AHEPA NSW will mark 90 years of service to Hellenism and to Australia since the founding meeting at the northern NSW town of Werris Creek.
The Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association – known by the acronym AHEPA – will honour its 90th anniversary with a series of events through to May 2025.
The official launch of the celebratory program will take place on Sunday 26 Μay 2024 with a luncheon at the Novotel Brighton Beach Sydney Hotel from 12:30pm.
The Objective of the Association is the national, social and commercial benefit of its members, the support of every national and philanthropic cause, as well as the protection which elevates the national name and national reputation of the Hellenes in Australia.
This is what the founders determined, during their first official meeting on Wednesday 15 Αugust 1934. Since then, the officers and members of AHEPA NSW have served this objective by diverse means across many fields. On national days, with awards and sponsorships, with book launches, with musical and theatrical evenings and much more.
Honouring 90 years of the Association, President Demetris Papanagiotou and the members invite community organisations to join them in marking this significant milestone in the history of Australian Hellenism. During the event on Sunday 26 May, AHEPA NSW Inc will be paying tribute to individuals and organisations with great contributions to AHEPA NSW Inc and to Australian Hellenism. Representatives of community organisations are invited to participate in paying tribute to these prominent persons.
The anniversary events commenced with the celebration of International Women’s Day on 17 March, followed by the celebration of Independence Day on 27 March. Both events were very successful, honouring the 90th birthday of AHEPA NSW Inc. The 90th anniversary events will continue on Monday 20 May with the launch of a new book in cooperation with the Kytherian Association and AHEPA Day on Sunday 26 May at the Novotel Brighton Beach Sydney Hotel from 12:30pm (tickets $120).
In a recent South Australian government cabinet reshuffle, Tom Koutsantonis was given an extra portfolio following the resignation of Independent MP, Geoff Brock.
According to ABC News, Koutsantonis will pick up Brock’s portfolio, Regional Roads, adding more to his current role as SA’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
At the ceremony at Government House, Liberal-turned-independent MP, Dan Cregan was also sworn in as Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, as well as Special Minister of State.
The reshuffle is the first since Labor took office in 2022. Photo: ABC News/Michael Clements.
Brock will remain in parliament as the Member for Stuart and expressed that his decision to step down as a minister — which follows three heart attacks alongside major heart surgery — was one of the “hardest” he ever had to make.
“This decision to resign now allows me to put all of my energy into my role as the Member for Stuart,” Brock said.
This is Labor’s first reshuffle since the party took power at the state election back in 2022, and has been used by the SA premier, Peter Malinauskas, to expand the ministry.
Greek tennis champion, Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that he is unlikely to play mixed doubles with his Greek compatriot, Maria Sakkari at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The 25-year-old and recent winner of the Monte Carlo Masters explained that he has a dream of playing doubles with his brother, Petros Tsitsipas at the Games, and feels that playing all three events [French Open, Olympics doubles and mixed doubles] would be “a bit too much.”
“What I want to do is clear. If I manage to get in the Olympic Games with my brother Petros, I would want to play singles and doubles with him. I would say that playing three events in a single tournament is a bit too much for me, physically taxing, and I would want to avoid that”, Tsitsipas said.
Tsitsipas and Sakkari last played at an Olympic event three years ago in Tokyo, where they reached the quarter-finals. Photo: www.tennis365.com.
“I know that it’s the Olympics and it’s a great opportunity to play with Maria, and I completely agree she’s one of the best partners to have in the mixed doubles field. I have had great moments with her. But at the same time, I have a dream with my brother I’d like to share and be one of the very few brothers that have ever played together in the Olympics, especially in tennis.”
Sakkari expressed her wish to still play with Tsitsipas in Paris, but suggested her fellow Greek was unlikely to play with her due to his mentioned commitments.
“Everyone knows how good we can play. It’s a 16-draw, you win two matches you’re in the semis and then you get a chance to win a medal … I just feel like it would be unfortunate if we don’t play together, but it’s his decision. From my side I really want to play,” Sakkari said.
Greek Australian, Thanasis Tsouhandaris attended a special event held at the Athens Auditorium on Monday where New Democracy’s (ND) ballot paper for the upcoming European elections was announced.
Businessman and President of New Democracy Australia, Tsouhandaris expressed his gratitude at the event and said it was his honour to be representing the Greek diaspora in Australia at the European elections.
Among the candidates was also the recently imprisoned elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, whose name sparked a great deal of applause.
Live | Εκδήλωση για την παρουσίαση του ψηφοδελτίου της Νέας Δημοκρατίας για τις Ευρωεκλογές. https://t.co/nHT8YrEyeM
According to amna.gr, the candidates were addressed by the Adviser to Greece’s Prime Minister, Aristotelia Peloni, and the ballot was presented by Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“…In this ballot, people come together from different paths and every corner of Hellenism worldwide. People who can be united under the same roof. This is New Democracy in 2024, this European election ballot that will seek the support of the citizens,” Mitsotakis said.
The hard-left former Greek Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis, will no longer be allowed into Germany after planning to attend a controversial “Palestine Congress” event in Berlin.
According to brusselssignal.eu, Germany’s interior ministry issued a “Betätigungsverbot“, or ban, against Varoufakis because he was set to speak at the Congress, which started on April 12 and was due to run to April 14.
German authorities labelled the gathering which was organised by the Democracy in Europe Movement 2025 (DiEM25) – a pan-European political movement and political party founded in 2016 by Varoufakis and others – as “anti-Semitic”, banning others alongside Varoufakis who were set to take part.
Varoufakis hit back after the ban was enforced, exclaiming that he and the group were simply trying to not give further power to anti-semitism.
German democracy combusting before our eyes. Full scale repression of legitimate assembly & political expression. Raiding meetings & extraterritorially banning online speeches! Another example of Europe willing to throw rights, law, everything, on the bonfire to defend genocide. https://t.co/AiFCNLsgce
“You accuse us of anti-Semitic hatred. We accuse you of being the anti-Semite’s best friend by equating the right of Israel to commit war crimes with the right of Israeli Jews to defend themselves,” Varoufakis said.
“You accuse us of trivialising Hamas’ October 7 terror [attacks on Israel]. We accuse you of trivialising the 80 years of Israel’s ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and the erection of an ironclad Apartheid system across Israel-Palestine,” Varoufakis added.
“The Israeli State is stoking the fires of anti-Semitism and strengthening Palestinians and Israelis who just want to annihilate each other.”
Shortly after the Palestine Congress began on April 12, Berlin police unexpectedly halted it, and officials extended the prohibition to April 13 and 14, the intended finish dates of the gathering; approximately 250 people were forced to leave the meeting early.
On the evening of April 14, protesters attacked police and eight demonstrators were arrested.
German interior minister Nancy Faeser praised the police action in halting the event, stating that it was “necessary” for the Berlin police to “crack down” on the so-called “Palestine Congress”.
“We do not tolerate Islamist propaganda or hatred against Jews,” Nancy Faeser said.
Germany’s Interior Ministry has banned Varoufakis also from carrying out any political activity across the country.
Greece is moving forward with 21 programs totaling 780 million euros to safeguard marine biodiversity and combat coastal pollution, Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Monday ahead of an international meeting.
According to Ekathimerini, Mitsotakis detailed that Greece plans to create two marine parks, one in the Ionian Sea and one in the Aegean Sea, as part of the initiatives.
The pollution on the seabed includes plastic bags and bathroom appliances, with fish being forced to live amongst it. Photo: Sky News.
“Quietly but methodically, Greece is playing a leading role in the defence against dramatic climate changes, which are proven to affect every region and every activity,” Mitsotakis said.
“Greece plans to present its national strategy on marine biodiversity protection at the “Our Ocean” conference, which Athens will host this year and which will be attended by dozens of countries”.
Mitsotakis added that other initiatives are also underway, including campaigns to reduce plastic pollution, the establishment of a monitoring system for protected maritime zones since fishing techniques that harm the bottom would be outlawed, and the construction of charging stations for electric vessels at 12 ports; protecting the sea is one of the four pillars of Greece’s climate change plan.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and another clergyman were stabbed by a 15-year-old teenager as he delivered a live-streamed mass at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley just after 7pm on Monday.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said the teen was known to police and was not a member of the congregation, but the incident, which he described as “rash,” had left him with serious injuries of his own.
The 53-year-old bishop was found with lacerations to his head. A 39-year-old man also sustained cuts and a shoulder wound while attempting to intervene, NSW Police said.
Assistant Commissioner Holland said the 15-year-old alleged attacker was detained and held down by members of the church.
Police arrested the teen at the scene but were forced to barricade themselves inside the church for several hours “for his safety,” Comm Holland said, as video of the incident spread and thousands gathered outside the church.
A mob grew outside the church after the attack.
Up to 100 police officers were then called to the scene. At least two police were injured as they clashed with members outside the church.
Police were finally able to remove the teen from the church late on Monday, before taking him to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, where he remains under police guard.
Following the attack, NSW Premier Chris Minns received a briefing from NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, before convening a snap meeting with religious leaders at 10:30pm. Attendees included leaders from the Maronite, Lebanese, Assyrian and Islamic communities, as well as the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper MP, and the CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph La Posta.
All of the community and faith leaders endorsed and supported a unanimous condemnation of violence in any form, called for the community to follow first responder and police instructions and called for calm in the community.
“We’re calling on everyone to act with kindness and respect for each other,” Premier Minns said in a statement. “Now is the time to show that we are strong and united as a NSW community.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb declared the incident a “terrorist act” this morning.
Thousands of Greek Australians gathered at South Melbourne FC‘s Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park on Sunday, April 14, for the annual parade commemorating Greek Independence Day, officially celebrated on March 25. The parade was delayed due to the hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in late March.
Despite the date change, the participation of over 70 organisations, including schools, cultural groups, and community representatives, kept the spirit of the revolution alive. Students, dressed in traditional costumes or blue and white attire, proudly waved their flags and marched alongside their families.
Maria Trantafyllou, a mother of two VSL students from Noble Park, said, “The children should know our customs and traditions. If we don’t keep these, they would be lost.”
Her eldest daughter, Theodora, 12, admitted her participation depends on how early she must get up.
Like the previous year, lawyer/author/columnist Konstantinos Kalymnios recited the Oath of the Greek Revolution to begin the parade. It concluded with Cypriot organisations’ entry, commemorating the 50th year since the Turkish invasion of the island.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia Antonis Sammoutis highlighted the ongoing struggle for Cypriot independence, telling The Greek Herald the continued occupation of Cyprus “is a stark reminder that the struggle for independence and dignity is never over. It goes on.”
Theo Theophanous, President of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne, emphasised the historical ties between Greece and Cyprus and their shared fight for freedom.
“It is a little-known fact that Greek Cypriots fought alongside other Greeks during the War of Independence in 1921, and 580 lost their lives. We honour and remember them. But more than that, the struggle by Cyprus to once again be a free united country is also a struggle for Hellenism,” he told The Greek Herald.
“On Greek National Day we stand with Greece and remember those who sacrificed but also to highlight our solidarity and demand freedom and justice for Cyprus and support for Greece.”
Both Theophanous and Sammoutis urge Greeks to stand with the Cypriot Communities and SEKA at Cyprus anniversary events planned in July.
Asimina Skondra, conservative New Democracy party member of the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad, admired the “spirit” of Greek Melburnians.
“May Greek Australians continue to keep the spirit of the Greek Revolution and Hellenism in their soul,” she told The Greek Herald, adding that her experiences over the last few days have been “meaningful.”
“Something that has made an impression on me at this parade is that apart from the children that we are used to seeing, there are older people with infants or wearing national costumes. That has moved me.”
Along with the former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Vlasis, Ms Skondra is on this visit with socialist PASOK-KINAL Evangelia Liakousi and radical left wing SYRIZA party member Theodora Tzakri, President and Vice President of the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad.
Greek Consul General to Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, welcomed the delegation from the Hellenic Parliament.
“I feel obliged to welcome and thank the Hellenic Parliament for not only sending a Greek delegation but sending a delegation of various political parties, which is significant,” he said.
Mr Kakavelakis urged Greek Australians to register and vote in the next elections, whilst standing beside a banner on the postal vote.
“We did not create the revolution to become Greeks, we always were. What we succeeded was to create a Greek state and to become Greek citizens. And citizens are defined by their votes,” he said.
Beyond voting, community groups are also making efforts to build connections with Greece. Andrew Markakis, President of the 450-membered Victorian Hellenic Police Association (VHPA), told The Greek Herald that negotiations are underway to bring policemen from Greece to next year’s parade. Father Chris Dimolianos, a chaplain with Victoria Police, spoke about the importance of his role in supporting officers and their families.
Visiting guests from Greece.
Organisers hope to further engage young people in future celebrations. Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting, Youth President of the Pallaconian Brotherhood, pointed to more than 15 university students “devoting their time on a Sunday” to participate in the march. She marched with both the Brotherhood and NUGAS.
“Youth know that without the epanastasi (revolution) we wouldn’t be here to enjoy what we do,” she said. “We are privileged to be here to celebrate our freedom, and this is in our attitude.”
Following the parade, the crowd enjoyed lively conversations and grandparents and parents left the stadium’s stands to swoop to their children. Speeches were drowned out a little with post-parade chatter. Words like “freedom,” “contribution,” and “struggle” reverberated through the words of Liberal party member David Davis, Labor politicians Nick Staikos, Kath Theophanous and President Tony Tsourdalakis of the Victorian Council for the Greek National Day.
The event concluded with the singing of the Greek and Australian national anthems.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis detailed the last-minute efforts undertaken to organise a reception for a whirlwind visit of Greek Parliamentarians at “Fable,” the Greek Centre’s restaurant, on Friday, April 12.
The event was hosted for the delegation of the Hellenic Parliament’s Inter-Parliamentary Committee on Expatriates who came to attend the 25th of March parade, held three weeks after the anniversary date on Sunday, April 14, at Lakeside Stadium at Albert Park.
Greek guests included former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Vlasis, Evangelia Liakousi, Theodora Tzakri, and Asimina Skondra – President, Vice President, and Member of the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad. Also present from the Greek side were Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, and the Greek Consul General for Victoria, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, with Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Andrew Giles, Lee Tarlamis and Cr Steve Staikos.Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece is looking forward to the porkbarrelling now that Greek Melburnians can vote in Greek elections.Asimina Skondra.Bill Papastergiadis shows a photograph of his mother on the ship to Australia.Constantinos Vlassis with the new Greek Ambassador Stavros Venizelos and Greek Consul to Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis
High-level attendance due to Greek Community’s clout
Peter Khalil, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and Security, captured the significance of the gathering: “Why do you have two federal ministers, members of the federal parliament, state ministers, the leader of the opposition, the acting lord mayor all in this room? It’s because of how we measure the value, the invaluable contributions of Greek Australians in this country.”
He was referring to Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Andrew Giles, National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services Minister Bill Shorten, State Minister Nick Staikos (representing Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan), Victoria’s Opposition Leader John Pesutto, South Eastern Metropolitan Region Member Lee Tarlamis, Nina Taylor MP, Acting Minister Nicholas Reece, and a group of councillors from around Melbourne.
The room buzzed with constructive interaction as guests from all levels of government mingled before the upcoming 25th March parade on Sunday.
Mr Khalil, in his speech, encouraged a closer partnership between Australia and Greece on not only cultural aspects, but also other areas like military and security. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for introductions and networking.
Constantinos Vlassis encouraged Greek Australians to vote.Evangelia Liakousi recited Seferis.Greek Australian local councillors from an-array of municipalities attended the event. Guests included leaders of womens groups local councillors and other prominent Greek Australians.
Shared history and enduring bonds
During his opening remarks, Mr Papastergiadis emphasised “the enduring bond between Greece and its global diaspora, embodying the spirit of solidarity, collaboration, and mutual respect.” He pointed to the significance of the shared historical journey between Greece and Australians since World War I.
Politicians, regardless of political affiliation, acknowledged the contributions of Greek migrants to Australia. Mr Staikos and Mr Pesutto spoke of the vibrant diaspora, with Mr Staikos highlighting his own roots as a proud Greek Australian. He commended the Greek community for setting an example for other migrant communities.
Mr Pesutto echoed previous sentiments: “It is fitting that we gather in this iconic building on this historic street in our global city. The powerful story of Greek migration has not only shaped our city, but our culture as well. It took courage to leave loved ones and familiar surroundings for a foreign land.”
Mary Lalios converses with Opposition Leader John Pesutto as Nola Radiotis looks on.Members of the Greek Community of Melbourne with Asimina Skondra.Members of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria with Constantinos Vlassis.Members of womens associations including President Nola Radiotis Anemones, Varvara Ioannou Food for Thought Network and Mary Lalios Hellenic Womens Federation of Victoria with Asimina Skondra.
Importance of Greek Australian women
Mr Shorten stated he couldn’t imagine the Australian mosaic without people of Greek heritage – “a fundamental part of Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.” He explained that this was the reason he attended the event, “even briefly.” He reflected on the enduring relationship between Greece and Australia. He acknowledged that the evening extended beyond celebrating the visit or Greek Independence Day to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus.
“In particular, it is great to see that three of the four parliamentary representatives are women. But I think the contribution of Greek Australian migrants in this country cannot be overstated. It is a very important part,” he said.
“I thought it was amazing that out of the four delegates, three are women. You can’t be what you don’t see, and by seeing these women in these positions, younger women can aspire to reach these positions as well,” Ms Lalios said.
Minister Andrew Giles speaks of the contribution of the Greek community.Nick Staikos, Peter Khalil and John Pesutto.Peter Khalil and Bill Papastergiadis.Theodora Tzakri takes the podium.Plaques were offered to Greek guests following the speeches.Photo: Costa Deves.
Messages from Greece
Ms Tzakri said “it is an honour, a duty, and above all, a privilege to uphold the spirit of Greece globally as individuals of Greek origin.”
Ms Liakousi praised the inspiration and passion of the Greek Diaspora, quoting Giorgos Seferis’ 1963 speech when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Ms Skondra said the delegation was there to “listen and take home the messages of the Greek community.” She urged Greek Australians to exercise their right to vote without restrictions.
Photo: Costa Deves.Photo: Costa Deves.Photo: Costa Deves.Photo: Costa Deves.Photo: Costa Deves.Bill Shorten and Bill Papastergiadis.
Mr Vlassis MP expressed his gratitude for the warm reception.
“Our arrival coincides with the establishment of postal voting, a historic political reform facilitating non-Greek residents’ participation in EU elections,” he emphasised, urging participation.
Acting Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Cr Nicholas Reece, highlighted Melbourne’s strong ties to Greece.
“Here in Melbourne, we are the third biggest Greek-speaking city in the world, outside Greece,” he said, before pointing to the significance of the upcoming postal vote of Greek Australians.
“With an election coming up soon in which the electoral roles have changed very much for the positive, we [Melburnians] will be a major point of interest in the upcoming Greek national elections. So, for example, my beautiful wife Felicity Pantelidis who holds a Greek passport will be able to cast a vote in the election as many, many people here tonight will be able to as well.”
He continued in a lighter tone: “So we are looking forward to the pork barrelling, we are looking forward to the promises and the love that we are going to get from the Greek National Parliament here in Melbourne. This is a wonderful thing, is it not? We want to see your love for our city.”
Read The Greek Herald’s separate article this week about what guests had to say about the postal vote, loss of Greek language, Greek-Australian double taxation agreement, workers’ shortage of Greek consulate offices, and Greek National Tourism Organisation offices announced but not yet implemented.
The Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin is in turmoil due to legal disputes between its caretakers and president. The matters have been taken to the Darwin Local court.
Northern Territory News revealed that the Brotherhood seeks to evict its caretakers, Maria and Michael Dounias, and holds them responsible for damages, highlighting negligence in their duties.
The club has also begun the process to have the pair declared as trespassers.
On the other hand, Mrs Dounias is further seeking a personal violence restraint order against the club’s president Themis Magoulias, alleging Ms Magoulias had made disparaging remarks against her and her husband on Facebook, and cut their water and power.
On Tuesday, April 9, both Mrs Dounias and Ms Magoulias attended court in Darwin.
The son of Maria and Michael Dounias said the renovations undergone in the caretaker’s cottage needs to be reimbursed for. Photo: Supplied
Elizabeth McAuley, the lawyer representing Ms Magoulias, criticised the lack of specific allegations in Mrs Dounias’ initial pleading.
“Our concern [is] that at this stage the allegations within the affidavit primarily relate to actions our client took as president, as opposed to issues of personal violence,” Ms McAuley said.
Michael Halkitis, who is representing Mrs Dounias, explained to the court that the lack of specific allegations stemmed from a language barrier as Mrs Dounias speaks little English and a key witness being in Greece.
He noted the ongoing issues between the parties, including social media posts.
The hearing was then scheduled for a full day on October 18.
Mrs Dounias’ son, Dimitris, who spoke on her behalf, expressed the significant stress caused by the situation, stating they had sought mental health assistance.
He further mentioned their willingness to vacate the property, but emphasised the need for compensation for the renovations they undertook.
Ms Magoulias, who spoke via her lawyer, expressed her determination to “vigorously contest” all accusations.
