On March 23 in a sold-out event, the Festival Hellenika dedicated a musical night to the “Zeibekiko,” a popular dance with deep roots in the folk traditions of Greece and Asia Minor.
Festival Hellenika is an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival, from March to May, that celebrates the richness of Hellenic culture. It aims to maintain, develop, and promote Hellenic links across various art forms, contributing to the enrichment of Australian society.
Zeibekiko is unique for its singular choreographic style, relying on the improvisational movements of the individual dancer throughout the display. It is a typically emotive type of dance, and is learnt by observation and integration of various styles into one’s own technique.
This event brought concertgoers on a journey through the history and origins of Zeibekiko, through the performance of a spectrum of Rebetika, Laika and contemporary songs.
The dance’s name is derived from the Zeibeks of Asia Minor. Initially resembling a war dance, it evolved into an improvised solo dance; A solo dance which now holds a revered place in Greek culture, symbolising not only themes of sorrow, loss and tragedy but also strength, defiance and resilience.
The Zeibekiko dance has evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in Greek society while maintaining its core uniqueness. Initially a masculine performance, women have increasingly participated in recent years, breaking free from traditional gender roles.
The evening was highlighted by performances from an extraordinary musical ensemble. Vocalists Joanna Chryssostomou, Stamatis Dimitrakopoulos, and Jim Mountzouris, under the guidance of maestro Paul Gelios, delivered beautiful renditions of Zeibekiko classics.
Further, the event showcased talented dancers from the Messinian Dance School of SA, and the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) Dance Academy, complimenting the traditional songs with dynamic live performances.
The Festival Hellenika event provided a memorable night that celebrated the traditional culture and emotion of the Zeibekiko. By intertwining the history of the historic struggles of Greeks with the dance’s spirit, the music reaffirmed the enduring legacy of Zeibekiko in Greece’s cultural fabric.
The Hellenic Australian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) has announced its collaboration with Women On Top (WoT), a leading Greek organisation dedicated to promoting women’s professional and economic empowerment and equality at work.
Through this partnership, the organisations aim to launch a transformative international mentoring program, bringing together young female professionals accomplished female experts from a variety of industries.
The HACCI – WoT program will be offering four six-month mentoring scholarships to one young woman from each of the four states in Australia where the HACCI National Federation operate: Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
HACCI Chair Fotini Kypraios.
“The HACCI National Federation is thrilled to join forces with Women On Top for this international mentoring collaboration initiative. The HACCI mentoring program has been a source of pride for everyone involved, and it is wonderful to see it’s reach expanding beyond Australian borders and reaching the motherland,” HACCI NF Council Chair, Fotini Kypraios, said.
“Fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations between professionals from Greece and Australia has always been part of the HACCI mission, and this international collaboration ensures the continuation of our mentoring program through to a new generation of professional women.
“Furthermore, it is very important for us to connect with an organisation such as Women On Top, and be part of their significant work, supporting and empowering Greek women in becoming leaders in their field.
“This program will connect young Hellenic Australian women with successful professional women mentors in Greece, whilst also providing the opportunity for Hellenic Australian professionals to mentor young women from Greece. We can’t wait to see what great outcomes this collaboration will produce.”
HACCI NT Chair Angela Tomazos.
HACCI NT Chair Angela Tomazos added: “As two nations rich in heritage and innovation, the partnership between Greece and Australia in mentoring signifies a powerful union of wisdom and ambition. Through this collaboration, we aim to cultivate a global community of mentorship that reaches every corner of our beautiful southern land, from the bustling metropolis of Melbourne to the growing potential of regional northern Australia. Together, we celebrate the strength of our cultural ties and the boundless potential of mentorship to inspire and transform lives.”
Women On Top Co-founder, Pinelopi Theodorakakou, said: “As an organisation, we are deeply committed to empowering women and fostering their professional and financial growth and success. Our partnership with HACCI serves as yet another important step towards forging stronger connections and support networks that can propel us all towards greater success and prosperity.”
Women On Top Co-founder, Stella Kasdagli, added: “Over the last 12 years, we have experienced again and again the change that happens when we connect with one another, especially from afar. We all need the knowledge, the experience, the inspiration and the understanding that comes from getting to know women from other cultures, backgrounds, ecosystems and we are really excited that this collaboration with HACCI allows us to offer this gift to even more women in Greece and beyond.”
Women On Top Co-founder, Stella Kasdagli (L) and Women On Top Co-founder, Pinelopi Theodorakakou (R).
In today’s post-industrial economy, investment in human capital has been more important than ever, and mentoring is an integral part of this process. HACCI has a long-standing commitment to mentoring, presenting a highly successful annual program targeted to the HACCI Young Professionals Network (HYPN). This program remains one of HACCI’s core strengths and a source of pride, fostering the next generation of Hellenic Australian Professionals.
Women On Top, founded in 2012, has been instrumental in providing a platform for women across various industries and regions to access mentorship, professional training seminars, and networking opportunities in Greece. Through this collaboration, Women On Top will extend its reach to young Hellenic Australian women by offering mentoring scholarships, while also inviting Greek Australian women to become mentors in WoT’s international mentoring platform.
The HNF aims to unite and establish a national presence across Australia, representing the Hellenic Australian business and professional community. This collaboration reflects the HNF’s commitment to supporting and fostering bilateral trade and professional networks between Australia and Greece, creating opportunities for progress and advancement at every level. Applications for the four six-month mentoring scholarships are now open.
Female professionals of Hellenic Australian background, with more than three years of experience, can become a mentor on WoT’s platform.
Young women looking to become a mentee and benefit from getting expert guidance in navigating professional challenges, applying for leadership positions, making informed decisions in their field of study, or improving their overall work performance, can apply by filling in the application form by Tuesday 30 April.
Results will be announced on Wednesday 29 May and scholarship recipients can utilise their scholarships within the following 12 months.
In the lead-up to the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, honouring the systematic massacres against 1.5 million Armenians and over 1 million Assyrians and Greeks, the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee have announced events in five different cities across Australia.
The Armenian Australian community living in the nation’s capital will host a joint commemoration with Greek Australians to remember the Greek and Armenian genocides on Monday, May 13 at the ACT Legislative Assembly commencing from 6:30pm.
The Keynote Address for the event is being delivered by Dr Deborah Mayersen.
Dr Mayersen is a Senior Lecturer in International and Political Studies at the University of New South Wales Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Deborah’s research expertise is in the field of genocide studies, including the Armenian genocide, the Rwandan genocide and genocide prevention.
On Monday, 15 April 2024, an independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Alan Contini and Alan Davidson – convened to consider incidents arising over the course of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men matches played between Friday, 12 April 2024 and Sunday, 14 April 2024. The MRP considered one incident in relation to Yianni Nicolaou of Macarthur FC.
The independent MRP considered an incident in or around the 73rd minute of Macarthur FC’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men match against Adelaide United FC on Friday, 12 April 2024, in which defender Mr Nicolaou received a direct Red Card.
The club can confirm defender Yianni Nicolaou will miss the next two A-League matches after receiving a red card against Adelaide United last weekend. #WeAreTheBullspic.twitter.com/mTi4U5IO2g
In accordance with the A-Leagues Disciplinary Regulations, the MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Nicolaou was issued with a direct Red Card by the referee.
The MRP determined that Nicolaou committed the offence of “Assault on a Player (e.g. violent conduct when not challenging for the ball) or against any other person other than a Match Official including an attempted assault”. The minimum sanction for the offence is two matches, being the Mandatory Match Suspension plus one additional match.
The MRP confirmed that Nicolaou will serve a suspension of two matches, being the minimum sanction for the offence, before becoming eligible for selection should Macarthur progress to the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League Men Finals Series.
Football Australia confirmed that there were no other incidents arising from the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Liberty A-League Women matches over this period which resulted in match suspensions.
Greece’s National Boxing Team returned from Croatia on Monday with four medals after participating in the “Youth Men and Women” EUBC (European Boxing Confederation) Youth Championships.
According to zougla.gr, the event is held from April 2 to 15 in Poreč, with Greece coming home having won one gold, one silver, two bronze and fifth places in one of the most difficult and important international events.
The “Golden” Panagiota Kouzilou, the “Silver” Ourania Kantzari, the “Bronze” Maria Georgopoulou and Anna Maria Trifylli raised high the “flag” of Greek Boxing and wearing their medals full of smiles and pride upon their arrival “fell” into the arms of their own people and friends who warmly welcomed them at the “Eleftherios Venizelos” Airport.
President of the Hellenic Boxing Federation, Mr. Haris Mariolis addressed all the athletes with pride and congratulated them, stating that “Greek Boxing is living a historic moment”.
“The success of our girls to win 4 medals is a strong message for the development and promotion of women’s boxing in Greece. It is clear proof that women have the ability and ability to stand out on the sports scene, while offering great examples for young athletes starting their “journey” in boxing”, Mariolis said.
“Our sport is on the rise and these successes point the way to even greater recognition and success in the future. Supporting and promoting the sport of boxing, especially women’s boxing, is vital for the development of the sport in Greece.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Multicultural Minister Steve Kamper convened a meeting on Tuesday for faith leaders in the community following the attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and another clergyman.
Very Rev. Father Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, was one of the faith leaders who endorsed and supported the below statement that calls for calm, to follow police instructions, and for peace.
Statement:
Places of worship are places of peace and prayer. The people who gather there should never feel threatened or unsafe, no matter what religion they follow. As faith leaders representing the diverse religious communities of New South Wales, we stand united against all forms of hate and violence.
Our prayers are with the victims and we call on our communities to extend our message of care and compassion to all.
We have trust in our police and first responders and full confidence in their work. Police should never be attacked for keeping our communities safe. The scenes we witnessed after the attack are unacceptable to anyone, and especially to people of faith.
For people of faith, religion is never a justification for violence. It has been a very difficult week but we are a strong community in New South Wales. We call on everyone to act with kindness and respect for each other. Now is the time to show that we are a caring and united community.
Statement agreed to by all members of the NSW Faith Affairs Council:
Right Reverend Dr Michael Stead, Anglican Church, Diocese of Sydney
Mr Gawaine Powell Davies, Chair, Buddhist Council of NSW
Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, President, Australian National Imams Council
Dr Ali Al Samail, Resident Scholar (Sheikh), Australian Ahl Al Bait Islamic Centre
Mr Surinder Kumar Jain, Vice President, Hindu Council of Australia
Ms Monica Doumit, Director of Public Affairs and Engagement, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
David Ossip, President, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies
Rev. Dr Steve Bartlett, Director of Ministries, Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT
Rev. Dr Manas Ghosh, Minister in the Uniting Church Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW & ACT
Rev. Dr Kamal Weerakoon, Minister, Presbyterian Church of Australia
Mr Darshan Singh Gill, Patron, Australian Sikh Association (ASA) (Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood)
Very Rev. Fr Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
Rev. Ralph Estherby, National Director/CEO for Chaplaincy Australia, Australian Christian Churches
Mr Darren Bark, Co-Chair, Better Balanced Futures (Faith NSW)
Reverend Heather Joyce Topp, Senior Chaplain and Interfaith Minister, Buddhist Council of NSW
Reverend William Crews AM, Superintendent Minister, Ashfield Parish Mission
Ms Katherine Xavier, Interfaith Commission Member, Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Ms Monica Chahoud, Melkite Charitable Foundation President, Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and all Oceania The statement was also supported by:
Archbishop Mar Meelis Zaia, Assyrian Church of the East
Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona, Catholic Chaldeans in Australia
Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Maronite Bishop of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania
Dr Rateb Jneid, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
Mr Hafez Alameddine, President of the Lebanese Muslim Association
Greece has become the first country in Europe to prohibit bottom trawling in all national marine parks and protected areas.
Bottom trawling by industrial boats is a very harmful fishing practice that drags heavy nets across the bottom, destroying ecosystems and emitting carbon into the ocean and atmosphere.
According to The Guardian, Greece’s government plans to invest 780 million euros to safeguard its “diverse and unique marine ecosystems” while focusing on the ban against bottom trawling.
The Ocean has paid a heavy price for its service to humankind. It has been a vital source of life and livelihood. We have not been kind to it in return. So, we meet today with a new sense of urgency.#OurOcean2024#OurOceanGreecepic.twitter.com/etlhJSHeww
Greece Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, told delegates at the ‘Our Ocean’ conference in Athens on Tuesday that the country plans to ban bottom trolling within two years and has established two additional marine national parks, increasing the size of the marine protected areas by 80%.
“We will ban bottom trawling in our national parks by 2026 and in all marine protected areas by 2030,” Mitsotakis said.
Oceana, together with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Marine Conservation Society and Seas at Risk, has urged the EU to take firmer action against members who continue to allow bottom trawling in marine protected zones. According to a March assessment, the harmful practice continues in 90% of the EU’s offshore MPAs.
The Olympic torch embarked on its journey to Paris from the Greek birthplace of games, Ancient Olympia, following the official flame lighting ceremony on Tuesday.
According to amna.gr, the ceremony (hosted by Nikos Aliagas), inspired by antiquity, took place, in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, in Ancient Olympia, according to the traditional ritual.
Crowds of people in attendance. Photo: amna.gr.President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou arrived accompanied by International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach and European Olympic Committees (EOC) president Spyros Capralos. Photo: amna.gr.Greek actress Mary Mina, playing the role of high priestess. Photo: amna.gr.
President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou arrived accompanied by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach and European Olympic Committees (EOC) President, Spyros Capralos. Following the arrival of officials, leading mezzo-soprano, Joyce DiDonato performed the Olympic Anthem, followed by the raising of the French and Greek flags, and the national anthems.
Greek actress Mary Mina, playing the role of high priestess handed over the Olympic flame to Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos, kicking off the 11-day torch relay on Greek land that will remain until April 26; it will subsequently travel for France, with an estimated arrival in Marseille on May 8.
The Department of Modern Greek at the University of Sydney marks its milestone 50th anniversary this year and to celebrate, more than 100 past and current students and lecturers filled the Chau Chak Wing Museum on Sunday, April 14 for a special event.
Organised as part of this year’s Greek Festival of Sydney, the event showcased the importance of Greek language and culture in Australia’s multicultural fabric and academic landscape.
Being a significant occasion, the celebration was attended by a number of official guests including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, and the Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris. Both were asked by emcee Sophia Komarkowski to give a small speech to kick off the official proceedings.
In her speech, Ms Karteris thanked everyone for attending and congratulated the Modern Greek Department and its staff for championing the Greek language at the University of Sydney and in Australia more broadly. She also said the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales was committed to promoting the Greek language and its culture.
The Consul General spoke of the Greek government’s financial and educational support to the Department prior to Greece’s financial crisis, and said he would be “at the disposal of the teaching staff at the university” to see how this support could be revived for the future.
Following these addresses, a panel of distinguished academics and past students from the Department of Modern Greek gave their thoughts on its enduring legacy.
The panel consisted of Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Sir Nicholas Laurantus Professor of Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at the University of Sydney; Associate Professor Anthony Dracopoulos, Chair, Discipline of Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies, School of Languages and Cultures; Dr Alfred Vincent, Honorary Research Associate, University of Sydney; Dr Panayota Nazou, former member (and Chairperson) of academic and educational committees at the University of Sydney; and former students Andrew Thanos and Joyce Kolevris.
First to speak was Dr Vincent, a founding member of the Department of Modern Greek. Dr Vincent spoke about the 50-year history of the Department, how it was established with a generous donation from Sir Nicolas Laurantus, and spoke about the first Chair of the Department Dr Michael Jeffries and his contribution.
Dr Vincent also touched on the declining interest in language studies in Australia and said it was time to think of new approaches to encourage people to study Greek, such as through book festivals and scholarships to study at a Greek university overseas.
Dr Alfred Vincent.Dr Panayota Nazou.
Dr Nazou spoke about her personal experience teaching at the university for more than 40 years and said despite the challenges she faced, she would never change her chosen profession. The academic was also critical of how the university had treated funding designated for the Department of Modern Greek.
To break away from the academic side of the Department, two former students spoke next – Mr Thanos and Ms Kolevris.
Andrew ThanosJoyce Kolevris.
Mr Thanos stressed that the establishment of the Department of Modern Greek at Sydney University “ignited a cultural renaissance that transcended generations and communities, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape the landscape of Modern Greek Studies in our country.”
For her part, Greek-born student Ms Kolevris said choosing to study Greek at Sydney University was “one of the best decisions” she ever made, highlighting the numerous learning opportunities and supportive guidance from teaching staff. She also stressed it is now up to the younger generation to ensure the Greek language survives.
“Thank you for everything you have done for your students,” Ms Kolveris said to academics in attendance. “If we’re able to give back a fraction of what you have given us, we will all be very privileged. It is up to us to continue supporting Greek studies, whether you’re a beginner, native speaker or somewhere in between, there is something for everyone.”
The last two speakers to give an address were current lecturers at the Department of Modern Greek – Dr Dracopoulos and Professor Karalis.
Professor Vrasidas Karalis.Dr Anthony Dracopoulos.
Dr Dracopoulos spoke proudly of the many successful initiatives of the Department of Modern Greek and its significant contribution to university life through courses not just on the Greek language but also Greek history and culture.
“I am confident that Sir Nicholas Laurantus would be very proud with what we have achieved so far,” the Associate Professor said, while adding that the community needs to continue working hard to make Modern Greek financially self-sufficient.
The last to speak was Professor Karalis and he drew loud laughter from the crowd as he shared personal anecdotes with his colleagues from his time teaching Greek at the University of Sydney. Whilst touching on the current challenges that face the Greek language in Australia, Professor Karalis also provided hope for the future.
“I feel the love for Greek and Greek studies should be something that unites us all, and the love of Greek is that which makes me optimistic for the future,” he said.
“We will survive and we will triumph. We will never lose because we love what we are doing. We are continuing a tradition that goes back 3,000 years. The chain will not be cut. The continuity will go on and you [the youth in the room] will be responsible.”
At the conclusion of these official proceedings, Ms Karteris presented speakers with flowers from Mr Roses, before a 50th anniversary cake was cut. Everyone spent the rest of the afternoon mingling and reminiscing about their past at the university.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The South Australian Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI SA) commemorated the first anniversary of its revival by hosting its annual Parliament House event for members on April 10.
The celebration marked a significant milestone for the chamber, which serves as a platform for members to connect, interact, and exchange knowledge and ideas with like-minded professionals.
The event brought together members of Parliament, HACCI members and broader industry professionals for an evening of networking, collaboration and dialogue. It provided a unique opportunity for members to engage directly with key decision-makers, foster meaningful discussions on mutual interests, promote business opportunities, and strengthen the bonds within the South Australian Greek community.
Alex Demetriou, Deputy Chair of HACCI SA addresses those in attendance.
Alex Demetriou, Deputy Chair of HACCI SA, reflected on the success of the organisation since its inaugural launch event in 2023, which occurred in the same room in which the April 10 event was held.
“It’s been an amazing success [and] what we had hoped to achieve in the first year, we have outperformed that,” Mr Demetriou said.
Originally formed in 1985, the chamber aims to promote and strengthen business and economic ties between Australia and Greece, focusing not only on local businesses in South Australia but also on national and international trade and export opportunities.
Ms Theodora Sevastidis and Ms Christiana Michaels.
Mr Demetriou also remarked on the various achievements of HACCI in its one short year, including the establishment of initiatives such as a wine council for South Australian wine producers of Greek heritage to connect with Greece, and the facilitation of many member networking events on the areas of property, professional development, trade and a youth focussed event to support the next generation of professionals.
The Consul-General of Greece in Adelaide and the Dean of the Consular Corps of South Australia, George Psiachas, also shared his reflections.
Consul-General Psiachas addresses HACCI members.
“During my tenure, the revival of HACCI SA has been successful, and the total activity of both your organisation and other Hellenic organisations in South Australia, [have been] fantastic,” Mr Psiachas stated.
Mr Psiachas emphasised the importance of maintaining strong ties with Greece, particularly in the context of new policies established after Greece’s recovery from the global financial crisis.
“It is very important, in your group of commerce and industry, to keep connection with Greece… Greece has new policies in place after having resiliently survived the global financial crisis of the previous decade and now has new opportunities for business investment and many other incentives for people in the commerce world to do business in Greece,” he said.
“For me, it is crucial that you inspire your children to learn Greek because if we lose the language, we lose everything,” Mr Psiachas remarked.
The event not only celebrated the past year’s achievements, but also set the stage for future initiatives and continued growth within the Hellenic Australian business and professional community in SA.
Mr Tony Michaels Mr Angelo Stathopoulos and Mr John Kari.Mr Harry Patsouris and Mr Jack Marinos.
Special guests at the event included the Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, SA Minister for the Arts, Minister for Small and Family Business and Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs; The Hon. Chief Justice Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia; and other notable figures such as The Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC, Cr Mary Couros of the City of Adelaide, and Cr Stephen Finos and Cr Jack Gaffey of the City of Unley.
