The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Limited (“the Foundation”) was recently informed by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University about the upcoming discontinuation of four languages, including Italian, Croatian, Russian, and Modern Greek.
In April 2024, Macquarie University released a Workplace Change Proposal to impacted academic staff, outlining the proposed establishment of a new School. A Consultation Paper was shared with key external stakeholders, including the Foundation, and wider Faculty staff, who were invited to submit their feedback.
The Foundation and its community partners vigorously advocated for and strongly supported the continuation of Modern Greek studies, even offering to fully cover program costs.
The Greek Herald worked alongside the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation to launch a petition calling on the university to reconsider its decision to discontinue Greek.
The University will proceed with the Workplace Change Proposal despite the feedback. Key elements of the decision include the creation of a new academic unit combining four discipline areas: Criminology, Politics and International Relations, Security Studies, and Global Cultures. Additionally, the four language programs mentioned above (Italian, Croatian, Russian, and Modern Greek) will be in ‘resting and teach out.’
Current students enrolled in Modern Greek will be able to complete their studies without disruption until the end of 2026, but new students won’t be able to enrol in Modern Greek at Macquarie starting from Semester 1, 2025.
While the Major and Diploma in Modern Greek and curriculum components are slated for discontinuation, the University has indicated that it may incorporate Greek language and culture related units of study within the new discipline of Global Cultures. The final content and curriculum design for this discipline are expected by late 2025.
The Foundation is now exploring proposals to support future students. This includes new collaborations with the University and exploring alternate ways to support students passionate about the Modern Greek language and culture in Australia.
The convicted leader and founder of Greece’s far-right Golden Dawn party, Nikos Mihaloliakos, will return to prison after a council of judges rescinded his early conditional release on Monday.
Michaloliakos was arrested in his Athens home following the decision, and will be taken back to prison just over a month after his release.
Last month, another council of judges accepted Michaloliakos’ request for early release after he had served the minimal legal requirement. The move caused distress among political parties and local Greeks.
Nikos Michaloliakos leaving his house in Athens after his conviction in 2020.
Photo: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP.
But Monday’s ruling, which followed an appeal by a prosecutor, found that 66-year-old Michaloliakos must serve the remainder of his 13-year sentence for running a criminal organisation blamed for violent hate crimes.
The court found Michaloliakos had shown no repentance for the crimes he was convicted of and was capable of reoffending if at liberty.
Mihaloliakos and other members of Golden Dawn were sentenced in 2020 following a high-profile, five-year trial. He was convicted of operating a criminal organisation that posed as a political party, as well as for crimes ranging from violent attacks on immigrants, to weapons offences and the murder of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas in 2013.
Stefanos and Petros Tsitsipas produced an impressive display on Monday to earn a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win against last year’s French Open mixed doubles champions Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek.
This is the first time the Tsitsipas brothers have managed to advance to the third round of a Grand Slam. It keeps Stefanos’ hopes of completing a singles and doubles triumph at the French Open alive.
A crowd of 300 gathered in the Park Hyatt Ballroom on Saturday the 1st of June to celebrate Alphington Grammar School’s 35th year. The commemorative Winter Nights gala ball had the room aglow with shades of blue, icy greens, and stars speckled on the floors and ceiling.
With a bustling crowd of current parents, staff, alumni, and members of the Greek community, the ball captured everyone’s nostalgia and imagination as videos and live performances detailed the journey of where the school started and how far it has come.
The Park Hyatt ballroom. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
Winter Ball tablescape. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
Pre-dinner drinks. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
Hosted by emcee Con Lazareth, the night began with pre-dinner drinks in the foyer before the doors opened to the Winter wonderland at 7pm. Cover band The Baker Boys enticed guests into the space with their music, while DJ Con Vathanakis brought everyone onto the dancefloor to keep the party going well into the night.
The dance floor. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
The formal proceedings featured a commemorative video with real archival footage showcasing the school’s beginnings and strong trajectory. Guests were also treated to an energetic Greek dance performance by a group of Alphington Grammar alumni who all met at the school many years ago and still keep in contact, followed by a modern vocal and dance performance by alumni, current students, and staff.
Addressing the room were President of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM; Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis; and Chair of School Council, Mr Michael Karamitos, who acknowledged the past visionaries of the Greek Community who established the school, as well as all the past Chairs of Council who helped grow the school in difficult times.
The School Principal Dr Vivianne Nikou, who has served the school as Principal for the last 11 years, addressed the sellout event by reflecting on her time as Principal, acknowledging the long serving staff of 20, 25 and 30 years of service, as well as thanking all those who have contributed to the success of the school over the decades.
Principal Dr Vivianne Nikou. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
Chair of School Council, Michael Karamitos. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis. Photo: Con Deves.Christo Fokianos from XRISTOS Jeweller. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
All members of School Council, alongside current School Captains Anastasia Fokianos and Pantelli Saris, were invited to the stage to cut the stunning cake generously provided by Penny Cakes. After the cutting of the celebratory cake, guests could relax and dance the night away.
A live auction was conducted of a stunning jewellery set made of emeralds and diamonds designed and donated by XRISTO Jeweller to mark Alphington Grammar’s 35 years, which certainly was a show stopper. This was followed by a surprise special live guest appearance by renowned violinist Evangeline Victoria which ended with a mass Zorba dance for everyone to join in.
Live auction jewellery donated by XRISTOS. Photo: Brendan Creaser.Guest musician Evangeline Victoria. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
A Raffle and Silent Auction were also held electronically throughout the night. With the first-place raffle prize being two airfares to Greece, second place being $5000 worth of furniture from LV Furniture, and third an Apple Macbook Pro, the tension was high as the raffle prizes were drawn electronically.
A wide selection of Silent Auction items kept guests busy as bids were made and countered; all winners had something to be pleased about at the close of the auction.
Alphington Grammar Staff and Senior Management. Photo: Brendan Creaser.
The School is thankful to the many generous sponsors who made such a night possible. Platinum sponsors included Directed Group lead by CEO Steve Siolis, both a member of the school board and a past parent of the school; as well as DTMF commercial cleaners, a long-term partner of the school. They were instrumental to the success of the evening. Alongside them, Alphington Grammar School made sure to highlight the incredible contributions of XRISTO Jewellery, Penny Cakes, and LV Furniture, and sends their gratitude to all other sponsors of the evening.
The night was concluded by a final lively dance set by DJ Con Vathianakis which got everyone up on the dance floor. The cheers and laughter were heard well into the early hours of the morning.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to be able to lead Alphington Grammar School through its growth and development this past decade,” Principal Dr Nikou said.
“It is without a doubt the Jewel in the Crown of Melbourne’s Greek Community, showcasing what an Independent School based on Hellenic values can be in the Diaspora.”
The Melbourne Recital Centre was filled to capacity on Saturday, June 1 as the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) presented the highly anticipated concert, “Axion Esti: Worthy It Is,” celebrating the enduring legacy of composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Laureate poet Odysseas Elytis.
The evening commenced with Theodorakis’ iconic song “I Genesis,” a moment that set the tone for the entire night. As acclaimed vocalist Dimitris Basis began, the audience joined in, singing along and creating a collective voice that resonated through the hall, evoking a sense of unity and shared heritage.
Throughout the concert, Conductor George Ellis masterfully led the “Exaudi” 90-piece choir, while Chanter George Karantonis and narrator Tony Nikolakopoulos brought Elytis’ poignant poetry to life. The blend of music and spoken word encapsulated the essence of Greek culture and history, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
Dimitris Basis. All photos: Astrini Kopeloudi-Wallace.Tony Nikolakopoulos.
Greek Community Cultural Committee Chair Leonidas Vlahakis, reflected on the evening, saying, “Axion Esti transcends the realm of a mere concert; it is a celebration of our identity. This evening, we experienced firsthand the extraordinary power of Theodorakis’ iconic compositions, which perfectly complemented Elytis’ poignant poetry, creating an emotional resonance that deeply touched our souls. It served as a reminder of our rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of two giants of Greek culture. The performances tonight not only entertained but also reinforced our collective identity and the profound connection between music, poetry, and the Greek spirit.”
Vice President of the GCM, Anthea J. Sidiropoulos added, “The concert was an emotional journey that deeply touched the hearts of all attendees. The overwhelming response from the community highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural legacy. Events like this connect us to our roots and inspire future generations to embrace their heritage.”
Dr Jim Bossinakis, Vice President of the GCM, also shared his thoughts, stating, “Seeing a full house and experiencing the standing ovation was a testament to the timeless relevance of Theodorakis’ and Elytis’ work. This concert was a tribute to their genius and a reaffirmation of our commitment to cultural excellence. Axion Esti marked a significant milestone in the cultural calendar of Melbourne’s Greek community. The night will be remembered not only for its musical brilliance but also for its ability to touch the Greek soul.”
The night concluded on a high note with the vibrant performance of “Ena to Helidoni.” The audience’s applause echoed throughout the venue, culminating in a standing ovation that underscored the deep appreciation and emotional impact of the performance.
The fundraiser was organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW), who manage the aged care home.
Held at the Summer Salt restaurant at Cronulla thanks to gracious hosts Bill and Kathleen Drakopoulos, the event also featured an intimate concert with Greek superstar Dimitris Basis.
Bill and Kathleen Drakopoulos at the event.
With tickets at $250 per person, attendees enjoyed a three-course meal whilst listening to Basis’ Greek melodies and dancing the night away.
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, said the Community will be conducting a number of fundraising activities in the future “to ensure that our Home for the Aged provides the best service for its residents and continues to cater for the needs of the elderly in the Greek Community.”
Harry Danalis gives a speech on the night.
“It is therefore gratifying for us to see the support we have had in the function organised on the 30 May 2024 in raising over $138,000 for the needs of the Home,” Mr Danalis said.
“We wish to thank Mr & Mrs Drakopoulos for making their restaurant available and catering for the guests free of charge. We must also thank Dimitris Basis and the band for also providing the entertainment free for the event.”
The Church of the Holy Trinity (Aghia Triada) in Surry Hills, Sydney – the oldest Greek Orthodox church in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere – has reopened after extensive restoration and renovation. On Sunday, June 2, a large congregation gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.
The church is a heritage-listed building located on Bourke Street in Surry Hills. It was designed by C. R. Summerhayes and built from 1898 to 1931 by J. Noble. It has been given State Heritage Status by the New South Wales Government, and is managed by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW).
All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
The reopening ceremony was led by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who performed the Service of the Inauguration and presided over the Divine Liturgy. He was joined by Bishops Iakovos of Militopolis and Elpidios of Kyanes.
The event saw attendance from notable figures including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; the President of the GOCNSW, Harry Danalis; Member of the Executive Committee of GOCNSW, Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council, and a Trustee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust, Nicholas Pappas AM.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios expressed the importance of unity within the Church and the Greek diaspora. He emphasised the need for ongoing efforts to maintain this unity, recognising the historical significance of the Church of the Holy Trinity. The Archbishop reflected on the church’s storied past and its role in fostering a sense of community and solidarity among Greek Australians.
Mr Danalis highlighted the day as historic for the GOCNSW, recalling the church’s foundational ties to the community since 1898, making it the first Greek Orthodox church established in Australia.
President of the GOCNSW, Harry Danalis.
The President also announced an upcoming fundraiser to be held on June 23 for St Sophia (Wisdom of God) in Paddington, another church managed by the GOCNSW, aimed at raising funds for its restoration.
Consul General Mallikourtis addressed the audience, praising the efforts to promote unity within the community. He highlighted the presence of Kytherian community leaders, including President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Barbara Zantiotis, as well as former presidents and committee members with significant historic ties to the church. Mr Mallikourtis commended the Restoration Committee and the community for their dedication to the historic project.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Following the service, an official banquet was held where Archbishop Makarios thanked Father Thomas Giantzis for his dedicated ministry and service, congratulating all those involved in the successful restoration of the historic church.
As the continued impact of the housing and homelessness crisis is felt across the country, the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is calling on leaders from across industries to come together to raise awareness and funds in support of homelessness.
Hundreds of business leaders across Australia, including influential leaders within the Greek community, will be swapping their beds for cardboard boxes across the country on June 20 as part of the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director Business Sydney, is currently one of the top CEO’s on the fundraising leaderboard, having raised almost $60,000 of his $70,000 target. Chris Christofi, CEO at Reventon, John Livanas, CEO at State Super SAS Trustee Corporation and Maria Lykouras, CEO, JBWere Australia are among other influential business leaders taking part this year.
Paul Nicolaou (left) with Joe Hildebrand at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in 2022. Photo supplied.
This is the 19th year the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has taken place, with more than $91 million raised nationally to support the vital work performed by the St Vincent de Paul Society’s homelessness services.
As well as spending the longest and coldest night of the year sleeping outdoors, each CEO Sleepout participant commits to raising funds to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them.
According to the latest census, more than 122,000 people are reported to be homeless, with NSW accounting the most of any state or territory. Recent data from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare shows there has been a significant increase in unassisted requests for assistance over the last three years in NSW.
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a leading provider of frontline services, with more than 100 local services across the state. The Society supported more than 28,000 people through its homelessness and housing, health and community and inclusion services over the past year.
“The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout is the largest fundraiser held by the St Vincent de Paul Society each year and plays an integral role in ensuring our services have the capacity to meet the growing need that exists in the community,” Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, said.
“No one should endure homelessness, everyone deserves a home. The impact the event is able to make extends well beyond the night as participants are challenged to use their connections and influence to make a difference in addressing homelessness.”
The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will take place on Thursday, 20 June across Australia with NSW events in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.Donations can be made online at www.ceosleepout.org.au – all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
St George City FA have gained an important 1-0 victory over Sydney Olympic with an impressive performance at Penshurst Park on Saturday, June 1.
The lone goal of the game came in the 25th minute, courtesy of a sensational run from central-back Matthew Keremelevski.
The central defender chested down a Sydney Olympic clearance out of the air and strode forwards with intent, before exchanging a slick one-two with the active Presley Ortiz.
Keremelevski took another positive touch forwards to the centre of the edge of the box, and thundered home a terrific clinical strike into the bottom right corner to open the scoring at Penshurst Park.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and despite St George squandering a myriad of opportunities to double their lead, they held on to secure a crucial three points against Olympic.
South Melbourne FC remain on top of the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Victoria scoreboard after securing a 1 – 0 victory over Hume City FC on Saturday, June 1.
Held away at Hume City Stadium in Broadmeadows, South Melbourne had few notable goal-scoring phases, but were dangerous in their attacks.
They secured victory in the 90th minute thanks to a close-range shot by Marco Jankovic. South Melbourne’s win sees them extend their lead on top of the NPL Victoria scoreboard to four points.
The Greek-heritage club will next play St Albans at Lakeside Stadium on Wednesday, June 12 for a spot in the round of 32 of the Australia Cup (Victoria Group) and to qualify for the semi-final stage of the Victoria ‘Dockerty Cup 2024.’
