Nicholas Pappas has been appointed Chair of the SBS Board, stepping into the top governance role at Australia’s national multicultural broadcaster.
The appointment was confirmed on Friday after Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells announced that Pappas, who has served as a non-executive director on the SBS Board since December 2024, would lead the organisation’s governing body.
A lawyer and experienced company director, Pappas brings extensive governance experience across business, cultural and community organisations. He currently serves as Chair of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and President Emeritus of The Hellenic Initiative Australia, alongside several other board roles.
His current appointments also include non-executive director positions with the Steve Waugh Foundation and Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum. He has previously held roles with the Powerhouse Museum and the Bank of Sydney.
Pappas succeeds George Savvides AM, who stepped down as SBS Chair in July 2025 after eight years with the broadcaster. During the interim period, Deputy Chair Christine Zeitz served as Acting Chair while a permanent appointment was finalised.
Pappas officially commenced in the role on 5 March 2026. The appointment was welcomed by SBS board members including Christine Zeitz, Vic Alhadeff OAM, Aaron Fa’Aoso, Dr Andrew Lu AM, Katrina Rathie and Cassandra Wilkinson OAM, as well as Acting Managing Director Jane Palfreyman.
Greek Australian international Nectarios Triantis was overcome with emotion after scoring a remarkable goal for Minnesota United in their MLS clash against Nashville, dedicating the moment to his late mother.
The 22-year-old midfielder found the net with a stunning long-range strike during the club’s third match of the MLS season.
“A goal sent from the heavens, Baba and Mum together watching down on me. I dedicate this to her. Every second that goes by we’re all thinking of you Mum,” he wrote.
Triantis produced a memorable individual effort for the goal, collecting the ball before the halfway line and driving forward towards the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot that flew into the top corner.
Despite the moment of brilliance, Minnesota United were ultimately defeated 3–1 by Nashville.
Six Turkish F-16 fighter jets are expected to arrive at Ercan (Tymbou) airport in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus early on Monday, according to Turkish Cypriot civil aviation authority acting director Askin Meseli.
The deployment was initially expected to involve four aircraft arriving on Sunday, but Meseli told Kibris Postasi that the number had increased to six and that they would now land in the early hours of Monday.
The move comes amid rising regional tensions following last week’s drone strike on Cyprus involving an Iranian-made drone.
Several countries have since strengthened their military presence around the island. Greece deployed four F-16 fighter jets to Paphos last Monday, followed by two frigates, including the Kimon, which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described as the “pride of the Greek fleet”.
France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have also announced or deployed military assets to the region, as Cyprus becomes increasingly central to the wider Middle East security situation.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has highlighted the importance of postal voting for Greeks living abroad, declaring that “the voice of Melbourne carries the same weight as that of a citizen in Athens.”
In a video message shared on social media, the Prime Minister outlined the new legislation recently approved by the Hellenic Parliament, which allows Greeks overseas to vote by post in future national elections, significantly expanding participation by the diaspora.
Under the new system, Greeks living abroad will be able to exercise their democratic right from their place of residence through postal voting, without needing to travel to polling stations or return to Greece.
Mitsotakis described the reform as a major step towards ensuring equal democratic rights for all Greek citizens, regardless of where they live.
He also noted that until 2019, Greeks residing overseas were required to travel to Greece in order to vote in national elections. The first significant reform came in 2023, when polling stations were established abroad for the first time, allowing members of the diaspora to vote in their country of residence.
The latest legislation expands this access even further, enabling voters to participate remotely by post – a system already used during the recent European elections.
“The voice of a citizen in Melbourne, London or Toronto carries the same weight as the voice of a citizen in Athens, Thessaloniki or Heraklion,” the Prime Minister said.
Actor and poet Christos Valavanidis passed away on Friday at the age of 81.
Born in 1944, Valavanidis graduated from the Drama School of the National Theatre in 1973 and went on to build a distinguished career spanning theatre and cinema.
Throughout his career, he performed across a wide range of theatrical genres, including ancient drama, Attic comedy, operetta, contemporary theatre, musical theatre, pantomime and revue, while also appearing in Greek films.
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the loss of Christos Valavanidis, a great actor who left an indelible mark on contemporary Greek theatre,” Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a message of condolence.
Tensions across the Middle East continue to intensify as Iran prepares for a major leadership transition and regional military exchanges escalate.
Iran has selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new leader.
The development comes amid sharp rhetoric from Washington. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran’s next supreme leader “won’t last long without his approval.”
Meanwhile, Israel has launched new “wide-scale strikes” on targets in Tehran and other parts of Iran. The latest wave of attacks followed an announcement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that it had struck the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Space Force headquarters in Tehran, as well as around 50 ammunition bunkers earlier in the day.
Iran has also retaliated beyond its borders. Strikes targeting Gulf infrastructure reportedly hit fuel tanks at Kuwait’s airport and a desalination plant in Bahrain, with several people killed.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that the Islamic Republic “will be forced to respond” against neighbouring countries if their territory is used to launch attacks against Iran.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait have all reported further attacks, while the conflict has begun spreading across the wider region, with tensions also affecting Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The violence has already claimed further casualties. A seventh US military service member has died from wounds sustained during Iran’s initial counterattack last week. In Saudi Arabia, two people were also killed after a projectile struck a residential area in the city of Al-Kharj.
Australia is monitoring the situation closely. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that Canberra is considering a request for military assistance from Gulf states, but stressed that Australia would not participate in offensive operations against Iran.
The winners of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Awards 2026 have been announced at a special International Women’s Day event held on Sunday, March 8 at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, celebrating the achievements and leadership of Greek and Cypriot Australian women across the country.
Presented in collaboration with the Greek Festival of Sydney, the awards recognise women who are making meaningful contributions in their professions, communities and public life while inspiring the next generation of leaders within the Hellenic Australian diaspora.
The Greek Herald Woman of the Year 2026
Marina Kyriakou (VIC) was named The Greek Herald Woman of the Year 2026, recognised for her leadership, impact and contribution to the community.
The award was presented by the Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP and Dimitra Skalkos, Publisher of The Greek Herald.
The award celebrates women aged 30 and over who have demonstrated excellence and influence in their respective fields while uplifting others through mentorship, advocacy and service.
Kyriakou is a tireless advocate whose work has significantly advanced endometriosis awareness, care and support across Australia. Drawing on her own lived experience, she works to educate GPs, nurses and health professionals to improve early diagnosis, patient support and clinical pathways for the often misunderstood condition.
Her advocacy extends beyond healthcare into workplace policy reform, including within Indigenous communities, promoting culturally safe and flexible support for women living with chronic pelvic pain.
Marina also dedicates her time to listening to and guiding women who feel unheard, offering empathy and practical support. Through participation in government roundtables and national discussions, she helps shape policy, funding priorities and strategies for endometriosis care, quietly transforming the future of support for countless patients.
Accepting the award, Kyriakou said the recognition reflected the experiences of countless women who continue to live with the condition.
“This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a recognition for every woman who has suffered from endometriosis and been dismissed,” she said.
Kyriakou also used her speech to raise awareness about the condition and the need for earlier diagnosis and greater understanding.
“Women’s pain is real and it needs to be acknowledged. We need to stop the suffering and stop being dismissed. We are here to be heard now – we’re not invisible anymore.”
Sharing her own journey, she reflected on the personal impact the disease has had on her life.
“I’ve had 17 surgeries for endometriosis, two bowel resections and no children,” she said. “But today is about raising awareness for every young Australian woman.”
Kyriakou called on the audience to continue the conversation about women’s health beyond the event.
“Go home today and talk about it – in your homes, in your schools, with your families. We still need early diagnosis and we need to talk about it.”
Kyriakou was selected by an independent judging panel from a strong field of finalists representing diverse industries and community initiatives across Australia.
The Greek Herald Woman of the Year 2026 award recipient, Marina Kyriakou. Photo The Greek Herald. Woman to Watch award recipient for 2026, Tia Christodoulou. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Woman to Watch 2026
The Woman to Watch Award, recognising emerging leaders under the age of 30, was awarded to Tia Christodoulou from NSW.
The award was presented by 2025 Woman to Watch recipients Melina and Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou, continuing the tradition of past winners recognising the next generation of emerging leaders.
Christodoulou is a powerful example of resilience and leadership within Australia’s Hellenic community. Born in Sydney to a Cretan mother and Cypriot father, she was born without her right hand and later underwent major spinal surgery for severe scoliosis at the age of 12. Rather than allowing these challenges to define her, Tia has built a life centred on strength, discipline and service.
Now a primary school teacher at St Joseph’s, she inspires students daily while maintaining a rigorous 4am training routine. Using a prosthetic hand, she became a trainer and was named Trainer of the Year at F45 Training.
At just 23 years old, Tia also runs her own gym in Engadine with more than 120 members and is currently leading a charity fundraiser for Stillbirth Foundation Australia, demonstrating the power of resilience, determination and community spirit.
Accepting the award, Christodoulou thanked her family and the community that has supported her journey.
“Thank you so much for hosting such an amazing event that highlights so many powerful and resilient women in our community,” she said. “It’s really amazing to see everyone come together.”
Reflecting on her journey, she said resilience had shaped her path from a young age.
“Growing up with a limb difference really did teach me to be resilient, especially at a young age… and community is so important. I don’t think anyone would be here without a strong community and a strong foundation behind them.”
Christodoulou also shared that her gym had recently hosted its first charity fundraiser in support of the Stillbirth Foundation Australia, raising almost $10,000 for the cause.
Independent judging panel
Finalists and winners were selected by an independent panel of judges, including:
Sophie Cotsis MP, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety
Kat Theophanous MP, Victorian Member for Northcote
Anastasia Mavrides, Chair of Neolea SA
The panel assessed nominees based on leadership, community impact, professional achievements and their ability to inspire others.
NSW Minister the Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP congratulates and embraces Woman to Watch Award recipient Tia Christodoulou during The Greek Herald’s International Women’s Day event in Sydney. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Celebrating women across the Hellenic diaspora
Launched by The Greek Herald to highlight the achievements of Greek and Cypriot Australian women, the awards have quickly become an important platform for recognising leadership across business, academia, the arts, community service, public life and emerging industries.
This year’s finalists represented a wide cross-section of professions and community initiatives, reflecting the strength and diversity of women contributing to the Hellenic Australian story.
The awards were presented during the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Greek Festival of Sydney, bringing together community leaders, professionals and supporters to honour the achievements of women who continue to shape and strengthen the community.
As the awards continue to grow, The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Awards remain committed to celebrating the achievements of women whose work, leadership and dedication are helping build a stronger and more inclusive future.
Connie Bonaros MLC has sparked debate during the South Australian election campaign after using a Greek insult to criticise One Nation leader Cory Bernardi over controversial comments about same-sex marriage.
Speaking during a public exchange on the issue, Bonaros condemned Bernardi’s stance and accused him of making remarks she said were divisive.
“Can I start by saying this: there is a special Greek word for people like Cory Bernardi and the repugnant and vile views that he has shared – and that word is malaka,” Bonaros said.
She added that if Bernardi did not understand the meaning of the term, “he should go and find himself a Greek dictionary.”
Bonaros also criticised both Bernardi and One Nation founder Pauline Hanson, arguing that their rhetoric throughout the campaign risked alienating minority communities.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and One Nation SA leader Cory Bernardi.
“I don’t know who we are going to offend next. Is it Australian Indians? Is it Australian Greeks? Is it Australian Vietnamese people? Is it women?” Bonaros said.
“Cory and Pauline Hanson are both cut from the same mean-spirited cloth, and they should both be equally ashamed of what they’ve said.”
“Not who we are in South Australia”
Bonaros said she was angered by Bernardi’s decision to stand by controversial remarks he made more than a decade ago during the national debate over marriage equality.
At the time, Bernardi argued that changing the definition of marriage could lead to calls for recognition of other types of relationships, including polygamy – comments that drew significant criticism.
“Cory should be ashamed of himself for doubling down on the comments that he made 14 years ago,” Bonaros said.
“That is not who we are in South Australia. I’m not going to stand for it.”
She also criticised the state’s major parties for what she described as their silence on the issue.
“I’m not going to sit here like the major parties and stay silent when we have two people spreading the sort of hate, division and fear that we are seeing from the likes of Cory Bernardi and Pauline Hanson,” she said.
“Nobody should tolerate that.”
Debate amid election campaign
The exchange comes as South Australia heads into an election campaign in which immigration, social issues and cultural identity have again emerged as points of political debate.
Bonaros argued that political leaders had a responsibility to defend minority communities.
“There are minority groups in South Australia today who are feeling unrepresented and unheard, and we should all be ashamed of ourselves if we are not willing to call that out,” she said.
“This is not about the left or right of politics. This is about common decency.”
A special exhibition celebrating 60 years of the iconic children’s television program Play School has opened in Melbourne, featuring many of the familiar characters, toys and set pieces that have entertained generations of Australian children, according to Australian Associated Press.
Actor Alex Papps, who recently reached 20 years as a presenter on the show, was given an early look at the exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Federation Square. After previewing the interactive displays, he predicted young visitors would be especially excited by the experience.
“I just thought, ‘My goodness, they are going to absolutely love it’. It’s certainly recognisable as a Play School environment,” he said.
Play School first aired on July 18, 1966, originally broadcast in black and white. Nearly six decades later, it remains one of Australia’s most enduring and beloved children’s programs.
Papps recalled watching his first episode as a presenter go to air and said the significance of the show has always been clear to the team behind it.
“It’s not lost on any of us how we are custodians of the show and that it is beloved,” he said.
The exhibition, titled Play School: Come and Play!, was created by ACMI in collaboration with the ABC and is designed for children aged two to five. It includes interactive elements such as a crawl-through rocket clock, a miniature Play School house, and a mock television studio. The exhibition runs at ACMI until July 12.
Oakleigh Grammar was honoured to host respected Greek Australian community leader, Emanuel Comino, who visited the school this week to speak with Year 12 students about the importance of cultural heritage, stewardship, and advocacy.
Mr Comino has spent five decades championing the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, a commitment sparked in 1976 after a visit to the Louvre in Paris that prompted him to recognise the scale of Greek antiquities held abroad. This pivotal moment motivated him to establish what would become the first committee in the world dedicated to the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece – the International Organising Committee Australia for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles (IOC-A-RPM).
Mr Emanuel Comino with Principal Mark Robertson and Year 12 School Captains
His advocacy has since extended across the world, including Australia, the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, and Europe – including Greece – where he has consistently raised awareness of cultural justice and historical responsibility.
Principal Mark Robertson welcomed Mr Comino’s visit, noting the significance of providing students with access to leaders who have demonstrated lifelong commitment to service and cultural responsibility.
“It was a privilege to host Mr Comino and an important opportunity for our students to hear first-hand from a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the return of the Parthenon Marbles,” Mr Robertson said. “His presentation was stirring and an example to our students of what one person can achieve if they have dedication and drive.”
Mr Emanuel Comino presenting to Year 12 students and staff
In sharing his story, Mr Comino offered Oakleigh Grammar’s Year 12 students a lived example of values that resonate strongly within our community – integrity, respect, service, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right. His dedication to advocacy has provided inspiration to the Year 12 students to approach the rest of their studies, and their life after schooling, with both courage and humility.
Oakleigh Grammar extended its sincere thanks to Mr Comino for generously sharing his time, expertise, and passion with the school community.
