Danielle Birchall, 49, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for the brutal murder of her de facto father-in-law, Kon Kritikos, in 2020.
The Victorian Supreme Court handed down the sentence on Friday, April 4, with Justice Christopher Beale describing the attack as “savage.”
Birchall had claimed she only went to Kritikos’ home in Coburg on November 11, 2020, to have a conversation.
However, a jury found that she viciously attacked the elderly man with a weapon, intending to steal money for drugs and a new car. After the assault, she left Kritikos dying on the floor.
Later that evening, Birchall returned with her partner, George Kritikos, to find his father semi-conscious and moaning.
Photo: NewsWire / Ian Currie.
When George asked who had attacked him, Kon responded, “afti, afti, afti”—meaning “she did it” in Greek. Kritikos was hospitalised but passed away two weeks later from his injuries.
“You subjected him to many blows – his was an agonising death,” the judge said. Birchall’s lack of remorse and denial of responsibility influenced the decision, along with concerns about her moderate risk of reoffending.
While accepting that Birchall suffered significant childhood abuse and has post-traumatic stress disorder, which may complicate her time in custody, the judge sentenced her to 27 years in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years.
Birchall has already served nearly four years behind bars.
Brisbane 2032 Olympics organising committee president, Andrew Liveris, has pledged to offer “affordable” tickets for the Games and ensure that Brisbane residents have guaranteed access to key events, including the opening and closing ceremonies.
In an interview with the ABC, Liveris pointed to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where tickets were sold for around 40 euros ($70), as an example of affordable pricing.
He emphasised that the goal is to make tickets accessible for the general public, not just VIPs.
“We will have affordable ticket pricing for the demographic that we care about, which is the citizen that isn’t the elite VIP,” Liveris said.
Liveris also highlighted Brisbane’s intention to ensure families can attend major events, such as the swimming finals, at reasonable prices. He referenced the Sydney 2000 Games as a model for how to allocate tickets to ensure inclusivity.
“One thing Sydney did well, which we will learn from… is making sure that tickets were put to one side for school kids and others,” he said.
Additionally, Liveris expressed his commitment to securing guaranteed spots for Brisbane residents at the opening and closing ceremonies.
“This is not an event for tourists. This is an event for the nation, the state, the region, and the city,” he affirmed.
While high-priced tickets with perks will still be available, the revenue generated will help subsidise more affordable options, which Liveris suggested could range from $30 to $50.
The Brisbane 2032 Games are projected to raise significant revenue, with about a third coming from ticket sales and merchandise. The delivery cost for the Games is expected to be around $5 billion.
Liveris also shared his excitement for the new stadium at Victoria Park, which will enhance both the athlete and fan experience. He noted that the new precinct, featuring an aquatic centre and village, will be a key attraction for visitors.
On the topic of sports for the Games, Liveris mentioned that over a dozen new sports had applied for inclusion, with selection criteria focused on financial viability, gender balance, and global appeal.
“I want revenue because this is a commercial activity. We’re privately funded,” he said.
Brisbane 2032 is expected to announce its official sports lineup in the first half of next year.
Peter Khalil, Federal Member for Wills, was in Brunswick on Sunday, April 6 to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver $49,500 for Pontiaki Estia to install an elevator at their premises on Sydney Rd.
This commitment will support the Association’s diverse membership – particularly elderly patrons and those with additional mobility needs – by providing improved access to the building, making it an accessible and welcoming environment to all.
The elevator will mean that more members of the Pontian community can participate in the wide range of cultural, social and educational events that the Association runs.
This investment builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to upgrading and increasing the accessibility for many important community group’s buildings in Wills.
Pontiaki Estia‘s premises on Sydney Rd hold many fun events.
Mr Khalil said, “the Central Pontian Association in Brunswick works to preserve Pontian culture within our community, and this commitment from the Albanese Labor Government, means that more community members will be able to join in on the important cultural, social and educational activities that the group runs.”
“Making the Central Pontian Association’s Brunswick rooms more accessible through the installation of an elevator builds upon the Association’s commitment to supporting its diverse membership to connect with their heritage, build relationships and seek support in an accessible and accommodating space,” Mr Khalil added.
“Only a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will continue to support the many important community and cultural groups that Wills is home to.”
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia paid a ceremonial visit to His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece on Friday, April 4.
The visit took place at the Holy Archdiocese of Athens in Greece, where the two archbishops had the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest.
During the visit, Archbishop Makarios expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Archbishop Ieronymos.
The two leaders exchanged greetings and well wishes in celebration of the upcoming Pascha feast day.
Petro Georgiou, a former Liberal MP for Kooyong and a respected advocate for human rights and multiculturalism, died peacefully at the age of 77 on Friday, April 4.
Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton MP, paid tribute to Mr Georgiou AO describing him as “a man of principle” who was “respected across the Parliament.”
Full statement:
Petro Georgiou was a proud Australian of Greek ancestry, a man of principle, and a person whose astute policy mind was respected across the Parliament.
Petro served his constituents of Kooyong with the utmost dedication for more than 15 years.
Under the Howard Government, Petro was a hard-working Liberal backbencher committed to his constituents and the Liberal Party.
Petro was also someone who uttered his beliefs with conviction, even when his views didn’t align with his party’s positions or policies.
Having migrated to Australia from Greece, Petro was a champion for migrant rights and multiculturalism during his political career and beyond – especially in his role as Director of the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs for five years.
Testimony to his character and achievements in public life, Petro was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2013 for his service to Parliament and his contributions to multiculturalism and human rights.
Petro’s own success story is one which speaks to Australia’s broader migration success story. He will be dearly missed by his wide circle of friends and so many communities that benefited from his advocacy, goodwill and support.
On behalf of the Federal Coalition, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Petro’s partner, Roxanne, as well as Dino and Alexia, his beloved children.
Recently announced, new US tariffs are set to impose a 10% baseline tax on all countries, including Greece and Australia.
This move is part of US President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to address trade imbalances and has sparked concerns about retaliatory measures from global trading partners.
The European Commission is set to present a unified proposal on Monday, April 7 for retaliatory measures in response to new US tariffs, with a vote scheduled later this week.
The proposed tariffs will target 70% of EU exports to the US, covering a wide range of products from meat, cereals, and wine to household items like vacuum cleaners and toilet paper.
While reactions to the US tariffs have been mixed, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for a freeze on European investments in the US, and Ireland and Italy advocating for a more measured response, the EU’s countermeasures are expected to move forward unless a majority of 15 member states oppose them.
The retaliatory measures will be implemented in two stages, beginning on April 15.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will engage with key stakeholders in sectors most impacted by the tariffs, including steel, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
Australian steel industry:
Australian businesses like ProWay, which builds livestock handling equipment, are feeling the effects of the US tariffs on steel.
Managing Director Paul Gianniotis noted that the global steel market is facing a glut as a result of the tariffs, with prices dropping and making imported steel more attractive.
Gianniotis predicted that Australia could become a “dumping ground” for steel, exacerbating challenges in the steel industry.
Greek economy and feta exports:
Although Greek exports to the US account for just 4.8% of the country’s total exports, the new tariffs are expected to have a significant indirect impact on Greece.
Key export markets, like Germany and Italy, could feel the strain as the tariffs negatively affect their economies.
Greek feta producers, however, face more direct challenges. The iconic cheese, a protected EU trademark since 2022, has become a key export for Greece, with around 8% of its 140,000 tonnes exported to the US last year.
Feta’s exports had doubled over the past four years as American consumers embraced the product, but the imposition of a 20% tariff on EU exports threatens to derail the industry’s expansion plans.
Konstantinos Latsis, general manager of a dairy cooperative in Kalavryta, expressed concern over the impact of tariffs, stating, “What share of that (duties) will go to the final consumer… remains to be seen.”
The cooperative, which produces 5,000 tonnes of feta annually, is hopeful but cautious about the future, given the US market’s importance.
Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, said Greece would seek exemptions for unique products that don’t compete with US alternatives and called for the EU to redesign policies to increase the accessibility of European produce.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasised Greece’s commitment to free trade and active participation in shaping the EU’s unified response.
Petros and Stefanos Tsitsipas staged a remarkable comeback in their Monte-Carlo Masters debut, overcoming a 1-5 deficit in the second-set tie-break and saving double match points to defeat Americans Christian Harrison and Evan King 4-6, 7-6 (7), 10-8.
This marks the Tsitsipas brothers’ fourth appearance at the Monte-Carlo Masters, and for the fourth consecutive year, they have reached the second round.
In a match full of drama, the Greek duo fought back from the brink of elimination after initially falling behind in the tie-break.
Despite facing double match points at 4-5, the Tsitsipas brothers showed resilience, taking the next point and converting their own second set point to win the tie-break 9-7.
Their strong performance in the second set, where they had numerous break opportunities, made their eventual victory even sweeter. The match then went into a tense match tie-break.
After seeing a 5-3 lead shrink to 7-7, the Tsitsipas brothers regained control, reaching double match points at 9-7. On their second opportunity, they sealed the victory, advancing to the second round.
In the next round, they will face British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, who earlier defeated Marcelo Melo and Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-4.
One of the last surviving ANZAC veterans who fought in the Battle of Crete, Arthur Leggett OAM, has passed away at the age of 106.
A widely respected figure in Perth, Western Australia, Mr Leggett was a passionate advocate for veterans and remained the active President of the Ex-Prisoner of War Association of WA until his death.
Mr Leggett was WA’s oldest surviving Second World War army prisoner of war.
Mr Leggett served in the Second World War, fighting in Libya and in the battles of Bardia and Tobruk before being captured during the Battle of Crete at the age of 22. He endured over four years in a prisoner of war camp and was forced to labour for 12-hour days in coal mines in Poland.
A familiar and moving presence at ANZAC Day events, Mr Leggett made a lasting impression at the 2022 Fremantle Dockers Len Hall Game, where, aged 103, he read the Ode of Remembrance to a silent Optus Stadium crowd.
Arthur Leggett.
Ray Galliott, secretary of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA, paid tribute to his unwavering service.
“Arthur Leggett always said that his duty as an ex-Army soldier was to ensure that the memory of his former colleagues was never forgotten and that the most effective way to do so was to educate the younger Australians of what earlier generations did to ensure we enjoy the freedom and safety of a secure country,” Mr Galliott said.
“As President of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association, Arthur worked tirelessly with this mission and is well known for his dedication. A good man to the end.”
Mr Leggett’s connection to Crete and the Cretan community was also deeply cherished. Tony Tsoudalakis, former President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, also paid tribute to Mr Leggett’s legacy.
“I had the joy and honour of knowing him since 1999, and in 2011, as President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, I accompanied him on a tour of Athens and Crete for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle,” Mr Tsourdalakis said.
“Eternal be his memory, and may the earth that covers him be light. We will always remember him with deep love and respect.”
There is something about the freedom of being out on the Aegean. One can visit small islands, more populated islands, deserted beaches or simply go fishing. It is a freedom of tranquillity. I saw it on a postcard once, a postcard of Patmos that I picked up in Athens.
Patmos is a picturesque place where I myself had the freedom to be, riding my bike around Patmos, meeting locals and finding secluded settlements and churches.
Patmos has certainly been a place for the aforementioned freedom. It was also a place for John the Apostle to have his freedom to write and discuss Christianity during the pagan era of Roman times. It should be noted, that unlike the pilgrims and visitors of 2025, John was “transported” to Patmos as a “guest” of the Roman Emperor Domitianus in 95 AD. He was pushing close to 90 years of age. As locals told me, John wrote the Gospel of John, Three Letters of John (1, 2, and 3 John), while the Book of Revelation is attributed as his writing.
John’s stay on Patmos, just like tourists such as myself, was brief; he was certainly productive. In Chora, the main town that one will find on all the postcards, you will find a monastery dedicated to the Apostle. Riding up from the Aegean Sea settlements, the Monastery and Chora stand out like a beacon, beckoning one to visit and feel a sense of spirituality.
Fun fact, John is also recognised my Muslims, Druze and Mormons, yet in the era of Domitianus, he was persecuted as the Romans carried out significant anti-Christian pogroms.
Today, free of Roman biases, any pilgrim and visitor will feel welcome, and before you say “What Have The Romans Ever Done For Us?” it was the Byzantine Greeks who provided a strong flavour that we experience today. Monk Christodoulos Latrinos was assigned Patmos by Emperor Komnenos in the Eleventh Century. The Monk went about fortifying Chora, building the Monastery we see today and other churches and buildings. The main church of the monastery is called the Katholikón which has a domed cross-in-square.
The Monastery houses 330 early Christian manuscripts. For a sense of freedom and spirituality, spend a day or two in Chora. By night it really comes alive as spirituality competes with ouzo, good food, art shops, bookstores and families having a great time. The main square is packed full of bars and eateries.
Nearby Chora, one can find the UNESCO World Heritage Cave of the Apocalypse (Σπήλαιο Αποκάλυψης). UNESCO and Greece understood the relevance of this historical site for the Greek Orthodox and deemed it a preservation site in 1999.
Unlike Leros where I arrived from, there is less influence from the Italian occupation period which, technically, lasted until 1948. They essentially retreated in 1943 as the Nazis took control of the island in a period of forced starvation of Greece by the Allied blockade, which Turkey had been willing to break by sending food by sea to the Greeks. Before the Italians seized the Dodecanese early in the Twentieth Century, Patmos had seen Ottomans, who provided significant tax concessions to the Monastery and island, a short Russian occupation, and a slightly longer Venetian occupation.
I found my groove on Patmos, taking every opportunity to explore the beautiful coastline, gorge on fresh food in remote places, and I enjoyed exploring the main harbour side town of Skala. Here you will find a maze of hidden gems, live music, art cafes and boat tours for quick getaways.
On one such day, I took a boat called Ελπίδα/Hope, where it was party central as the crew led by energetic Captain George, passengers and nearby boats all seemed to party like it was 1999. Maybe they too were excited by that year’s UNESCO decision.
The chance to swim in turquoise water for hours and to see remote settlements and churches was something to cherish. These are true postcard moments, made even more special by Ελπίδα.
I was able to visit nearby small islands including Marathi, which is inhabited by about ten people. Their paradise, their planet. Their freedom, as the world comes to them, enabling them to live a rural life free of the craziness we read about in the media. This island is the 99th that I have visited.
Meeting a cool group of Greeks who were visiting from the mainland, Patmos’ visitors are mostly Greek speakers.
To exemplify the friendliness of the people, I even enjoyed my laundry experiences at EcoLaundry, where the bloke from Athens treated me as a friend, not a customer. The type of service I am used to on Lesvos, my original home, making me an instant fan. If you are ever in the hood, it is a quick drive out of Skala passed the new marina, and you can find nearby cafes, eateries and the sea.
Over the years I was always fascinated by the postcard of Patmos, the monastery with fortifications. I chose not to visit as it had no airport. I finally made it via the airport on nearby Leros and a comfortable boat ride between these two picturesque islands. Patmos with a population of just 3400, has good roads and spread-out settlements. Meaning you will enjoy the breathing space, a rural feel and a plethora of unspoiled beaches.
While it is no longer a place of exile for Christians, it is a place for those of us wanting freedom to be, the freedom to worship, explore and enjoy the postcard that came to life.
Six and a half years ago, a motocross accident left Christina Vithoulkas paraplegic. The self-described “adrenaline junkie” had been one of Australia’s first female freestyle riders before a mistimed jump resulted in a spinal cord injury, fractured skull, broken ribs, and a lacerated spleen.
According to an article in abc.net.au, she lost all movement below her T5 vertebra and faced a new reality without abdominal balance or temperature regulation.
Despite this, Vithoulkas never lost her love for extreme sports. Now 30, she has found the same thrill in drifting—a motorsport where cars slide sideways around corners. The challenge of maintaining control while losing traction gives her the same rush that motocross once did.
One of the reasons she loves drifting is that it allows her to compete on equal footing. “That’s why I love drifting so much … I can’t think of another sport that a paralysed person can do where we’re not separated from the non-disabled community,” she said.
She drives a specially modified automatic car with hand controls, but her skills have earned her respect in the sport. “People tell me, ‘You’re in an automatic, Christina, and you’re doing everything by your hands,’” she said. “In moments like that, I am proud.”
Though she currently drifts for fun, Vithoulkas hopes to compete professionally one day. “Our whole purpose in life is to come here and experience all the emotions,” she said. “Then when you do get these happy, fun moments, you appreciate them so much more.”
