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Hellenic spirit shines at St John’s College March 25 celebration

The Greek Herald
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Hellenic spirit shines at St John’s College March 25 celebration

St John’s College in Preston, Victoria commemorated Greek Independence Day with a lively, whole-school assembly that honoured Hellenic heritage, cultural identity, and belonging.

The program featured traditional dance and theatrical performances, and student-led segments which highlighted the importance of March 25 as both a national and religious observance.

Through their involvement, students expressed pride in their heritage while reflecting on how Greek cultural values continue to resonate within contemporary Australian society.

One of the standout moments of the assembly was the acknowledgement of Konstantina Vezou, who received a $5,000 award in recognition of her exceptional study score of 47 in VCE Greek – an achievement that placed her among Victoria’s highest-performing students.

Director of Hellenism, Kristian Raspa, emphasised the collective effort behind the event. “This is what Hellenism in the diaspora looks like – lived, shared and carried forward by the next generation.”

The College extended its thanks to staff, students and families whose contributions made the celebration possible.

Greek National Day celebrated in Burwood with music, dance and community spirit

The Greek Herald
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Greek National Day celebrated in Burwood with music, dance and community spirit

The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Saint Nectarios in Sydney celebrated Greek National Day last week at a special event hosted by Burwood Council. Parish and community members attended the celebration and experienced the joy, patriotism and Hellenic pride in the room.

The beloved Greek National Day celebration has been conducted annually since 2003 and featured prayers and hymns, presentations from the Saint Nectarios Burwood Greek school students, and dance and music performances.

The poem, The Ode For The Fallen, was delivered by Peter Tsigounis, President of The Greek RSL Sub-Branch.

Addresses were given by the Mayor of Burwood Cr John Faker; former Mayor Chris Christogeorge; emcee Dimitrios Kametopoulos, who spoke about the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolongi; Penelopy Kioussis, President of the St Nectarios Parish and Community; and the Very Rev Father George Liangas, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Performances included local dance group Greek Dance Rhythms, directed by Christina Efthymiades and Nicole Economos, and the parish’s choir was accompanied by Tassos Bouzouki.

Dean Kalimniou delivers inaugural 2026 lecture on Josef Eliya

The Greek Herald
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Dean Kalimniou delivers inaugural 2026 lecture on Josef Eliya

On Monday, March 30, the Jewish Hellenic Association of Victoria (JHAV) launched its 2026 program with a compelling and thoughtfully curated event in Melbourne, bringing together members of both the Greek and Jewish communities.

Founded in 2021, the Association is dedicated to illuminating the distinctive historical trajectories of Hellenic and Jewish peoples, highlighting their points of interaction and shared cultural inheritances, and fostering a spirit of harmony and cooperation between the two communities.

At the heart of the evening was a lecture by Dean Kalimniou entitled “Religious Syncretism in the Poetry of Josef Eliya,” offered as a tribute to the eminent Jewish poet of Ioannina.

The lecture presented a nuanced and intellectually rigorous exploration of Eliya’s poetic corpus, tracing the subtle interweaving of Jewish theological motifs with the linguistic, cultural, and philosophical textures of the Greek world.

Attention was given to the way Eliya’s work reflects the historical and spiritual experience of the Romaniote Jewish community, articulating a deeply rooted yet dialogic cultural identity.

In advancing his analysis, Kalimniou positioned Eliya’s poetry as a site of convergence, where religious and cultural traditions move beyond simple coexistence and enter a dynamic and generative dialogue. Syncretism was thus understood as an active and creative process, one through which identity, memory, and belief are continually negotiated and reconstituted.

Emphasis was placed on the historical significance of this synthesis considering the subsequent destruction of the Jewish community of Ioannina during the Holocaust, which lends Eliya’s work the character of a fragile yet enduring cultural testament. This reading invited a reconsideration of the boundaries between traditions, suggesting instead a porous and evolving cultural landscape.

The event concluded in an atmosphere of attentive engagement and thoughtful reflection, underscoring both the continuing relevance of Eliya’s work and the important role of the Jewish Hellenic Association of Victoria in cultivating meaningful intercultural dialogue.

Community gathers at outdoor memorial in Sydney to honour EOKA sacrifice

The Greek Herald
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Community gathers at outdoor memorial in Sydney to honour EOKA sacrifice

This year, the memorial service marking the commencement of the EOKA liberation struggle for Cyprus coincided with the commemoration of 25 March, as well as the official visit of a delegation from the Hellenic Parliament.

At the conclusion of a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Sunday, March 29, a Doxology was offered marking the National Anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821, followed by a Memorial Service for the heroes of the EOKA liberation struggle (1955–1959), commemorating the anniversary of 1 April 1955.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia addressed the faithful, reflecting on the profound historical and spiritual significance of the day – a moment that united two homelands and one people in the shared memory of struggle and sacrifice:

“Today is a sacred convergence of memory and faith. The struggles of 1821 and 1955 are not distant chapters of history, but living testimonies of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom,” His Eminence said.

“The coincidence of these commemorations reminds us that Hellenism is united across time and place – from Greece to Cyprus – bound by shared values, shared struggles, and a shared destiny.

“We are especially honoured by the presence of Members of the Hellenic Parliament, whose engagement, questions, and sincere interest affirm that the legacy of our struggles continues to resonate within the heart of the Hellenic world.

“Meeting with one of the heroes of the liberation struggle and participating in the private reflection and wreath-laying was a moment of deep humility – a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice, and must be preserved with responsibility and unity.”

Reaffirming the message of hope, Archbishop Makarios added: “We honour our Cypriot brothers who struggled for the liberation of their island, and we glorify God that there is a free Cyprus today.”

“At the same time, we offer our prayers that God may bless and strengthen efforts so that the entire island may one day be liberated and united. May God grant us this great blessing, through the grace and intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, to see Cyprus free and united,” he added.

Among those in attendance were the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Antonis Sammoutis; and Members of the Hellenic Parliament, Maximos Charakopoulos, Filippos Fortomas, Stavros Michailidis, and Konstantinos Barkas, who were visiting Australia as part of the official delegation for the Greek Independence Day celebrations.

Also present were the Secretary General of the Archdiocesan Council and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Theodosios Penklis; Michael P. Kyriacou, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW; as well as presidents and representatives of Greek and Cypriot community organisations.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the delegation of Members of the Hellenic Parliament, together with representatives of the Cyprus Community of New South Wales, proceeded to the memorial monument located within the church grounds.

A brief moment of reflection was led by the High Commissioner Mr Sammoutis, who spoke on the enduring significance of the EOKA struggle and its place in the collective memory of Hellenism.

In a solemn and deeply moving gesture, flowers were laid at the monument by veterans and heroes of the liberation struggle, honouring those who sacrificed for freedom and dignity.

The visiting Greek Members of Parliament expressed strong interest in the commemoration, engaging meaningfully with attendees and demonstrating genuine empathy and respect for the history being honoured. In a particularly poignant moment, they warmly congratulated one of the heroes present, embracing him and acknowledging him as a role model for all Hellenes – and indeed for all people around the world who continue to strive for liberty.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Mr Kyriacou emphasised the deeper meaning of the day and its enduring relevance for Hellenism and the broader international community:

“The coincidence of this memorial with the commemoration of 25 March is not incidental – it is a profound reminder that the struggle of Cyprus is intrinsically linked to the wider continuum of Hellenic history and the universal pursuit of liberty,” Mr Kyriacou said.

“The cause of Cyprus extends beyond the shores of the island. It speaks to all Hellenes, wherever they may be, and to all peoples around the world who continue to strive for freedom, dignity, and self-determination.”

Mr Kyriacou expressed his sincere appreciation for the spiritual leadership and unwavering support of the Church.

“We are deeply grateful for the prayers, the guidance, and the steadfast support of the Church, and in particular His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, whose words today reaffirm both our faith and our collective responsibility to remain steadfast in our cause,” he added.

“It is our hope that this message – of justice, remembrance, and the continued pursuit of a free and united Cyprus – resonates more broadly across Australia, and especially within the Greek Australian community, strengthening awareness and engagement with this enduring national issue.”

Highlighting the Community’s forward-looking initiatives, Mr Kyriacou also announced a significant educational and cultural project.

“Our Community is in the final stages of launching a major exhibition examining the media’s portrayal of the Cyprus struggle – an initiative that will provide students across New South Wales with a firsthand opportunity to understand how narratives were shaped, and how, in many cases, they failed to reflect the true nature of the struggle,” Mr Kyriacou said.

“In reflection, contemporary scholarship and historical analysis increasingly recognise the Cyprus liberation movement alongside other global independence movements – including that of the United States and other nations that emerged from colonial rule – restoring its rightful place within the broader history of peoples seeking freedom.”

Mr Kyriacou also acknowledged the presence and meaningful engagement of the visiting Members of the Hellenic Parliament.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Members of the Hellenic Parliament, who not only honoured us with their presence, but remained afterwards to engage directly with members of our Community, listening with care and expressing genuine solidarity with our cause,” he said.

“Their commitment to carry these discussions back to Greece, and to ensure that the Cyprus issue remains firmly on the parliamentary agenda, is both reassuring and deeply appreciated.

“The embrace of our heroes and their recognition as role models for all Hellenes was a powerful and symbolic moment – one that underscores the enduring bond between Greece, Cyprus, and the global Hellenic diaspora.”

Dennis and Rachel Tsonis accused in large-scale meth lab bust in SA

The Greek Herald
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Dennis and Rachel Tsonis accused in large-scale meth lab bust in SA

South Australian Police have carried out what they call the state’s largest recent seizure of drug-manufacturing equipment, charging two people in connection with the haul.

On March 9, police arrested Dennis Tsonis after a search at a Woodville North property in connection with an ongoing drug investigation.

Dennis, 44, has been charged with offences dating back to February this year alongside allegations from March. Police allegedly uncovered equipment and chemicals consistent with a clandestine laboratory inside a shed and in the rear of a ute parked at the property.

Dennis is yet to enter a plea to manufacturing a controlled drug, trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, possessing a firearm without a licence and two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug.

Investigators also allegedly found about 400g of methamphetamine and a large quantity of chemicals used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. A loaded sawn-off shotgun was also allegedly seized by police.

Further investigations saw a 41-year-old Woodville North woman, Rachel Tsonis arrested on March 22. She was charged with the same offences and appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court the following day.

Court documents allege that between December and March Rachel manufactured a large commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

It’s further alleged that, earlier this month, she possessed a sawn-off shotgun and trafficked in a commercial quantity of meth.

Tsonis adjourned her bail application and was remanded in custody. Both alleged offenders will face the Adelaide Magistrates Court in June.

Source: The Advertiser

Fundraiser attended by Steve Kamper MP draws attention as donation disclosures examined

The Greek Herald
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Fundraiser attended by Steve Kamper MP draws attention as donation disclosures examined

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper has been drawn into scrutiny following his attendance at a Labor fundraiser attended by Macarthur Bulls chairman Gino Marra, whose associated companies were among contributors to the event, prompting broader questions around political donations, disclosure processes and transparency.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the matter has led the NSW Labor Party to refer itself to the Electoral Commission after discrepancies were identified between donation disclosures lodged by MPs and those linked to companies connected to Marra.

Some organisations connected to the fundraiser were also reported as not having submitted corresponding returns, raising compliance questions under NSW electoral laws, including adherence to donation caps and reporting obligations.

The situation coincides with attention on government funding awarded to the Macarthur Bulls, including an $8 million commitment for a school-based football initiative. The program has undergone review regarding expenditure allocations and data reporting, with authorities noting areas for administrative improvement and inconsistencies in participation reporting, which have been subject to independent audit.

Kamper’s office has stated there is no link between fundraising activities, stakeholder meetings and funding decisions, and that ministers regularly attend events as part of their official duties.

The development has nonetheless contributed to wider discussion about donation reporting processes, regulatory compliance, and the relationship between political engagement and the allocation of public funding.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

First responder seeks damages in case linked to death of SA policewoman Joanne Shanahan

The Greek Herald
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First responder seeks damages in case linked to death of SA policewoman Joanne Shanahan

Harrison Kitt, who was found not guilty over a fatal 2020 crash due to mental incompetence, is seeking to have a civil lawsuit dismissed, arguing he cannot be held liable despite court documents acknowledging he was negligent in the incident.

The crash occurred when Kitt, then 21 and experiencing undiagnosed bipolar disorder, drove through a red light at high speed – reportedly reaching 167km/h – and collided with SA Police Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan (nee Panayiotou) and Tania McNeill, killing both. He was later placed on a 10-year supervision order following the criminal proceedings.

First responder Jacqueline Ross is seeking $105,000 in damages, alleging she developed PTSD, anxiety, depression and panic disorder after attending the scene.

Her claim states she has required ongoing psychiatric treatment and continues to experience lasting impacts on her mental health, including limitations on her daily activities and work.

Kitt’s legal defence disputes both liability and the extent of her injuries, arguing that any psychological harm may relate to pre-existing factors, including prior personal circumstances and mental health history, rather than the crash itself.

The defence also maintains that, in light of the earlier criminal ruling, Kitt did not owe a legal duty of care in this context and therefore cannot be held liable in civil proceedings.

A solicitor representing Kitt and his family said they were unaware of the lawsuit or the defence filings, suggesting the vehicle’s insurer is handling the matter independently, as permitted. The case is scheduled to return to court in June.

Source: The Advertiser

Mildura sex offender Arthur Tsamoudakis refused bail after alleged playground loitering

The Greek Herald
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Mildura sex offender Arthur Tsamoudakis refused bail after alleged playground loitering

Former Mildura taxi driver and sex offender Arthur Tsamoudakis has been accused of loitering near playgrounds while sleeping in a tent allegedly stuffed with sex toys, porn, and children’s playthings, a court has heard.

Tsamoudakis appeared in Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Monday seeking bail for the second time in under two weeks after being released on strict bail conditions for previous alleged offences on March 19.

The court heard he allegedly spent three hours at a children’s play area at Langtree Mall, breaching both his bail and sex offender registry obligations.

Earlier, Tsamoudakis was accused of setting up a tent near a public water park and playground, where police reportedly found sex toys, pornography, and children’s toys. Authorities also allege he was found with a mobile phone number that had not been registered with authorities, violating his reporting requirements.

Police have described him as an elevated risk to the community, claiming he deliberately targeted areas frequented by children.

Police prosecutor, leading senior constable Jacqueline Lowe told the court Tsamoudakis had repeatedly ignored previous bail conditions.

“It is very likely the accused will continue to disregard bail conditions,” Constable Lowe said.

Footage was played to the court which allegedly showed Tsamoudakis loitering at a school crossing while attempting to get the attention of children.

Tsamoudakis’ sister gave evidence and detailed her brother’s mental health decline following the death of their father. “Our father died in Arthur’s arms,” she told the court.

Although police alleged the accused’s family refused to take him in, she said her brother was welcome to stay at their mother’s home. “She has always stated to me she is happy to have him as long as he is getting medical help,” she said.

A psychological report submitted to the court concluded that Tsamoudakis was “completely fine from a psychological perspective.”

Magistrate Greg Thomas ruled the accused posed an unacceptable risk if granted bail. “He seems to be a far more complex case than (anyone) realised,” Magistrate Thomas said.

“I can’t see any conditions that would ameliorate any risk, so I formally refuse bail,” he said.

Tsamoudakis will next appear before the court on April 7.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Paul Nicolaou urges immediate toll relief for NSW taxis, rideshare and freight drivers

The Greek Herald
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Paul Nicolaou urges immediate toll relief for NSW taxis, rideshare and freight drivers

Business Sydney’s executive director Paul Nicolaou has urged that taxis, Uber drivers, private bus operators and truck drivers receive immediate relief on NSW toll roads to help offset rising costs.

Although drivers in the state benefit from a $60 weekly toll cap and can receive rebates of up to $340 per tag each week, commercial drivers are excluded from the scheme and must contend with soaring fuel costs alongside a scheduled toll increase on April 1.

Nicolaou said there is “no relief in sight” for operators and called for targeted relief for commercial operators.

“Sydney’s transport-dependent industries are being hit from all sides,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “Rising tolls, record fuel prices and increasing regulatory costs are creating a perfect storm for taxis, rideshare drivers, couriers and freight operators.

“For many small business operators and drivers, these are not marginal increases, they are the difference between staying viable and going out of business.”

Nicolaou argued courier and freight companies also faced additional operating measures which would then see costs passed on to consumers, adding “broader cost-of-living pressures” on households.

“Sydney is already one of the most expensive cities in the world to operate a vehicle due to its extensive toll road network,” he said.

“These latest increases only reinforce that position and risk undermining the efficiency of our transport and logistics systems.”

Rideshare apps Uber and Didi have increased prices to help fuel costs for drivers. Uber has increased costs by an average of 6 per cent while Didi has implemented a five-cent-per-kilometre surcharge.

Food delivery business Doordash says it will absorb the costs and will pay drivers a weekly stipend between $5 to $25 if they drive between 150km and 501km.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Dedes-owned Flying Fish to shut doors after eight years at The Star in Sydney

The Greek Herald
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Dedes-owned Flying Fish to shut doors after eight years at The Star in Sydney

Flying Fish, the signature seafood restaurant at Pyrmont’s casino and entertainment complex The Star, is scheduled to close on April 11.

Flying Fish is one of ten dining spaces owned by Greek Australian couple Con and Kerrie Dedes under Dedes Waterfront Group.

Dedes had told The Greek Herald in an earlier interview, “We are blessed within Dedes Waterfront Group to have so many beautiful and varied brands, so one day is definitely never the same – my wife Kerrie and I have wonderful people around us from our HQ to of course our great venues.”

Flying Fish opened first at Jones Bay Wharf in 2004 before relocating in 2018 to The Star. The seafood restaurant earned its first chefs’ hats in the 2005 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, with chef Peter Kuruvita in the kitchen and Sri Lankan snapper curry on the menu.

Beloved seafood restaurant Flying Fish set to close from April 11. Photo: Dedes Watefront Group.

“We’ve had eight great years at The Star, there were some onerous days during COVID, but it’s time to fly again,” Dedes said.

The closure of the restuarant’s location in The Star may not be the end of the Flying Fish. “We’re looking at sites in the Sydney CBD to relocate,” Dedes said.

The fast-serve retail outlet Flying Fish & Chips, also owned by Con and Kerrie, will continue to operate in The Star’s cafe court. “We’ve had a good relationship with The Star and look forward to that continuing,” Dedes said.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

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