More than $85,000 was raised for the St Elesa Food Initiative during a Fundraising Dinner which took place on Friday, May 10 at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney.
The sold-out event saw an impressive turnout of more than 300 guests, including Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, parish priest Father Athanasios Giatsios, other clergy and esteemed guests.
*All photos by Marianthi Karadoukas / MK Creative Photography and Design
Bishop Christodoulos expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors and donors for their unwavering support of the St Elesa Food Initiative. He conveyed the blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, setting a gracious tone for the evening.
Daniel Propoggia, a dedicated St Elesa volunteer, also spoke at the event, sharing his meaningful experiences of serving the vulnerable members of the community.
In a special acknowledgment, appreciation was extended to Elias Stefadouros from Olympia Marble for donating a beautiful mosaic of Our Lady of Myrtles, which was a highlight of the evening’s raffle.
The success of the event was largely due to the efforts of the hardworking Kogarah Philoptochos, who meticulously organised the dinner.
The evening was enlivened by the witty and entertaining Master of Ceremonies, Peter Panagiotopoulos. Marianthi Karadoukas was thanked for her exceptional photography, capturing the best moments of the night, while DJ Valantis and Tasso Bouzouki provided musical entertainment. A special mention went to Zoe Alysandratos for her stunning St Elesa cake masterpiece, which was cut during the night.
*All photos by Marianthi Karadoukas / MK Creative Photography and Design
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation completed its first co-organised public activity last week, hosting a series of events in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Darwin, presenting The Ellinikon, Europe’s largest urban renewal project, currently in development at the renowned Athens riviera.
Close to 400 people attended the events, hosted by the respective Hellenic Australian Chambers in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory, in collaboration with the Limnios Property Group, Marketing Partners for the Ellinikon development throughout Australia.
The five events brought together members of the Hellenic Australian business community, industry leaders, governmental representatives, prospective investors, and friends of the Greek Australian community.
Andreas Kambanellas, Commercial Director Residential at LAMDA Development S.A., taking a question from the audience via video call, at the HACCI National Federation event held in Melbourne.
Each event provided attendees with an insightful live-stream presentation directly from Athens by Andreas Kambanellas, Commercial Director Residential at LAMDA Development S.A. – the Perth event also featured Stratos Chalkiadakis, Senior Residential Sales Operations Manager. The presentations highlighted the project’s unique design, innovative use of space, and its commitment to environmental responsibility, including recycling existing concrete from the site.
The audience were given an overall view of the project and the development progress that is well underway with several neighbourhoods to be completed in 2026 including the Ellinikon Riveria Tower, which will be Greece’s tallest building.
The Ellinikon presentation organised by the HACCI National Federation in Darwin. James Limnios, Managing Director Limnios Property Group and HACCI National Federation Council Chair, Fotini Kypraios, at The Ellinikon event held in Melbourne.
Following the presentations, Mr Kambanellas answered questions from the audience, offering clarifications on the project’s sustainability, the construction progress, the sales phases, as well as technical questions around taxation, financing, and the property management model.
A transformative AU$13 billion investment, the Ellinikon is reshaping the landscape of the former Athens International Airport into a model city for the future. Spanning 620 hectares, equivalent to three times the size of Monaco, this visionary project is setting new benchmarks in urban development. It integrates cutting-edge technology with sustainability practices, including waste, energy, and water management, to create a future-ready urban environment.
(L-R) Dr Elena Limnios, President HACCI WA, Antiopi Orkopoulos, HACCI WA Committee member, Georgia Karasiotou, Consul of Greece in Perth, and James Limnios, Managing Director Limnios Property Group, at The Ellinikon event held in Perth.
With its integrated 2 million square meter parkland, high-rise buildings, shopping, leisure, sports and entertainment precincts, and a state-of-the-art marina, the Ellinikon is designed as a 15-minute city, redefining what it means to live sustainably in tomorrow’s urban landscapes and putting Athens at the forefront of global urban development.
Fotini Kypraios, Chair of the HACCI National Federation Council, expressed her pride in presenting The Ellinikon to the Hellenes and Philhellenes of the Australian diaspora. She emphasised the project’s significance in fostering bilateral collaboration opportunities and strengthening the connection between Greece and its diaspora.
Stratos Chalkiadakis, Senior Residential Sales Operations Manager at LAMDA Development S.A. and Andreas Kambanellas, Commercial Director Residential at LAMDA Development S.A., present The Ellinikon via video call.
Dr Elena Limnios, President of HACCI WA, echoed the sentiment of strong support for The Ellinikon within the Greek Australian business community, praising the project’s role in showcasing the next generation of governance, economic prosperity, and sustainable development in Greece.
James Limnios, Managing Director of Limnios Property Group, who coordinated the presentation and discussion, underscored the importance of this partnership and expressed the Group’s commitment to implementing an innovative marketing campaign to raise awareness of this significant investment opportunity.
Mr Venizelos met with Chair of the Greek Australian group and Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP; Member for Riverina, Michael McCormick MP; Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou MP; Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling MP; and Director at the Hellenic Club of Canberra, John Loukadellis.
During the meeting, the Greek Australian relationship and other issues affecting Greek constituencies in Australia were discussed. Mr Venizelos later attended Question Time at Parliament and followed the proceedings.
The Hellenic Women’s Network ‘Heliades’ gathered at YASSAS The Greek Way at Southbank, Victoria on Sunday, May 26 for a special lunch to celebrate Mother’s Day and Protomagia.
The celebration was graced by the Chair of Parks Victoria and inaugural Chair of Tourism Midwest Victoria, John Pandazopoulos.
Speeches were given on the day about the significance of Protomagia, which is also known as Labor Day in Greece.
John Pandazopoulos.
Mr Pandazopoulos spoke about the importance of respecting nature, as well as future planning to leave a healthy environment for the next generations.
President of the Hellenic Women’s Network ‘Heliades,’ Niki Matziaris-Garay thanked everyone for attending and gave a brief background on the organisation.
She also spoke about why they celebrate Mother’s Day and Protomagia every year.
“Because Nature and Woman are life itself,” she said.
The Heliades network honoured mother’s on the day by giving a beautiful bouquet to the lucky winner of the lucky door raffle. The whole celebration was filled with food, drinks, fun and dancing.
The Greek Democritus League held its annual May Day dance on May 18 at White Rose Receptions in Thornbury in order to raise money for PAME, a Greek trade union based in Greece.
President of the Democritus League, Arthur Salahas welcomed all those present, and reminded them that the organisation turns 90 in 2025. Mr Salahas also added that the events and actions of the organisation are supported by its members and friends.
The Greek Consulate General in Melbourne, Emanuel Kakavelakis congratulated the Democritus League for their long standing assistance to the working class Greeks in Melbourne.
On the right , poet Andrea Demetriou representing SEKA, with Mathew Guglielmi treasurer of FILEF and friends.
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis thanked the Democritus League for diachronically supporting Cyprus.
“Democritus’ name is synonymous with working class struggles for the last 90 years. I congratulate you and wish you every success,” Mr Sammoutis said.
The Secretary of the Victorian May Day committee, Len Cooper greeted the people at the dance and stressed that Democritus has always taken an active part in events organised by the committee.
The Secretary of the Democritus League, Agapi Pashos stated that “the Greek Democritus League stands in solidarity with PAME in the struggle of the working class, in the mobilisations and demonstrations organised in all the countries of the world against imperialist wars, and world peace.”
“We strongly and unequivocally condemn the Israeli criminal brutality and aggression against the Palestinians, as well as the continuous bombardment, where tens of thousands of unarmed people have been murdered, amongst them thousands of women and children,” Ms Pashos added.
“We raise our voices and stand in solidarity with the heroic people of Palestine, who are facing the murderous policies and brutality of Israel and the US. We express our support for the just struggle of the Palestinian people, for the end of occupation and the establishment of an independent state, within the recognised borders, as decided and voted by the United Nations in 1967.”
Ms Pashos then went on to read a message from the President of SEKA Victoria – Coordinating Committee of Cypriot Struggle – Pavlos Andronikos.
“I urge you all to participate in the events and demonstrations for the 50th anniversary of the barbaric and illegal invasion of Cyprus by Turkey. I remind you that all these years the illegal army of occupation – 43,000 solders – are pointing their guns at us day and night. I remind you that 250,000 Greek Cypriots are still refugees, that we still have missing people, and that our antiquities and Byzantine icons are constantly looted and sold illegally to museums overseas,” Mr Andronikos’ message read.
“Please do not forget Cyprus, join us at the State Library of Victoria on Sunday, July 21 at 12:30pm in the afternoon to shout out together, ‘I don’t forget! Freedom for Cyprus!’.”
The packed hall broke into a huge applause when Ms Pashos read the above lines.
Later in the evening, the talented deejay Alecos Katsifaras played Greek music and made sure it was a very joyous and memorable night.
Subway Young Socceroos’ Head Coach, Trevor Morgan has selected a 23-man squad for a tour of South America – taking in fixtures against Uruguay and Chile – during the June FIFA Men’s International Window.
The tour represents the beginning of a busy period of activity for some of the most promising talent from Australia’s U-20 cohort, featuring players from domestic leagues across the world, as well as the Isuzu UTE A-League Men.
Miguel Di Pizio (Central Coast Mariners FC) will arrive in camp off the back of whirlwind few months in club football, which was capped off by an A-League Championship win over the weekend, in which the AC United FC (Football NSW) junior became the youngest goal scorer in men’s National League Grand Final history.
Alexander Badolato (Western Sydney Wanderers FC), Daniel Bennie (Perth Glory FC), Luka Jovanovic (Adelaide United FC) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar FC) have been rewarded with selection following strong performances in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men this season.
Max Caputo has also been named from the Isuzu UTE A-League Men, after receiving Melbourne City FC’s Rising Star Award at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Sebastian Esposito (US Lecce) will join his first national team camp since his recent move to Italy, while Louis Agosti (AC Perugia Calcio), Paul Okon-Engstler (S.L Benfica), Anthony Pavlesic (FC Bayern Munich) and Dimitri Valkanis (AEK Athens) have been selected.
📋The #YoungSocceroos are off to South America for friendly matches against Uruguay and Chile! ✈️
The Subway Young Socceroos will assemble in Montevideo to begin preparations for their first fixture with Uruguay on June 5, before relocating to Santiago for back-to-back matches against Chile on June 8 and 11.
Subway Young Socceroos’ Head Coach, Trevor Morgan said the tour would play an important role in the development of his squad.
“As part of our strategy, following on from matches against European opponents late last year, we’re exposing the boys to completely different opposition, playing styles and conditions, some of which they’ll have never experienced before,” Morgan said.
“These types of opportunities are so valuable for the broader education and development of young players, which we’ll reap the benefits of in years to come.
“I’m really excited about the quality we’ve got right across both this squad and the entire age group, selecting only 23 players was difficult, but I feel we’ve got a great balance in this squad as we look at what’s ahead in 2024.”
The Subway Young Socceroos are set to compete in the AFF U-19 Youth Championship to be hosted in Indonesia during July, along with activity scheduled for the September FIFA Men’s International Window before the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2025™ Qualifiers later that same month.
At the initiative of the Greek Community of New South Wales and Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos, Professional Industry Fellow of Journalism and Writing in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the President of the Greek Community of Tashkent, Costas Politis visited Sydney.
Accompanied by Dr Vatsikopoulos, he also made a short trip to Melbourne, where he gave a seminar and had the opportunity to meet the Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM). In attendance were President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Vice Presidents Michael Karamitos, Dr Jim Bossinakis, and Dr Nick Dallas, Secretary Nick Koukouvitakis, and Assistant Secretary Vicky Kyritsis.
Mr Papastergiadis stressed that “The GCM is willing to assist Mr Politis in his efforts and will be considering bringing the photographic exhibition to Melbourne.”
Education convenor Dr Dallas added, “I’m sure the Community of Tashkent can leverage some of the experience we have in educational and cultural programming.”
Mr Politis commented on his vision for the Tashkent Community: “Although the Tashkent Community has made great strides in the performing arts, there are very few people who speak Greek. Creating a robust Greek language program in the near future is a key priority.”
Mr Politis was asked about his future vision for the Tashkent Greek Community, including its challenges and obstacles. He replied, “I’m realistic; I won’t be here forever. At some stage down the track, the reins must be passed on to younger generations living here.”
Costas Politis (left) with President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis.
“I’m trying to mentor a team of young locals by giving them more responsibilities and assigning them ownership of projects so that they acquire experience,” he added.
“The absence of the Greek state in Tashkent is a problem, and everything takes longer when it comes to dealing with Greece, especially visas. We’re expecting a new embassy and ambassador to be in place by the end of the year. This decision was made during Covid, hence the delay in its implementation. Hopefully, one day we can also receive seconded teachers; it will make a big difference in reviving the language.”
Mr Politis’ lightning visit to Melbourne also included visits to Alphington Grammar School, Evangelismos Church, and the GCM’s advanced language campus in Bentleigh. When asked about his first impressions of the GCM, Mr Politis was in awe.
“The size of the community, its vast infrastructure, and its multi-level activity in various fields are truly impressive,” he said.
“The dedication and quality of those employed in delivering various programs are to be commended. I was really impressed by the educational facilities and teaching staff.”
A few words about Costas Politis
Thessaloniki-born Costas Politis is an architect, restorer, museologist, and many other things by trade. Costas landed in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, 20 years ago. It was supposed to be a short assignment, but additional work kept coming his way. Although he deliberately kept his distance from the dwindling local Greek Community, four years ago, he was invited to engineer a turnaround. Those of Greek background remaining in Uzbekistan, probably around 1,000, are mainly descendants, children, and grandchildren of political refugees who arrived in 1949 after the Greek Civil War.
Although the community’s numbers at one stage approached 40,000, the fall of the junta in Greece, the recognition of the National Resistance by the Andreas Papandreou government, and the fall of the Soviet Union were all factors that accelerated repatriation efforts. Those that remained often did not have the financial means, connections, or relationships to consider repatriation. With a shrinking community, also accelerated by mismanagement and inactiveness, it’s not hard to see how declining fortunes set in. By renovating the Community’s facilities and re-energising its cultural programming, Costas, as president of the Greek Cultural Centre, has been able to reinvigorate and put the Community back on the map.
There may be declining Greek communities in the diaspora’s periphery, but with the right people, collaboration, and openness, their fortunes can be reversed. The Greek Community of Tashkent is a perfect example.
Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest does not have mains electricity, and a “microgrid” project designed to power homes and businesses in the region has stalled,ABC News has reported.
In the meantime, many residents are burning hundreds of litres of diesel fuel a week to keep their businesses running.
Tourists, who visit the globally renowned rainforest and crystal-clear waterways of the World Heritage-listed Daintree in Far North Queensland, are always shocked to hear of the measures locals go to in order to stay open.
“They come to a World Heritage-listed national park… and the message is, ‘We’re not really committed to the environment’,” local hotel owner Mark Cromwell told ABC News.
In 2022, the federal government signed off on a $18.75 million funding deal for a renewable-energy microgrid, which would include an 8-megawatt solar farm and power delivered to homes and businesses via underground cabling. The government promised power by 2024, but construction is yet to start on the microgrid.
Peter and Gina Tsigris and their five children, aged seven to 14, moved from Marrickville in Sydney to the Daintree in 2017. They bought a 24-acre property in 2021, where they now run their Daintree Fan Palm Farm and cafe.
The couple installed a solar system and batteries at a cost of about $100,000, but occasionally have to rely on a generator for their energy needs.
Although some Daintree locals are angered at the microgrid project delay, Mrs Tsigris said she was “neutral.”
“Around about the time we moved in, there were people saying by April 2024, power was going to be guaranteed, but we’re still holding meetings and talking about it,” she told ABC News.
“We have to stay calm and relaxed and do what got us to the final. To change anything would be a mistake,” Mendilibar told a press conference ahead of the final in Athens, Greece.
“We have to treat this game like any other, because that’s how we managed to get to the final.”
Mendilibar, who led Sevilla to win the Europa League last season, took over at Olympiakos in February with the team already out of the Europa League in the group stage, and has taken charge of their eight games in the Conference League.
It’s been a long journey, and one which has brought them back to their home city of Athens for the decisive match of their season. Mendilibar now hopes to make history with the club.
“It would be amazing. We’d go down in Olympiacos and Greek football history,” the manager said.
“We know it’ll be very tough against an Italian side who compete at the top, but you never know in finals, they’re anyone’s game.”
Princess Kako of Japan is on an official visit to Greece to mark the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This year also marks the 2024 Year of Greece-Japan Culture and Tourism.
Princess Kako of Akishino is the second daughter of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan.
During the meeting, the long-standing friendship and the particularly close relations between Greece and Japan were highlighted. The importance of cultural and interpersonal exchanges was also stressed, while the rich programme of activities and events that is unfolding in the framework of the current “Year of Greece-Japan Culture and Tourism” was discussed.
Later on Tuesday, the Princess met with Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in the garden of the presidential residence.
President Sakellaropoulou referred to the strong ties of friendship between the two countries and the prospects for closer cooperation, especially in culture and tourism.
Princess Kako thanked her for her warm reception and conveyed a message from the Emperor of Japan, expressing his conviction for a further strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Greece and Japan.
