Auctioneer Tom Panos says he was threatened by an angry bidder after an auction in Guildford over the weekend, describing the encounter in a fiery YouTube video where he also accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of worsening Australia’s housing problems.
“I nearly had a buyer punch me out,” Panos said, recounting how the frustrated bidder “screamed” at him after being outbid. The buyer allegedly blamed auctioneers for rising house prices, a claim Panos dismissed.
“Blaming me for the price that property sold for would be like blaming Tim Bailey the weatherman for the rain,” he said. “It would be like blaming the Uber driver for the traffic. Get real.”
Panos instead argued that government policies, including the First Home Guarantee Scheme, were driving prices higher.
“Anthony Albanese is making the property problem and the housing issues Australia has not better, worse,” he said.
He also warned that many buyers misunderstand the scheme’s conditions at auction.
“You can use the five per cent deposit, but when you go to an auction, it’s a 10 per cent deposit,” he said, advising bidders to seek vendor approval beforehand.
The seasoned auctioneer, known for his appearances on The Block, urged first home buyers to be cautious, adding: “If you’re scrimping to get 5 per cent, I don’t think you should be buying a property.”
Panos noted that rising real estate signboard orders suggest more homes are coming onto the market, which he believes will “keep a lid” on further price surges.
The Annual General Meeting of the members of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) was successfully held on Sunday, October 12, at the Community Club, 206–210 Lakemba St, Lakemba.
In accordance with the Community’s Constitution, elections for a new Board of Directors are held every two years. During the Meeting, it was decided that the upcoming elections will take place on 30 November 2025.
The members also elected Maria Chrysanthou as President of the Electoral Committee, who will oversee the election process.
The following six individuals were nominated to serve as members of the Electoral Committee: Anastasia Theodoropoulos, Spyros Veris, Paul Tsanis, Fotis Alexandrakis, Anna Ioannidou, Andreas Hardas and Aikaterini Vetsikas.
Bank of Sydney recently announced that Dr Nicholas Pappas AM has stepped down as Chairman of its board, after nearly two decades of exemplary leadership, service, and significant contribution to the Bank’s growth and success.
Nikolas Hatzistergos, who has served on the board as Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee, assumed the role of Chairman, effective 27 August 2025.
Further, new appointments to the board include The Hon Kristina Keneally, Dunstan de Souza, and Diane Khoury, as non-executive directors, bringing a diverse range of expertise and further strengthening the Board’s governance. These appointments are subject to the normal regulatory approvals process.
Departing Chairman Dr Pappas said, “I’m immensely proud to have guided Bank of Sydney through a period of significant growth and transformation over the past 20 years. I have great confidence in the appointment of Nikolas as Chairman, whose longstanding service and deep understanding of the bank will provide continued strength and stability. Alongside the exceptional talent in Dunstan, Diane, and Kristina, I am confident the Board will continue to steer the Bank forward – always with our customers, our people, and our community at the fore.”
Newly appointed Chairman Mr Hatzistergos said, “It’s with immense gratitude that we thank Nicholas Pappas for his leadership and dedicated tenure on the Board. It has been a privilege to work alongside him. I’m honoured to step into the role of Chairman, and I look forward to guiding the Bank through its next stage of growth and development.
“On behalf of the Board, we also extend a warm welcome to Kristina, Dunstan, and Diane. Their expertise and diverse perspectives will further strengthen the Bank and enhance its’ governance practice.”
Mr Hatzistergos has over three decades experience in executive leadership and corporate governance. He currently holds positions as Executive Chairman of William Buck (NSW) Pty Ltd, President of the Hellenic Club Limited, Director of the Management Board and Member of the Governing Council of Praxity (AISBL). He is also a Director and Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee for South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club Limited (‘The Rabbitohs’).
Sydney’s new Metro line is transforming dining habits across the city, bringing fresh crowds to restaurants on both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
In Sydenham, Sippenham wine and pasta bar co-owner Stephen Mandis said the Metro had “been a really good help,” attracting customers from the North Shore, CBD, and Eastern Suburbs.
“It’s actually given us an opportunity to showcase our amazing food and our really, really tasty wine to greater parts of Sydney,” Mandis said, adding that the line has brought “a whole different type of clientele” to the suburb.
Sippenham wine and pasta bar.
Across the bridge in Crows Nest, Plan B Burgers and Booze owner Jacob Tannous said the Metro had “changed Crows Nest significantly,” lifting business by around 20 per cent.
“It’s been a really positive thing for us here in Crows Nest, as for all the other businesses here,” Tannous said. “Almost every suburb should have a Metro.”
Sippenham co-owner and chef Nicholas Giannopoulos also credited the service for making cross-harbour dining “easier and faster than ever,” with mid-week visits from city workers and after-work crowds on the rise.
Opal data shows weekday trips between CBD and North Sydney Metro stations have jumped more than 55 per cent between May 2024 and May 2025, while Sydenham has seen a marked boost in its evening dining scene.
Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos was welcomed to Government House in Perth by Western Australian Governor Chris Dawson during his 2025 tour of Australia.
Loverdos was accompanied by Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, and Perth Consul Eleni Georgopoulou.
During their meeting, the Governor and Loverdos discussed the long-standing friendship between Greece and Western Australia, noting more than 130 years of Greek settlement and contributions to the state’s business, education, arts, and sporting life.
Aristides Avlonitis has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for his role in a bungled attempt to import over 229 kilograms of cocaine into Western Australia that ended with him and two accomplices clinging to an esky in wild seas off Albany.
Avlonitis, 39, was extradited from the Northern Territory after the 2023 incident, in which he, Mate Stipinovich, and Karl Whitburn retrieved nine large packages of cocaine from a bulk carrier before their boat, Aces and Eights, sank in rough conditions.
The trio were rescued after hours in the water wearing life jackets and holding onto the esky.
Police later recovered the wreck and discovered more than 270 individual packages of cocaine.
District Court Judge Nicholas Egan described the men as “Keystone criminals,” saying they were “not the masterminds or even high up in the hierarchy.”
Photo: ABC News / Ashleigh Davis.
The court heard Avlonitis had agreed to act as deckhand for $50,000, while Stipinovich was promised $100,000 but had no boating licence, little experience, and had purchased the unsuitable vessel for $72,000.
Whitburn became too seasick to assist with the retrieval, and the judge said the boat may have sunk after seawater entered the fuel line or cracked the hull.
Egan noted that none of the men profited from the operation, calling their potential payments “a pittance compared to the value of the drugs.”
Avlonitis must serve at least six years before being eligible for parole. Stipinovich received 12 years and three months, and Whitburn eight years.
Greece’s Parliament approved a contentious amendment banning demonstrations in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in central Athens on Wednesday, October 22.
The measure passed by roll-call vote with 159 votes in favour and 134 against, following requests from SYRIZA and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).
Under the new law, the Defence Ministry will take over maintenance of the monument, while the Citizen Protection Ministry will continue to oversee public order in the area.
The legislation prohibits gatherings, occupations, or any alterations to the site on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue.
The debate sparked sharp clashes between the government and opposition, which accused the administration of undermining the constitutional right to assembly.
Η ρύθμιση για το Μνημείο του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη εμπεδώνει απλά την κανονικότητα και το προφανές: ότι το δικαίωμα στη συνάθροιση και τη διαμαρτυρία μπορεί να συνυπάρχει με την προστασία ενός χώρου ιερού. pic.twitter.com/1FRiKTfEGd
Opposition parties also criticised Defence Minister Nikos Dendias for not speaking during the debate, despite voting in favour.
Dendias had earlier stated that the monument “will not be treated as an object of political exploitation or social division,” a remark seen as an attempt to distance himself from the controversy.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis responded that the only reason a minister would not speak on a measure within his jurisdiction “would be if he was in a coma.”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissed reports of a rift with Dendias, telling Skai radio, “The defence minister, with whom I personally communicated before submitting the provision, expressed no disagreement with its content. He co-signed it and will vote for it in today’s roll-call vote.”
On 20 October 2025, the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library of South Australia was transformed into a scene of elegant celebration as South Australia’s Greek community gathered to honour the visit of Ioannis Loverdos, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad.
The event was co-hosted by Tom Koutsantonis MP, Treasurer of SA, and the Hellenic Studies Foundation, welcoming an audience that reflected the depth and breadth of Hellenic presence in the state.
Hellenic Studies Foundation. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
Guests included Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Minister Andrea Michaels MP, Frank Pangallo MLC representing the Leader of the Opposition, and Connie Bonaros MLC.
Also in attendance were Lord Mayor of Adelaide Jane Lomax-Smith, Mayor Michael Coxen, Councillor Mary Couros, and a cross-section of industry and community leaders from South Australia’s vibrant Greek community.
(L-R) Minister Andrea Michaels MP, Athena Lambetis, Ivana Tsianos and Stephanie Skordas.
A celebration of connection and identity
In his opening remarks, Treasurer Koutsantonis spoke with characteristic passion about the enduring bond between Greece and its diaspora.
“The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs has a special mandate to look after Greeks abroad. Now that term [Greeks abroad] means a lot to all of us, who are so far away from our parents and grandparents’ home. We’ve made our homes and our fortunes in our lives, and our families, on the other side of the world,” Koutsantonis said.
SA Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis.
He went on to describe the significance of the visit for SA’s Hellenic community, noting that the presence of the Deputy Minister here in the state is not only appreciated, but meaningful, and “represents a bridge between the Hellenic Republic and the Hellenic diaspora; between our homeland and our heartland; [and] between roots and branches that flourish across oceans and generations.”
Koutsantonis emphasised the call to live Hellenism actively and transmit it to future generations.
“Our different weaving of language, passion, community life, and faith is creating a resilient cultural fabric that continues through the generations,” he said.
“It’s not a matter of simply celebrating our culture. Anyone can do that. It’s an act of stewardship. It’s a matter of ensuring the stories and values and the spirit of Hellenism aren’t only preserved but renewed – and one of the most important vessels for that is language.”
He described language as the vessel of Greek history, philosophy, and values – the means by which legacy becomes inheritance – concluding that “Hellenism is alive and well in South Australia.”
Peter Charatsis (Hellenic Studies Foundation) and Alex Demetriou (Chairman – HACCI (SA)).
Bridging homeland and diaspora
Deputy Minister Loverdos expressed his admiration for Adelaide’s cultural energy and dynamism, and the passion of its Greek community.
Reflecting on the shared history between Greece and Australia – forged in the camaraderie of the World Wars – he spoke of a bond that transcends geography.
“Here amongst you, I feel like I’m home… Greece and Australia are two countries who are very far from each other [geographically], but we are very close friends and allies…. [But] what brings together Australia and Greece, is the Greek Australian community. You are covering the [distance]… And for me, Greek Australians are Greek,” Loverdos said.
Greek Deputy Minister Ioannis Loverdos.
He expanded on this theme of unity, declaring that Hellenism is a global phenomenon.
“Hellenism is not only for the Greeks who reside in Greece. There are Greeks everywhere, in America, in Canada, in Germany, in Australia. We are all Greeks. Why are we all Greeks? Because we share the same values and the same principles, not only the origin… because we share logic, philosophy, critical thinking, science, democracy, freedom – all these were invented by our forefathers… The Greek civilisation is ecumenical… belonging to the whole of the world,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the Greek language as one of the strongest and oldest in existence: “It’s a language that has existed for more than 35 centuries – from the times of Homer until now. It’s the language the Gospels were written in, the language of Plato and Aristotle, and the language of Alexander the Great.”
Turning to faith, Loverdos underscored the interconnection between Orthodoxy and national identity.
“It is not only a religion for us. You can be whatever religion you want. But for Greeks, it’s not an honorary religion. It is a part of our national identity. If we were not Orthodox, we would have become Muslims and would have become Turks during the Ottoman years. So, for us, these two important things – the language and our religion – are our national identity,” he said.
Loverdos concluded with a passionate call for unity and pride, the pride of being Greek and that “in Greece, we bow to no one, only to our flag, and to our Lord Jesus Christ. To nobody else, we do not bow.”
The dinner offered more than a celebration, but was a reaffirmation of the living bond between Greece and its diaspora and that the light of Hellenism continues to shine brightly in South Australia.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos
The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a deeply moving and meticulously researched presentation titled Greek Heroines of WWII, marking the 28th of October, OXI Day, and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Convened by Tina Contos and Eleni Kandylas-Mallios, the program captivated the audience with its insightful exploration of the courage and sacrifice of Greek women who defied occupation and tyranny during the war.
The program captivated the audience with its insightful exploration of the courage and sacrifice of Greek women. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Adding to the occasion were speeches by Hellenic Lyceum President Liana Vertzayias, Greek Consul General in Sydney George Skemperis, and historian Costa Vertzayias AM, each offering reflections on the enduring legacy of women in wartime Greece.
Hellenic Lyceum President Liana Vertzayias.Costa Vertzayias AM.
The event also featured a stirring performance of the Horo tou Zalongou by the Senior Hellenic Lyceum Dancers, led by Dance Ephor Irene Tsenkas, evoking the bravery of the Souliot women who chose death over enslavement.
The Senior Hellenic Lyceum Dancers.
As is tradition, the afternoon concluded with a sumptuous afternoon tea prepared by the Lyceum’s committee ladies, who filled the hall with warmth and hospitality. Among the guests were Father Miltiades Chryssavgis and members of Sydney’s Greek community.
The afternoon concluded with a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Honouring unsung heroines
In their presentations, Ms Contos and Ms Kandylas-Mallios introduced remarkable women whose heroism has too often been overlooked. Some heroines mentioned were:
Lela Karayannis, a mother of seven, sheltered ANZACs and Jews while aiding British intelligence before being executed for her defiance.
Sara Fortis (Sarika Yeshua), a Jewish teenager from Evia, formed and led her own unit of female partisans, known as the Andartisses.
Ioulia Bimba built bombs in her kitchen and destroyed the Gestapo Headquarters in Athens before being captured and executed by guillotine in Vienna.
Iro Konstantopoulou, only 17, was executed by firing squad after refusing to betray her comrades.
Sofia Vembo, the “songstress of victory,” inspired soldiers through her patriotic songs and donated her fortune to the Hellenic Navy.
Olga Stambolis (née Simos) – a Greek-Australian heroine from Ultimo – left her family to serve as a spy in Athens for the British and Greek resistance, surviving imprisonment and torture before returning to Australia.
Tina Contos.Eleni Kandylas-Mallios.
The presentation also included excerpts of poetry by Yannis Ritsos, music by Mikis Theodorakis, and archival footage including Nana Mouskouri singing Song of Liberty at the official 80th anniversary of WWII’s end.
Reflection and remembrance
In closing, Consul General Mr Skemperis praised the presenters for bringing to light the stories of ordinary women who achieved extraordinary feats.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis.
He reflected on the emotional toll of war on women – as mothers, daughters, and survivors – and the strength they carried in rebuilding Greece from the ashes of conflict.
The afternoon was not only a tribute to heroism but a profound reminder of women’s pivotal role in shaping both Greece’s wartime resistance and its post-war rebirth.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The hall was brimming with warmth, laughter, dance, and the aroma of homemade food; unmistakable signs you’d stepped into an Anemones celebration. Helen Hatzis offered visitors a taste of Eva Karpeti’s mandarin liqueur, while Georgia Sahinis served her specialty loukoumia.
It’s always cosy at an Anemones event, but Sunday, October 19 at the Darebin Northwest Uniting Church in Preston marked a special milestone: a quarter of a century of dance, friendship, and service for the Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs.
“Sometimes we forget how much we’ve offered over the years,” said President Nola Radiotis, her voice trembling with emotion after 14 years at the helm of the organisation.
“When we visit nursing homes and see older people light up at the sound of Greek music, even those who can no longer dance, we realise how much joy we bring. We don’t just offer; we receive so much in return.”
For 25 years, Anemones have danced their way into the hearts of Melbourne’s multicultural community. From festivals to aged care visits, their mission has been to preserve Greek culture through music and movement, and to nurture one another along the way.
Vice President Fotini Michalopoulos said, “I see how hard the Committee, led by Nola, seek out events that get the ladies out and about, keep them informed on topics relevant to them as mature women, see them participating in and enjoying festivals and importantly offering an alternative to an isolated life.”
The group’s performances in nursing homes remain their proudest achievement. “It’s very moving,” Nola said, pausing to compose herself. “We see people’s memories return. Their eyes shine. And for us, that’s priceless.”
Darebin Mayor Kristine Olaris praised the group for stepping “far beyond membership,” while Deputy Mayor Emily Dimitriadis, Nola’s former student, called Nola a “wonderful leader” who helps make Darebin “a special place.”
Their contribution has been recognised with city and statewide awards. Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan sent a message congratulating Anemones on “25 years of serving the community,” acknowledging their role in “fostering social cohesion and that vital sense of belonging.” It was laminated and proudly pinned on the wall.
Federal MP Ged Kearney praised the women’s resilience: “You left your homes, came to a strange country, worked so hard and raised your children. And what’s more, what’s really important is that you built your village here, for your families, because it does take a village to raise children and that’s what you’ve done.”
She paid tribute to the late Sofia Mastoris OAM, founding member of the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria and member of Anemones since the early days. “You could feel how much this community misses Sofia,” Kearney said. “But her legacy of empowering women lives on in every smile and every dance step.”
Kearney dashed to her son’s 30th birthday carrying plastic tubs of keftedakia, spanakopitakia and other homemade treats, because Anemones are old school when it comes to food.
Walls were lined with photos, clippings, and traditional costumes, meticulously arranged by Faye Petroulakis and Nicki Sarimichailidis, with thumbs up from Nola. “You can tell she’s been a teacher,” joked her daughter, Peggy Radiotis, on photo duty for the day.
They weren’t the only mother-daughter pair, an emerging trend in the group. Michalopoulos recalled, “My early engagement with Anemones was as my mother’s chauffeur to weekly dance lessons and events. Fast forward a handful of years and the group has transitioned to one where multiple generations and family groups are engaged.”
Fotini Triantafyllou joined for similar reasons. “At first, I joined to encourage mum to attend, but now I love it. It’s fun, social, and meaningful,” she said.
Maria Mandilas dances alongside her mother, Konstantina Dimou, one of the first members of the group. Maria’s son, Tim Mandilas of the Florina Aristotelis Dance Group, serves as their dance teacher – recruited by his grandmother, of course.
True to form, Anemones took to the floor for sympethera, karagouna, balos, kalamatiano, and hasaposerviko. The live band – George Kiriakidis, Tim and Dean Mandilas – kept the music flowing as Zoe Radimisis sang, laughter echoing through the hall.
“Our feet aren’t always right, but that doesn’t matter, as long as we stand up, give it a go, and smile. That’s what counts,” Nola chuckled.
Behind the dainty sandwiches and poppy seed cake lies a group that’s also digitally savvy. During COVID, they mastered Messenger, and the chat remains a daily lifeline for sharing news and celebrations.
Anemones continue to bloom 25 years on, a living, breathing testament to the beauty of Greek heritage, the strength of women, and the enduring power of community.
Those who want to join in the fun for the next 25 years, can email anemonesgroup@gmail.com
