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Support the Justice for Cyprus cause at SEKA NSW’s fundraising luncheon

SEKA NSW is inviting people to a fundraising lunch at the Cyprus Community Club at 58-76 Stanmore Road, Stanmore on Sunday, July 7 at 12.30pm.

The lunch will include a documentary screening.

seka nsw cyprus

All takings on the day will go towards the expenses of the commemoration for the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. 

Tickets are: $60 for adults and $35 for children under 12. For bookings please contact: Cyprus Community Club on 9557 1256, Chris Koulinos on 0404 876 331, or Dr Miranda Adamou on 0417 440 978.

Ancient Greek sanctuary in danger of sinking into Aegean sea

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Very close to Mykonos island lies Delos, a UNESCO heritage site and one of the most significant sanctuaries of the ancient Greek and Roman world.

Surrounded by azure waters, Delos’ 2,000-year-old ruins provide a glimpse into daily life during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. However, according to The Australian, scientists warn that rising sea levels due to climate change could sink this historic site within decades.

Significant structural damage is already visible, especially in areas that once housed trade and storage buildings in the first and second centuries BCE.

“Every year in the spring, I notice that new walls have collapsed,” Moretti, who has taken part in digs on the island for the past 40 years, told AFP.

Photo: amna

In the past decade, sea levels around Delos have risen by up to 20 meters (66 feet) in some areas. A study by Aristotelio University in Thessaloniki found that rising temperatures and high humidity levels significantly affect the chemical composition of materials used in cultural heritage monuments. “Just like the human body, monuments are built to withstand specific temperatures,” Efstathia Tringa, a meteorology and climatology researcher at Aristotle University, told kathimerini earlier this year.

Tourists from Mykonos, who often stray from designated areas, pose another challenge. In summer, only a few archaeologists are present to supervise the site. Delos, considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, was once a thriving city of about 30,000 people during the Roman era. However, it was looted twice in the first century BCE and eventually abandoned.

Source: The Australian

Pauly’s Deli: A food kiosk with a Greek twist in Western Sydney

Pauly’s Deli, a five-month-old food kiosk in Greenway Wetherill Park, Western Sydney, offers a unique Mediterranean-influenced menu by owner Pauly Davelis.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Davelis prepares a variety of sandwiches, subs, burgers, salads, hot snacks, desserts, and drinks. His Greek family traditions inspire his meals.

The deli’s standout item is the Stallion sandwich, packed with ham, salami, prosciutto, mortadella, provolone, olive tapenade, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Davelis’ Greek heritage appears in his sweets, like creamy rice pudding and custardy galaktobouriko made by his mother.

His Greek parents ran a deli-takeaway shop, Tregear Takeaway, near Mount Druitt for 35 years, a shop offering hamburgers, seafood, hot chips and a healthy lolly display. Davelis spent weekends and holidays working there, learning about food and cooking skills.

What’s also unique is Pauly’s Deli’s Greek sweets. There can’t be many places where, metres from renewing your licence, buying a barbecue or collecting the dry cleaning, stacked tubs of lusciously creamy rice pudding or wobbly, custardy, syrup-doused galaktobouriko made by the shop-owner’s mum are waiting.

Pauly’s Deli also offers refreshing drinks, including slushies, Greek lattes, cold brews, and in-house brewed teas with flavors like passionfruit and lemon.

Source: smh.com

Exploring Greece’s wartime tunnels: A new tourist attraction

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Near Greece’s northern border, hidden beneath vegetation, lies a rich military history waiting to be discovered.

According to a Kathimerini article written by Alexia Kalaitzi, Panagiotis Savvidis, a journalist and founder of the social enterprise Angistro Drasi, is bringing this history to light through thematic tours of the Metaxas Line forts, built before WWII to protect Greece from a potential Bulgarian invasion.

Inspired by the military tourism success of Verdun in France, Savvidis realized that similar tours could boost his region’s economy by attracting visitors to the historic military sites around Serres. In 2017, he and his team began tracing and cleaning paths to these forts, turning them into tourist destinations.

During a tour, visitors explore outposts, anti-tank lines, and machine gun bunkers scattered across the area. One notable stop is the arcade of Fort Paliouriones, where Savvidis and his team have unearthed artifacts like soldiers’ letters, helmets, and newspapers from the WWII era.

metaxas line 1914
The Metaxas Line forts were built before WWII to protect Greece from a potential Bulgarian invasion.

The tours offer a hands-on historical experience, with guides dressed as WWII soldiers and sound effects adding to the atmosphere.

The biggest challenge facing their project is that the forts and the area surrounding them belong to the Ministry of Defense. The question of their use by the local communities has been raised by local government representatives.

Savvidis and Polychrous felt more optimistic about the future when they heard Defense Minister Nikos Dendias state recently that the ministry and the government absolutely agree on handing over the forts to the local community, and society as a whole.

These tours not only keep historical memory alive but also provide an economic boost to the area, attracting tourists who visit nearby attractions.

Source: ekathmerini.com

Ancient Greek graffiti may reveal lost temple at the Acropolis

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Ancient Greek graffiti might hint at a lost temple on the Acropolis of Athens, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Archaeology (AJA).

The study suggests that graffiti found outside Athens could depict an ancient temple predating the Parthenon. This graffiti, a detailed engraving of a building, was discovered on a marble rock outcrop at Barako Hill near Vari, about 12 miles southeast of Athens.

According to newsweek.com, although the inscription doesn’t mention the Acropolis, the researchers believe it likely refers to it. The graffiti, dating back to the 6th century B.C., was found among over 2,000 examples on marble outcrops in the hills around Vari. These include simple drawings and short inscriptions in an ancient Greek alphabet.

The graffiti. Photo: American Journal of Archaeology/Langdon et al

The Barako Hill graffiti was likely created by someone identifying as “Mikon,” possibly a shepherd. It depicts a colonnaded building, probably a temple, referred to as “the Hekatompedon,” meaning “100-footer” in ancient Greek. This term was used for the temple dedicated to Athena at the Acropolis, known later as the Parthenon.

However, since the Parthenon wasn’t constructed until around 450 B.C., the graffiti suggests the existence of an earlier temple on the Acropolis. Historical records indicate older temples were destroyed by the Persian army in 480 B.C., leaving their appearance and exact locations uncertain.

Source: newsweek.com

Netflix to premiere first-ever Cypriot film ‘Find Me Falling’ in July

Netflix will premiere its first-ever Cypriot film Find Me Falling on Friday, July 19 this year.

Stelana Kliris’ romantic film stars Emmy and Grammy-winning actor and musician Harry Connick Jr. as rock star John Allman who decides to take a break from his career to reclaim his spark. His journey of rediscovery takes him to an “isolated cliffside home” on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

Find Me Falling is a collaboration between Jupiter Peak Productions (USA) and Meraki Films (Cyprus). The film received support from Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Culture, the Cyprus Film Advisory Committee (CFCC), and Invest Cyprus.

The movie will be available on Netflix worldwide starting Friday, July 19. Cypriot audiences will have the opportunity to experience the film in cinema theatres for a limited time.

Source: In-Cyprus.

Timotheou and Casella depart Sydney Olympic FC

Sydney Olympic FC has announced the departure of defender George Timotheou and forward Jaden Casella.

“We thank both players for their time at the club and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours,” the club said in a statement.

Both players were acquired before the start of the latest NPL NSW season and were touted as signings that would help Sydney Olympic play a leading role in this year’s championship.

These changes come as Sydney Olympic is currently ninth in the NPL NSW standings, after a mixed season of both losses and wins.

Greek Community of Melbourne pay tribute to Stefan Romaniw

The Greek Community of Melbourne has issued a statement following the death of Stefan Romaniw on June 26.

Full statement in English

It is with deep sorrow that we heard of the untimely passing of Stefan Romaniw yesterday at the age of 68 in Warsaw.

As the former VMC chairperson and chairman of Multicultural Arts Victoria and through his work in the Victorian Multicultural landscape, Stefan has long had a close relationship with the Greek Community of Melbourne.

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Stefan Romaniw (front) with GCM President Bill Papastergiadis.

A champion of multiculturalism and a leader of his Ukrainian Australian community, Stefan was First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress and sat on its Executive Committee as well as being a prominent leader in the Victorian and broader Ukrainian diasporic community.

The passing of Stefan Romaniw represents a profound and irreparable loss and his work for multicultural Australia will be long remembered. Eternal Memory!

Euro 2024 moves into knockout phase with Round of 16 fixtures now confirmed

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After a pulsating first 12 days of unmissable UEFA EURO 2024™ action, the tournament now moves into the knockout stages with 16 teams advancing from the groups to face do-or-die clashes, with the first match being played on Sunday, June 30 at 2am (AEST). 

Spain are the only team to qualify with a 100% record, winning all three of their games without conceding a goal and have become tournament favourites in the process. Defending champions Italy needed a last-gasp equaliser in their final group match to seal their safe passage, while pre-tournament favourites England are being criticised for their performance so far, despite topping their group.  

spain euro 2024
Spain are the only team to qualify with a 100% record.

Some other key highlights ahead of the next round of fixtures: 

  • Switzerland v Italy kicks things off on Sunday morning at 2am (AEST) as the red-hot Swiss look to knock out the defending champions having eliminated France at this stage of EURO 2020. 
  • After that from 5am (AEST), EURO 2024 hosts Germany will tackle a Denmark side that won’t roll over without a fight having made the semi-finals three years ago. 
  • The action continues on Monday morning with England looking to silence their critics against Slovakia, who stunned Belgium in the group stages.  
  • An in-form Spain takes on tournament debutants Georgia as they look to continue their fairytale run. 
  • Tuesday kicks off with a heavyweight clash between France and Belgium with both teams eager to put an underwhelming group stage behind them.  
  • A star-studded Tuesday morning will then see Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face Slovenia, who notably shut out the Three Lions last time out. 
  • Round of 16 action then concludes on Wednesday with an impressive Romania tackling a stuttering Netherlands before tournament dark horses Austria play Türkiye. 

Round of 16 fixtures

Sunday 30 June:  

  • Switzerland v Italy (2am AEST) 
  • Germany v Denmark (5am AEST)  

Monday 1 July:  

  • England v Slovakia (2am AEST)
  • Spain v Georgia (5am AEST)  

Tuesday 2 July:  

  • France v Belgium (2am AEST)  
  • Portugal v Slovenia (5am AEST)  

Wednesday 3 July:  

  • Romania v Netherlands (2am AEST)  
  • Austria v Turkey (5am AEST) 

From there, eight teams will progress to the quarter-finals. 

Every match from UEFA EURO 2024™ will be broadcast live and exclusive on Optus Sport. 

Whittlesea Multicultural Community Council to host health forum and cancer fundraiser

The Whittlesea Multicultural Community Council (WMCC) has announced the 2nd Health and Wellbeing Forum and Cancer Fundraiser on Sunday, June 30 at the Greek Centre in Melbourne from 2pm.

This highly anticipated event will offer the community an enriching experience, featuring a High Tea, engaging discussions, and a chance to raise funds to support cancer research and treatment.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural forum, this year’s event promises a robust discussion on health and wellbeing issues, particularly those affecting women.

Event Highlights:

  • High Tea: Enjoy a delightful High Tea while engaging in stimulating conversations.
  • Expert Panel Discussions: A panel of distinguished experts will address the critical question: “How do women live an independent, healthy lifestyle?”
  • Q&A Session: Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from the experts.
  • Cancer Fundraiser: Support cancer research and treatment by contributing to the fundraiser during the event.
  • Cultural Performance: Experience the elegance of Indian classical dance performed by Shanthi Ramakrishnan.

Speakers:

  • Associate Professor Magda Simonis: Medical GP specialist in women’s health
  • Wadzanai Nenzou: Expert in financial protection from investment scams
  • Karen Bryant: Cancer survivor
  • Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos: Renowned cancer researcher
  • Ada Castles: Specialist in cancer prevention and screening
  • Anthea Sidiropoulos: Advocate for wellbeing through music

Women are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer, and they often face unique challenges related to family violence and economic independence. The forum aims to address these pressing issues by providing valuable information and support.

Join the WMCC for an afternoon of enlightenment, support, and community spirit. For more information and to register for the event, please click here.