the Greek Australian community.
Recalling her attendance at a fundraising event following the devastating 2024 fire, she remembered encountering “a community that was hurt, broken, but still with a big willingness to resurrect.”
She described the rebuilding and restoration of the church as a remarkable achievement.
“It was a miracle,” she said. “A miracle that happened with the help of faith, of unity, but also of the support of the state.”
Reflecting on the contribution of Orthodox parishes to Greek community life, she noted that churches serve as far more than places of worship.
“Every Greek Orthodox parish and Orthodox church is a reference of our own unity, but also of the contribution of our culture and of our language to Christianity,” she said.
As the evening concluded, the significance of the anniversary became clear. From a temporary tent in 1984, to services held in a school drama room, to the devastation of the 2024 fire and the historic consecration of 2025, St Andrew’s Parish has repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of challenge.
Forty years after its beginnings, the vision first conceived by Bishop Ezekiel continues to flourish. The parish remains a spiritual home for many Orthodox faithful and a testament to the generations who built it.
*All photos copyright: Greek Orthodox Parish of Saint Andrew Noarlunga / Michael Tsakrios
In a landmark celebration of Hellenic musical heritage, a powerful new voice has emerged on the Australian cultural landscape.
The Taryn Fiebig Concert Hall recently bore witness to a profound passing of the artistic torch as internationally acclaimed Greek vocal icon Dimitris Basis shared the stage with rising Greek Australian soprano Angelica Zafiris in her extraordinary professional debut.
Performing alongside the prestigious West Australian Youth Orchestra (WAYO), the duo delivered a sweeping symphonic journey that seamlessly bridged the grand traditions of classical orchestration with the deep, poetic soul of Greek music.
Guided by the masterful baton of conductor Jon Tooby, and enriched by the brilliant arrangements of guitarist/orchestrator George Doukas and the evocative lines of bouzouki soloist Themelis Samarkos, the evening stood as a testament to the enduring power of the Greek diaspora’s cultural evolution.
While Basis, widely revered as one of Greece’s premier contemporary vocalists, commanded the stage with the gravitas and emotional resonance that has defined his illustrious career, it was his pairing with Miss Zafiris that created the evening’s most electric dynamic.
Standing next to an icon of Basis’ stature, Zafiris delivered a performance of astonishing maturity, clarity of tone, and commanding stage presence that captivated both the audience and seasoned critics alike.
“To perform alongside an artist of Dimitris Basis’s calibre is both a profound honour and a pivotal milestone,” said supporters of the initiative.
“Angelica’s debut signifies more than just the arrival of a brilliant new talent; it represents the vital, living continuation of our cultural legacy within the global diaspora.”
Zafiris’ flawless performance is the culmination of a rigorous musical foundation that began with the West Australian Young Voices Choir and has since expanded into an award-winning classical repertoire spanning French, Italian, and traditional Hellenic styles.
Deeply rooted in her faith and heritage, her authentic interpretation of the complex Greek repertoire reflected a rare blend of technical discipline and innate cultural understanding.
For Basis, the collaboration reaffirmed his deep, ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining an unbreakable bond with the Greek Australian community.
For Zafiris, this triumphant debut marks the definitive beginning of what promises to be a stellar international musical journey, positioning her as a major cultural ambassador for the years ahead.
Victoria’s Lefkadian Brotherhood has revived its youth sub-committee this year, and Lefkadian Youth President Calista Mitsas has assured The Greek Herald they’re here to stay.
On Saturday, June 13, Lefkadian Youth held its first large-scale tavern night, complete with all the trimmings of a memorable event: music from all regions of Greece, raffle prizes donated by Greek Australian businesses, Greek dancing until the early hours of the morning, food, drinks, and, of course, digital cameras to capture moments Y2K-style.
Tavern attendee Nasia said the event gave her the “opportunity to share with people our culture and traditions while having a great time with everyone.”
While the Lefkadian Brotherhood has attempted to revive a youth group several times over the past 30 years, most recently in 2021, those efforts were not sustained. Calista has been a driving force behind the group’s latest revival and growing presence within the Greek Australian youth community.
“I just want people to feel like they have a community that is behind them, a community that makes them feel welcome and for them to feel confident in their Greek heritage as a whole,” Calista said about her aim for the group.
Victoria’s Lefkadian Youth returns, determined to build a lasting legacy
Earlier this year, when attending a youth event hosted by another club, Calista noticed many of the people around her were Lefkadian but lacked a dedicated youth group through which to connect. She approached the Lefkadian Brotherhood with her idea and, over the last few months, has worked alongside committee members Kostas Franes, Jana Papas, Cassandra Politis, Christina Vlahos, Ilias Vlahos, Christina Damigos and Nasia Karles to establish Lefkadian Youth.
Reflecting on her initial motivation for starting the group, Calista said: “A lot of groups can be really intimidating, [but with] a new group, everybody is new coming in. I wanted everyone to feel as comfortable as possible and for everyone to know they’re on the same wavelength.”
While Calista was not deeply immersed in Lefkadian culture before launching Lefkadian Youth, she has been determined to learn the many intricate elements that make Lefkadian culture unique, including its customs, dances, dialect and history.
Lefkadian Youth will continue working closely with the Brotherhood through monthly club lunches and other key events, while also branching out with youth-focused initiatives such as coffee catch-ups, dance classes, educational experiences centred on Lefkadian culture, and collaborations with other region-specific clubs.
“We want to keep engaging with the community, in particular other youth groups,” Calista said, emphasising the youth committee’s desire to work with other young Greek Australians.
The recent tavern night attracted 80 young people from across the Greek Australian community, a reflection of the group’s mission to create a welcoming space that includes youth from all Greek community clubs.
“That’s the beauty of the Greek community, we all like to collaborate and do things as one parea,” Calista said.
Lefkadian Youth acknowledges that many young Greek Australians may feel less connected to specific regions of Greece than previous generations. The committee sees the group as a space where Lefkadian culture can be celebrated while remaining inclusive and open to all.
“It’s becoming less about where you’re from and more about general community,” Calista said.
Conductor George Ellis thought he was signing up for a run of high-energy, emotionally charged performances of La La Land in Concert. What he didn’t expect was that somewhere between the jazz-infused heartbreak and celluloid, he would become an unexpected modern-day Cupid, guiding not one, but two surprise marriage proposals in Brisbane and Melbourne.
“I don’t often facilitate marriage proposals at my concerts, but I’m all for it,” Ellis said. “It was one of those moments where the music just carried everything.”
The first unfolded in Brisbane, where Ryan Stella spent weeks quietly planning a proposal for his partner, Jade Sin.
“I watched a few YouTube videos of proposals and wanted to make it personal,” Ryan said. “Something Jade would always remember.”
Jade’s love of live orchestral music made La La Land in Concert the perfect setting. “We had talked about getting married,” he said. “I knew this would be the right moment.”
The couple secured tickets through the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and what began as a night at the movies-with-orchestra slowly shifted into something far more intimate.
Ryan, who met Jade through work in retail management, both originally computer store managers before moving into broader careers, said music and content creation had always been part of their connection.
But nothing prepared them for what came next.
The first half unfolded as expected: sweeping orchestral themes, hushed silences, and an audience immersed in the film’s bittersweet nostalgia. Ellis recalls sensing something building even before intermission.
“There was a different energy in the room,” he said. “You can feel when something is about to happen.”
After the interval, that feeling crystallised.
At the end of the performance, Ellis stepped forward, paused the orchestra, and in a moment not written into any score, addressed the audience, inviting Ryan to take the floor.
“I won’t lie, I felt nervous,” Ryan admitted. “But I also knew it was something special.”
He dropped to one knee.
When Jade said yes, the orchestra lifted into Planetarium, one of the film’s most tender motifs, and the hall erupted.
“It felt like the music was waiting for it,” Ellis said. “The timing was incredible.”
Strangers cheered, filmed, and embraced the moment as it unfolded.
“People were coming up afterwards showing us footage they had taken,” Ryan said. “It was overwhelming in the best way.”
Ellis, watching from the podium, said simply: “I loved it. Seeing the audience go wild — that’s what live music is about.”
But Brisbane wasn’t the only night.
Across the national tour, another proposal unfolded in similar fashion, this time Suleiman and Nadeen in Melbourne, again with Ellis and the production team allowing a real-life love story to quietly enter the orchestral narrative. Different couple, different city, same unexpected magic.
For Ellis, it was never staged spectacle.
“People forget La La Land is really about timing — about life not always going the way you expect,” he said. “On these nights, everything aligned.”
He added with a laugh: “I don’t think I’ll be adding ‘wedding celebrant’ to my résumé just yet… but I do enjoy seeing love win.”
After the Melbourne show, the orchestra joked they were ready for the “yes cue” in future performances.
Online reactions mirrored the mood in the hall, with audience members describing the nights as “electric,” “joyful,” and “unforgettable.”
“Anything to facilitate the romance of young love,” one attendee wrote on social media. Another joked: “Next he’ll be conducting the wedding as well.”
As for Ryan, wedding plans are already drifting into honeymoon dreams, with southern Italy on the table, and Greece firmly in the conversation.
“Greece would be great too,” he said.
Ellis, whose Greek heritage continues to shape his artistic voice, says that sense of emotion and connection is inseparable from how he conducts.
“My Greek heritage influences my work in many ways,” he has told The Greek Herald. “Greekness means a love of life, an energetic, expressive approach. It absolutely feeds into how I conduct.”
He often describes music as communal, alive, shared, and deeply human, values rooted in that heritage.
“I think that sense of expression, of togetherness, is very Greek,” he said. “It’s in the music, it’s in the people, it’s in the emotion.”
It’s that spirit, passionate, joyful, and unmistakably human, that turned two concerts into something more, and made love, quite literally, take centre stage.
The brother of shark attack victim Mercury Psillakis, Mike Psillakis, has called on the Minns government to urgently deploy drones at all Sydney beaches year-round following a fatal incident at Coogee.
Psillakis said he fears further deaths will occur without expanded surveillance, arguing drones should operate “from sunlight to sunset seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
“We can’t afford to have any more attacks or lives lost,” he said.
“They (drones) need to be on every city beach, even in unpatrolled times, so warnings can be triggered a lot earlier. We need to protect human life, that’s the number one priority.”
Mercury Psillakis, 56, was killed by a great white shark at Long Reef Beach in Sydney’s north in September.
Psillakis said recent incidents showed the need for wider coverage, noting drones were operating at 14 locations on Saturday but not at Coogee. He also warned repeated attacks could harm tourism.
“In recent months there has been a spate of attacks. This doesn’t just affect surfers or swimmers, it impacts Sydney tourism,” he said. “We can’t afford for this to happen again.”
He added: “Install the drones and operate them at every popular city beaches … or the attacks will keep occurring and it’s a trend that won’t go away. The whites are coming up now and this is the second white attack in Sydney within a year. It’s just ridiculous.”
