But according to a press release by the Federation, at a member meeting on Friday, April 19, these election results were deemed illegitimate due to issues around transparency and voting procedures, and a new election was called.
The new election will now be held on Friday, June 7 at the Federation’s hall in Brunswick from 11am.
The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) announced on Tuesday, May 21, that it is currently hiring to fill the position of Head of the GNTO office in Australia, based in Melbourne.
This announcement comes approximately 14 months after the passing of the bill that provided for the reopening of the service, which had remained inactive in Australia for many years.
The job announcement is addressed only to permanent employees of the GNTO or the Ministry of Tourism. The term for the new Head is set to last one year.
The GNTO office is set to open at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
The reopening of the GNTO has been covered by The Greek Herald with numerous publications.
The initial ambition of the Ministry of Tourism’s leadership was to reopen the GNTO office by March 2023, as confirmed in an interview with The Greek Herald by the then-Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias.
Ultimately, it was only in March 2023 that the bill for the reopening of the GNTO in Australia was passed by the Greek parliament. And now, on 21 May 2024, the announcement for the crucial position of the head of the service has been made public.
The deadline for submitting applications is just 10 calendar days from the posting of the announcement.
The Turkish Cypriot leader of the illegitimate “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (TRNC), Ersin Tatar laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Thursday, May 23.
In a post on Facebook, Tatar said he laid the wreath “on behalf of the TRNC and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the wars.”
Tatar arrived in Australia on Wednesday, May 22 to much fan fare from the local Turkish community. His first stop was in Melbourne, Victoria before travelling to the Australian Capital Territory to pay a visit to the Turkish Embassy and lay a wreath at the War Memorial.
He said the aim of his visit was to meet and embrace “our wonderful and resilient people who have settled here since the 1940s.”
So far, Tatar has not had any official meetings with politicians or government representatives.
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanı Sayın Ersin Tatar’ı Büyükelçiliğimizde ağırlamaktan şeref duyduk.
It has been an honour to host H.E. Mr Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the Embassy. pic.twitter.com/ceUlpUmNtV
— Türkiye in Australia (@TC_KanberraBE) May 23, 2024
Tatar’s arrival comes amid tensions with the Cypriot Australian community.
Since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus fell to the Turkish military. The north unilaterally declared its independence on 15 November 1983 under the name of the TRNC.
Tatar calls himself the “President” of the TRNC – a territory that is not recognised by any country except Turkey.
The SEKA Victoria Committee has written a letter to the Victorian Government requesting they ignore the visit of Turkish-Cypriot politician, Ersin Tatar to Melbourne on Wednesday, May 22.
In the letter, President of SEKA Victoria Pavlos Andronikos said it would be “totally inappropriate for any Victorian Minister or Government official to meet with Tatar,” and explained that Greek and Cypriot Australians were distressed by his visit.
“We believe that the purpose of Tatar’s visit is to push for recognition of the illegal “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”,” Mr Andronikos said.
The letter concluded by calling on the Victorian Premier to issue a statement making it clear the state government will not engage with Tatar during their visit, and to show their support for the Federal Government’s position on the TRNC.
Leading the delegation is Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos GRC N, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff), accompanied by Captain Pavlos Angelopoulos GRN N, Staff Officer of the Bilateral Relations Directorate of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, and Lieutenant Commander Stylianos Mitsiotis, Staff Officer of the Public Relations Directorate of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff. The delegation was accompanied by the Permanent Military Attaché of the Greek Embassy in Canberra, Colonel Ioannis Fasianos.
Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), welcomed the esteemed visitors.
After explaining the history of the GCM and its long-standing connections with the Cretan community, he stated, “We value your presence here in Melbourne and at the Greek Centre. It underscores the significance of this anniversary, not only for Cretans but also for the entire Greek diaspora, helping us ensure this anniversary continues to remain part of our collective memory and historical legacy.”
He continued, “May 1941 marks a historic moment for Crete, Greece, and the entire world. The indomitable spirit of the Cretans, their courage, and their unwavering faith in freedom have inspired and continue to inspire us. The events surrounding the Battle of Crete allow us to honour the heroic spirit of the Greeks and the allied Australians and New Zealanders, and to also pay tribute to those who fought for our Freedom. Our connection in war has remained one that has followed us in the decades after.”
Bill Papastergiadis (left) with Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos GRC N, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff).
Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos GRC N, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, stated, “In commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle of Crete, we have come to Melbourne… Beyond the observances of this significant historic event, our presence here serves to reinforce the bonds between the Greek community and the Hellenic Armed Forces, as well as with the broader Greek diaspora.”
Once again, the Greek Ministry of Defence, in recognition of the sacrifices made by the Anzacs in 1941 and the enduring transnational friendship between Greece and Australia, has organised the arrival of the high-level delegation to Australia for the commemorative events.
The Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, expressed, “We are particularly gratified each time we host representatives of the Hellenic Armed Forces. The commemorations of the Battle of Crete stand as one of the most significant events for the Greek community, marked with grandeur in Melbourne annually.”
“These events substantially contribute to the continued enhancement of the already exemplary relations between Greece and Australia. Our present duty is to preserve the sacred legacy they have bestowed upon us and to confront our own challenges for the unity and advancement of our homeland,” Mr Kakavelakis added.
Natasha Spanos, President of the Coordinating Council of the Battle of Crete and the Rest of Greece, remarked, “We are delighted that, once again, we have the Hellenic Armed Forces with us to honour the Battle of Crete. We commemorate not only the Greeks who sacrificed their lives but also the Australian and New Zealand allies who stood by our side during a pivotal moment in Greek history. Through this honourable battle, a profound friendship was forged—a chapter of bravery and selflessness that permanently linked Australia, Crete, and the entirety of Greece. Additionally, we honour the civilian population of Crete, who fought with unparalleled self-sacrifice for the noble ideal of Freedom.”
The NSW Government has today announced the 103 community and faith organisations who were successful in securing grants through the Safe Places for Faith Communities Program.
The selected organisations will share in $5 million of grants to ensure the places where faith communities gather and practice remain safe.
The Safe Places for Faith Communities Program takes a resilience-based approach to safety and security by supporting prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures at places where faith communities gather.
Funds from this program will go towards upgrading security and surveillance systems, as well as initiatives such as managing challenging behaviour training and multi-faith grief support.
The program is a NSW Government election commitment and is part of a wider $15 million pledge over four years. It was developed in consultation with faith and religious groups and experts across the state, as well as Multicultural NSW’s Community Resilience and Response Plan (COMPLAN) Committee.
“The NSW Government is proud to be delivering on our election commitment and we know these projects will deliver real, tangible benefits for faith communities across NSW,” NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said.
Chair of NSW Faith Affairs Council Michael Stead added, “As faith leaders across NSW, we are very thankful that the NSW Government has listened to our requests to improve the safety and security of our places of worship.”
Australian mother-of-five Debbie Voulgaris faces potential death penalty after she was found with 7 kilos of cocaine and heroin valued at more than $1.25 million during an airport search upon entering Taiwan.
According to ABC News, 57-year-old Debbie was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport just outside of Taipei late last year. She was later charged with smuggling heroin and cocaine.
Taiwanese police allege she was carrying 7 kilograms of heroin and cocaine in black plastic bags in a suitcase. They also claim the drugs had been given to her in Malaysia around December 10 last year, before she flew to Taiwan.
According to court documents, Debbie initially “vehemently denied” knowing about drugs in her luggage before saying her ex-husband was behind the deal.
Debbie’s lawyer, Leon Huang, told the ABC it was “essential” for her ex-husband John to take the stand in her case in Taiwan, as he was the only person who could confirm her account. It’s unclear if John is currently in Australia, but Mr Huang said the legal team was seeking to subpoena him.
The indictment by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors office alleges Debbie was part of a “drug transport syndicate.”
Currently, her case is due back in court in August. The charges attract a minimum five-year jail term and even the prospect of life in prison or the death penalty.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Polish counterpart Donald Tusk submitted a letter to the European Commission on Thursday urging the creation of a Europe-wide air defence system.
According to Ekathimerini, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen endorsed the proposal on social media, reiterating her call for more unified defense initiatives.
Nie chcesz iść na wojnę, idź na wybory. Silnej i zjednoczonej Europy nikt nie odważy się zaatakować, słaba i podzielona może paść ofiarą agresji.
The letter, not yet public, suggests discussing the initiative at the EU summit in late June. It highlights the urgency of joint defense efforts in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the necessity of supporting Ukraine’s military needs.
The importance of air defence has been in sharper focus for Poland, which borders Ukraine and has seen missiles enter its airspace.
On 20 May 2024 the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, in conjunction with AHEPA NSW, staged the official Sydney launch of Professor Con Aroney’s book, Bound to Two Homelands – A Kytherian Odyssey, at AHEPA Hall in Rockdale in the presence of the Greek Consul General in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, the President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Barbara Zantiotis, and the President of AHEPA NSW, Jim Papanagiotou.
As book launches go it did not disappoint, with a riveting presentation by the author that captivated the large audience.
First and foremost, it is a book about two great Greek Australians. But it also traverses other themes that will enthrall the reader.
Life on Kythera. The slings and arrows of Greek migration to Australia. An enduring love story. The birth of AHEPA in Australia. Oyster bar soldier spy. The creation of the Autonomous State of Kythera in the revolt of 1917. Fighting for country. Defending Hellenism. Homer’s Odyssey. Philosophy. Bravery under fire. Pathos and tragedy.
Associate Professor Con Aroney is an interventional cardiologist and cardiac research scientist in Brisbane, Australia, who has authored more than 200 scientific papers and book chapters and is currently a principal investigator in four major clinical trials. Before that, he worked as a clinical and research fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA, before returning to Brisbane where he was awarded a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Queensland.
But he is also a historian who loves to research and write. His first book, “Flames on the Water – Tears in the Sea” dealt with the Smyrna Catastrophe of 1922 and was inspired by the author’s Asia Minor familial connections.
His new book is based on the extraordinary lives of two Kytherian immigrants to Australia – one the author’s grandfather, Panagiotis (Peter) Aroney MBE, who bravely fought for his homeland and the other, Constantine (Kostas) Aroney BEM, who was the only Kytherian-born dual ANZAC, having fought in both world wars, firstly in Gallipoli and the Western Front and then later in Greece, Crete and New Guinea. He was a deserved recipient of the British Empire Medal for bravery.
The story begins when the two young boys hear of a great southern land and dream of travelling there and fulfilling their dreams. Arriving in Australia without a knowledge of English and little or no support they endured great hardship but never wavered in their determination to succeed. Despite their bravery and loyalty to their two homelands (which inspired the title of the novel), they took different paths.
Although a novel, Bound to Two Homelands is in the genre of historical fiction and is based on actual historical events and archival records with the author weaving documentary evidence with imagination in bringing both Aroney boys and their extraordinary lives to life.
Much like the acclaimed writer Louis de Bernières whose historical war novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, was based on true historical events in Greece during the Italian and subsequent German occupation of the Ionian island of Kefalonia and captured the literary imagination of readers, Dr Aroney has done a similar job with this tale of two of Kythera’s favourite sons, life on Kythera itself and the Greek diasporic community in Australia that was so heavily influenced in the early years by Kytherian migration to these shores.
As it turns out, Constantine Aroney’s incredible story was recently featured in The Greek Heraldas Kalie Zervos and Amalia Samios of the Kytherian Genealogy Project, the forerunners of Kytherian family history worldwide, were invited to a flag raising ceremony at his graveside in Melbourne to honour those who served as part of ANZAC Day commemorations.
Whilst he loved his new country, Peter Aroney’s heart and soul were Greek which accounted for his return to Greece to fight in the Balkan Wars and later serving with British counter intelligence in Athens during the First World War and then the Greek Army.
At this point, Dr Con Aroney’s discussion of what some may see as Kytherian exceptionalism caused mirth amongst the audience. Many Kytherians at the time were not impressed that during the first three years of WWI, Greece had taken a neutral stance in the war (partly due to the fact that King Constantine’s sister was married to the German Kaiser Wilhelm II, although that issue was itself debated in the hall in the Q&A that followed).
Autonomous Administration of Kythera Seal
This lead to the formation of the breakaway Autonomous Republic of Kythera in 1917 when the island declared war on the Axis Powers. This turned out to be short-lived when King Constantine was ousted and the pro-British Eleftherios Venizelos became prime minister and pivoted the Greeks towards the Triple Entente of Britain, France and Russia.
Ironically, Dr Panagiotis Diamadis, the Secretary of AHEPA NSW Inc, who moved the vote of thanks at the end of the presentation, wrote an article in the Sydney Journal in 2011 about how the Great War brought to the surface deep political divisions within the local Greek community in Sydney and in 1916 another prominent Greek community leader in Sydney, John Comino, had written that the Hellenes of New South Wales “were declared friends of the Allies from the commencement of the war.”
Peter Aroney was clearly not alone.
After his return to Australia, Peter Aroney would go on to be one of the drivers of the establishment of AHEPA in Australia. He was also a successful businessman and respected community figure in Queensland and great family man.
Constantine Aroney returned to Melbourne where life would present other challenges for this traumatised veteran.
But at its core the book captures the essence of two great Kytherian lives, as the Chair of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund and emcee on the night, Matina Zervos, explained.
L-R: George Vardas, Matina Zervos, Professor Con Aroney, Barbara Zantiotis and Dr Panayiotis Diamadis.
Bound to Two Homelands is a compelling read. As the former Chief of Defence Force of Australia, Admiral Chris Barrie AC RAN (Retd) – who is also married to a Kytherian – writes in the foreword to the book, an “indomitable spirit shines through… into a spellbinding narrative of the history of the twentieth century.”
The publication of the book by the Kytherian World Heritage Fund is part of its core commitment to preserving our common Greek heritage and publishing and translating works that will be of interest to the wider community.
Bound to Two Homelands – A Kytherian Odyssey is also available for purchase at: https://shorturl.at/2NztY
*Member of the KWHF Committee and former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia.
In a stunning one-night-only concert event in Brisbane, the internationally acclaimed works of Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseas Elytis will come to life in Axion Esti and Masterworks, in Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Concert Hall on Wednesday, 5 June 2024.
This uplifting, anthemic celebration will include three local Greek choirs featuring the largest number of Greek voices ever on a QPAC stage. Joined onstage by QPAC’s Chamber Choir, these four (in total) community choirs make up the 90-voice chorus that will accompany this spectacular performance which features renowned international vocalist Dimitris Basis, esteemed Greek Australian conductor George Ellis, cantor George Karantonis, and narration by Greek Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos.
A 35-piece orchestra will accompany the soloists and the 90-voice combined choir creating what will be an incredible moment in time for the audience, be they music lovers or Greek Australians. The entire audience is sure to be moved as 91-year-old Apostolos Belas and seven-year-old Milana Sotiris make their Concert Hall debuts as part of their respective Greek community choirs.
Channelling suffering and passion, spiritual lessons, and pure poetic power Axion Esti is a landmark work by Odysseas Elytis which won the National Book Award for Poetry in 1960. It was set to music by Mikis Theodorakis and has become a widely celebrated anthem that tugs on the heartstrings of homeland.
International vocalist Dimitris Basis 91 year old Apostolos Belas, Assistant Choir Master Christina Xydi Lignou and 7 year-old Milana Sotiris.
Mikis Theodorakis is the legendary composer of Zorba’s Dance and is hailed as Greece’s most celebrated composer. With over 1,000 songs and song-cycles to his name, his melodies are intrinsically linked with the heritage of Greek music. This unique concert celebrates the sheer musical beauty and timelessness of his masterwork compositions. Some of his most famous works, including Ena To Helidoni (A Solitary Swallow) and Tis Dikeosinis Ilie (Sun of Justice), will be performed.
It is the first time the QPAC Chamber Choir, the Ellinikes Fones Choir and the Ellinikes Fones Junior Choir will perform together, rehearsals having been underway for months. In a wonderful finale moment, the Greek Orthodox Community (GOC) Care Choir Fones, with some members in their 90s, will join on stage.
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas AM said QPAC aims to present a diverse and inclusive program that reflects the stories and cultures of Queensland communities.
“Connecting with our multicultural communities is a key priority for us and we’re proud to partner with Greek Festival of Sydney to present this celebration of the work of two brilliant artists in Mikis Theodorakis and Odysseas Elytis,” he said.
“Three local choirs will join with renowned national and international Greek performers under the baton of the much-loved George Ellis for a rousing concert of Greek music and poetry. Concerts like these that celebrate culture allow communities to see their heritage reflected on stage, reconnect those within the community to their roots, and also provide opportunity for broader audiences to widen their understanding and appreciation for different cultures.”
Tom Drakopoulos from the Ellinikes Fones Choir of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George Brisbane said, “Axion Esti is one of the finest pieces of work from the greatest composer Greece has ever produced. It’s the masterpiece of both composer Mikis Theodorakis and Nobel Laurette poet Odysseas Elytis and to have it performed here in Brisbane at QPAC with our own community choirs on stage is truly incredible.”
“This concert event has given the opportunity for two of the Greek Community’s choirs formed a little over 18 months ago in Ellinikes Fones and GOC Care Choir Fones, as well as the recently created Junior Ellinikes Fones, to participate in this unique and once in a lifetime event,” Mr Drakopoulos said.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW at qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 5, 7.00pm WHERE: Concert Hall, QPAC, Queensland Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane TICKETS:qpac.com.auBOOKINGS: qpac.com.au or phone 136 246
102 candidates from NSW and ACT sat for exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language that took place at Macquarie University on 14 – 15 – 16 May. The first day of the examinations was reserved for the levels A1 – A2, with B1 up to C2 proficiency levels taking place the following two days.
Greek language teachers who participated as invigilators and examiners in the exams. (L-R: Maria Harissi, Angeliki Sopikioti, Margo Mamouzellos, Mary Vartzouma, Stella Sorotou, Olympia Palama, Maria Mouratidou, Maria Mouratidou, Dr. Patricia Koromvokis, Adamantia Tserentzoulia, Panagiota Kamarinou, Thoedoris Panagiotou, Sotiris Mouhtaris, Vana Alexandropoulou-Paraschos, and Aretha Zygouri (in the middle).
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek is the only official state certification by the Greek Ministry for Education, Religious Affairs and Sports confirming the knowledge of Greek as a foreign/second language at six levels, corresponding to the Common European Framework (CEFR) levels. It is recognised by all member states of the European Union, and by NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority).
Statistical information from this year’s exams:
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Modern Greek Studies at Macquarie University and Head of the Examination Centre stated, “For the third consecutive year, Macquarie University is the largest examination centre in Australia. This year, we also had two candidates from Canberra.”
“This success is the result of tireless work and fruitful collaboration between the University and various Greek government organisations, diasporic associations, and educational institutions aiming to promote the Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language,” Dr Koromvokis added.
“Both for the preparation and the transparent organisation of the annual exams at Macquarie University, we have cooperated smoothly with the Centre for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki, the Consulate General in Sydney, the Greek language schools in NSW, the Education Office in Melbourne, and the SICLE (Sydney Institute of Community Languages Education), with which we co-organised a professional development workshop in April.
“Profound gratitude is owed to the Macquarie University Greek Association for the help on the days of the exams and the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation for funding the lunch for all candidates and the award ceremony. I would also like to warmly thank all the Greek language teachers who actively participated in the exams as invigilators and examiners. They are the ones who keep the diasporic Greek education alive! Special thanks to the Greek teacher, Adamantia Tserentzoulia, who assisted with the organisation of the exams. Finally, regardless of the result, warm congratulations are due to all the candidates who prepared for months in advance for the exams. I wish everyone good luck with the results.”
Dr. Patricia Koromvokis with Theodora Koutzoumis, President of MUGA (Macquarie University Greek Association) and Sam Giovas.
The parents of two siblings who participate in the exams for the third consecutive year stated, “As Greek parents of two young children, it is very important for us that our children speak the Greek language.”
“They speak, write, and read from a very young age. It started at home and then continued at school. When we found out about the Greek exam organised by Macquarie University, with great interest and enthusiasm, my wife decided for our children to participate. It is very important that the children speak Greek because they will benefit in the future either with professional relationships or simply by being able to communicate with fellow human beings,” they said.
“For us, it is important that our children hold the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language because it makes us proud of this achievement and it will be useful for the children themselves. My wife and I have the best impressions of the whole process and organisation of this program. We extend our warmest congratulations to the examiners, invigilators, and the Macquarie University hosting the Greek Language Certificate exams. My wife and I recommend that all parents encourage their children to participate in these useful exams because it serves the children’s future. It is an important benefit for every Greek abroad to speak the Greek language. Finally, we would like to congratulate and thank Dr. Patricia Koromvokis for her tireless work and dedication to the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language in Australia.”
