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Greek Australian Writers’ Festival 2025: A celebration of storytelling, legacy and community

“Keep going,” was the sentiment George Kouvaros left audiences with as he wrapped up the midday panel discussion at the 2025 Greek Australian Writers’ Festival held at Little Bay’s scenic Prince Henry Centre on Sunday, April 27. 

“Keep on telling the stories of Greek migration, Greek diaspora and Greek culture – because this story is unfinished.”

As a third-generation Greek Australian, Kouvaros’ words powerfully struck me. Connecting to one’s diasporic lineage is not an ‘old story,’ but rather a continued story of answering undeniable callings to honour one’s Greek legacy.   

In conversation with Dr Andonis Piperoglou, Kouvaros’ book launch and panel discussion unearthed his elliptical prose, Patrimonies: Essays on Generational Thinking, by discussing how the text intertwined elements of memoir, cultural criticism and photography – ultimately prompting readers to think: what does a legacy ask of us and how do we give back to our patrimony?

Kouvaros said that to answer this question, we must first genuinely think about it. 

“Don’t assume,” he said, adding that the Greek story is not fixed, rather it is something that is constantly transforming itself and we need to look at traditions amongst ourselves in our community. 

Kouvaros’ discussion was not the only hot topic at this year’s Greek Australian Writers’ Festival presented by the Greek Festival of Sydney, Francom and UTS Journalism and Writing, and directed by Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos with Deputy Director Dr Vassiliki Veros.

From 10am, audiences were immersed with best-selling poet Koraly Dimitriadis and her short story collection The Mother Must Die which explores violence, sexuality, identity, people defying traditions, and women breaking free. 

In a parallel session, Karen Martin brought to life a historically rich and mythological story in Delphi – the sequel to Dancing the Labyrinth which won the Eyelands Book Award Self-Publishing category in 2024. Blending Greek myth, history and imagination through the virtue of a female protagonist, the novel illuminates misconceptions of our past. 

In the next sessions of the day, award-winning young writer and lawyer, Emily Tsokos Purtill, debuted her new fiction novel Matia that connects four Greek Australian women from the same family across continents and time. 

This was a perfect pairing with Will Kostakis’ parallel session that focused on his novel, We Could be Something, which is similarly, about the power of family, love and identity, and which recently won the 2024 Prime Minister’s award for young adult literature. 

After a light lunch, audience members were moved by the memoir of a deep friendship between two intellectuals: Nikos Papastergiadis and John Berger. John Berger and Me written by Nikos Papastergiadis, covers the experiences of peasant life and a reflection of migration. 

Next door, people were learning about the story of the search of one of Australia’s first Greek convicts transported to Australia. Shelly Dark’s memoir, Hydra In Winter, is colourful and anecdotal – seeking to discover her husband’s great-great-great grandfather Ghikas Voulgaris’ life story in a winter travel expedition to a Greek island.

The day was packed out, with many attendees extremely pleased and entertained with the array of fiction and non-fiction literature and photography.

Author Ms Dimitriadis said, “Today showcased how multifaceted and how many stories have not been told in the Greek community.” 

The final parallel session featured an extensive collection of Greek Australian and historical-themed photography in Effy Alexakis’ The Heart of Giving, Marios Kalyvas and Aretha Zygouri’s Glimpses of the Silk Road, and Eirini Alligiannis Art on the Wall. Also featured was Anastasia Hronis’ The Dopamine Brain, a non-fiction text aiming to scientifically answer why we struggle to balance pleasure and purpose. 

But it didn’t end there! The festival closed by inviting audience members to discuss their favourite Greek stories in an open discussion. 

An intellectually driving day where Greek writers from across Australia came together, sharing their work and purposely engaging with the community on a cultural level. 

Oakleigh Grammar students inspired by Round Square Footprints of Unity Conference

Oakleigh Grammar students have returned from the Round Square Footprints of Unity Conference in Perth with lasting memories, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Centred on the thought-provoking theme “What footprints do you want to leave?”, the conference challenged student delegates to reflect deeply on the impact they have on the world around them. Through a range of physical, cultural, and service-based activities, the conference beautifully wove together the Round Square IDEALS of leadership and service.

Delegates participated in many experiences, among them a bushwalk and a rock-climbing wall which culminated in a powerful “leap of faith” challenge. These experiences highlighted the importance of overcoming fear and supporting one another in the face of adversity.

The program also included meaningful engagement with the local Indigenous culture of Perth, providing students with a profound appreciation for Indigenous people’s connection to land and environmental stewardship. A highlight for many was learning and performing We Are Australian with Indigenous verses—an experience described as truly special.

Service learning was at the heart of the conference, with students creating sandwiches for those in need and constructing possum boxes to protect local wildlife—tangible acts of care that brought the conference theme to life.

Delegates were intentionally separated into mixed-school groups for activities. While initially challenging, this led to unexpected connections across cultures.

The spirit of the conference was further enhanced by the leadership of Year 10 and 11 students from host schools Scotch College and Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, who guided each activity group with maturity and enthusiasm.

Oakleigh Grammar is proud to be part Round Square and be able to offer such powerful experiences to its students, to further their development outside of school walls.

Sydney embraces ‘Stelios’ with over 2,000 tickets sold in three days and sold-out sessions

Sydney has been gripped by an unprecedented wave of excitement for the Australian premiere of Stelios, the captivating film chronicling the life of the legendary Greek singer Stelios Kazantzidis. 

In a phenomenal three-day run, the film has ignited a box office frenzy, selling over 2,000 tickets and boasting multiple completely sold-out sessions, demonstrating the enduring power of Kazantzidis’ story and the vibrant enthusiasm of Sydney’s audiences.

The premiere event on Wednesday, April 23, at Palace Cinemas Moore Park was a spectacular success, with a massive crowd filling four sold-out cinema theatres.

The evening crackled with energy, featuring a lively opening reception complete with live music, traditional Pontian delicacies, exquisite wines from RawVine Estate, and authentic Greek beers from Seven Seals, setting the stage for the powerful film experience.

The unstoppable momentum continued as eager audiences flocked to subsequent screenings. Thursday, April 24, saw hundreds of attendees packing four completely sold-out sessions at Palace Norton Street. 

The weekend witnessed a further surge in demand, with Sunday, April 27, once again experiencing three jam-packed sessions at Palace Cinema Norton St.

The buzz is palpable across the city, with a special screening also held on Monday, April 28, for university students in collaboration with the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS), further amplifying the film’s reach.

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) is thrilled by the overwhelming community embrace of the film. 

“The phenomenal turnout underscores the profound connection even younger generations within our community feel towards iconic cultural figures like Stelios Kazantzidis, and their appreciation for initiatives that preserve his indelible legacy,” Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, said.

Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney and Vice President / Secretary at GOCNSW, added, “Palace Cinemas Moore Park provided a magnificent backdrop for this exceptional premiere, solidifying its place as a cherished venue for the Greek Film Festival. We are absolutely delighted by the audience’s passionate response to our efforts in honouring the memory of Stelios Kazantzidis with an unforgettable experience.”

Stelios, featuring a compelling portrayal by Christos Mastoras, offers a deeply moving and insightful exploration of an extraordinary life – from Kazantzidis’ early struggles as a Pontic refugee child to his triumphant rise as a beloved musical icon.

The film delves into his timeless music, significant relationships, personal battles, and the unwavering adoration of his devoted fanbase. 

The electrifying reception in Sydney underscores the enduring resonance of Kazantzidis’ story, particularly within the Greek diaspora. 

For those yet to experience the powerful impact of Stelios, remaining screenings at Palace Cinemas are highly recommended – an experience that promises to be truly unforgettable.

For more information on the programme and to book tickets to selected events, please visit www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au

Pharos Alliance strengthens ties with Victorian education officials and Greek Consulate

In recent weeks a delegation from Pharos Alliance has met with Department of Education & Training, Victoria officials, Sedar Altun, Nicholas Douros and Chelsea McGlashan, following on from our cordial and productive meeting with the Victorian Minister for Education in 2024. 

Members of Pharos Alliance also met with Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou. 

The meeting with Department officials continued the discussion about various items, including potential support for an after-hours Greek literacy program at Clarinda Primary School, which has an established Greek language program, continued support for the state’s only Greek Bilingual program at Lalor North Primary School, also the Department’s exploration of VIT and permission to teach in order to deal with a shortage of language teachers, and the Department’s ongoing support for the work of Pharos Alliance. 

The Consul General graciously received Pharos Alliance at the offices of the Consulate and engaged with them in a discussion about who they are, their work and objectives. 

Ms Georgantzoglou was well informed about some of the challenges facing Greek language teaching in the diaspora and welcomed the work being undertaken to halt further decline and to create opportunities for Greek to flourish. She said she is keen to stay connected with Pharos Alliance and is willing to support in her capacity as Consul General in Melbourne. 

These were very productive meetings in which the Pharos Alliance was able to make these officials and government representatives aware of its work and of the great need for a more systematic and coherent policy support for the language. 

In both meetings, comments were made that the Pharos Alliance is appreciated because it is an umbrella organisation, bringing together all interests and institutions involved in Greek language.  

“We take our advocacy role seriously and wish to continue to consult with the community to review our work, take stock of needs and requests from the community and revise and modify priorities if this is needed. Hence, we have organised a series of regular Open Meetings, commencing with one scheduled for 7.00pm on Wednesday 28 May at the Greek Centre,” President of Pharos Alliance, Professor Joseph Lo Bianco, said.

Please RSVP at pharos.au@gmail.com if you wish to attend the open meeting. All are welcome.

Injury ravaged St George Saints pull off massive road victory over Bears

By Dion Stergiopoulos

With the Easter break over, the St George Saints White team hit the road again to face off against Goulburn Bears.

The team was ravaged by injuries and multiple players out due to sickness but were still confident they could come away with a victory.

The first half saw a tight back and forth affair between the two sides with the Saints holding a slim one-point lead at the end of the first quarter, feeling the pressure from the boisterous home crowd. 

The second quarter was much of the same with the scores tied at 41 going into halftime.

The Saints came out of the halftime break, hungry and full of desire to pull off a huge victory with only eight healthy players.

The third quarter was very physical, and the Saints showed off their strength to keep pace with the Bears going into the fourth quarter down by one.

The intensity continued into the final quarter with the Bears determined to push the Saints all the way to the final buzzer.

In the end St George kept their composure down the stretch and proved too strong coming away with a narrow 86-82 victory.

Saints head coach George Aliferis was very happy with the victory, defying major odds to come away with the victory.

“I was very proud of the eight healthy players we had available,” he said.

“We have some work to do on defence but to come away with our third win of the season made me so proud.”

Saints’ superstar Jayden Tanevski led the way with 38 points, leading by example with his never say die attitude.

Major contributions from Jack Ticic (19 points) and Nicholas Alexander (11 points) and strong performances from Riley Brown and Don Qui on defence as well as the support from Chris Fiddler on and off the court all helped the team secure the victory.

The Saints hit the road again this weekend as they face off against Camden Valley Wildfire on Saturday 3 May.

St George Saints Senior Reps results – 26 April 2025

Youth League Womens

  • St George Saints 55-82 Hills Hornets

Youth League Mens

  • St George Saints White 81-94 Hawkesbury Jets

Waratah League Mens

  • St George Saints Red 70-74 Central Coast Waves
  • St George Saints White 86-82 Goulburn Bears

St George Saints Senior Reps results – 27 April 2025

Waratah League Mens

  • St George Saints Red 80-89 Sutherland Sharks

Federal election rivals pledge millions to Australia’s community language schools

With Australia’s federal election set for May 3, both major parties have made competing promises to boost community language education, aiming to win support from multicultural voters.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged $25 million to support 600 community language schools nationwide, helping over 90,000 students learn 84 languages.

The package includes $5 million for a specialist Asian languages stream targeting fluency through to Year 12, with Albanese highlighting that “this will open further employment opportunities and career paths for students, and grow economic ties with our friends and neighbours across our region.”

Community Language Schools strengthen our social inclusion by supporting young Australians… to learn or maintain a language other than English,” Albanese added.

“This program connects students to the languages of their parents, grandparents, and broader communities.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton countered with a $4.5 million pledge to establish a Greek Cultural and Language Enrichment Centre in Oakleigh, and promised to match Labor’s commitments to Greek communities, totaling nearly $12 million if elected.

Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson reiterated the Coalition’s commitment to language education, calling community language schools “a pillar of Australia’s multicultural success story” and vital for preparing young Australians for a global economy.

“The ability to speak a second or third language—especially those of our key regional partners—also opens doors in trade, diplomacy, and business,” she added.

As campaigning enters its final stretch, both parties are using language education promises to underline their support for cultural diversity — an issue likely to resonate strongly with voters in Australia’s increasingly diverse electorates.

MasterChef Australia favourite Theo Loizou returns for new season with big dreams

Theo Loizou, who captured attention as the ‘bread boy’ on MasterChef Australia Season 15, has returned to the kitchen for another shot at the title and $250,000 prize in the show’s seventeenth season.

Finishing fourth in his debut season, Theo won over fans with his baking skills and down-to-earth charm.

Although he still works as an electrician, he has been gaining valuable restaurant experience since his last appearance and is now pursuing a long-held dream: opening his own bakery.

Theo joins 23 other returning contestants in this all-stars edition, ranging from fan favourites of Season 1 to the most recent series.

The new season features judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli returning, with Gordon Ramsay appearing as a special guest in week one.

Source: Yahoo.

Anthony Koutoufides joins Richmond rally urging relocation of drug injecting room

Independent candidate Anthony Koutoufides has called for the relocation of North Richmond’s safe injecting room, telling a rally of over 100 residents and business owners on Sunday that the facility has failed the local community.

“North Richmond is in crisis,” Koutoufides told the crowd gathered at North Richmond Station.

“Families and children are witnessing flagrant drug use and aggressive behaviour on a daily basis.”

According to Herald Sun, he criticised the state government’s handling of the issue, blaming both Labor and the Greens for inaction.

“The current location of the injecting room has failed, it must be moved to a more appropriate site where help can still be provided.”

The protest followed a Yarra Council survey showing nearly half of residents feel unsafe at night, amid a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Demonstrators marched along Victoria Street chanting “injecting room, out, out, out,” holding placards with slogans like “noodles not needles.”

Koutoufides joined other political figures including Liberal leader Brad Battin and Independent Tim Smith in condemning the state’s approach to public safety. Battin warned that crime was “out of control” and linked the issue to business closures and the need for bail reform.

A counter-rally later took place in support of the injecting room, with advocates highlighting its role in saving lives. Legalise Cannabis Party Senate candidate Fiona Patten urged investment in such healthcare services.

The rallies come amid public concern about rising crime in Richmond, with the Yarra Council area recording nearly 12,500 criminal incidents in 2024—the highest since 2015.

Source: Herald Sun.

Greek Australian veteran forced to sell soldiers’ retreat in SA

A retreat for war veterans on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is up for sale due to the declining health of its founder, retired Warrant Officer Class One John, who has vowed to continue supporting fellow soldiers even if the property changes hands.

John, a former sniper with 17 years of military service in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Russia, and Crete, established The Unknown Soldier retreat near Foul Bay with his wife Lisa seven years ago.

The 43-hectare farm stay offers free accommodation to veterans and their families, with access to nature, animals, fresh produce, a gym, and the coastline.

“I would love to stay here until I die but I need to be closer to hospital,” said John, 63, who suffers from heart issues, stroke-related complications, and radiation poisoning.

“If someone else is not going to run this then I will get a smaller place closer to the city and set it up exactly like this.”

Photo: The Unknown Soldier SA / Facebook.

John said the retreat was inspired by a pact made with fellow soldiers on his last tour. “That’s a promise made in blood,” he told Real Estate.

The property, featuring a three-bedroom sandstone home and guest accommodations, is listed with Urban and Rural Partners for $1.75 million to $2 million.

If a buyer chooses not to continue the veteran-focused mission, John plans to open a similar retreat closer to medical facilities.

“You can keep busy here,” he said of the retreat’s benefits for mental health. “When you stay busy, you don’t think about the hardships… But it’s also very secluded… sometimes that’s what you need to capture your thoughts.”

Source: Real Estate.

State of emergency declared in Crete village after landslides damage homes

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A state of emergency has been declared in the village of Voutes, in Heraklion, Crete, following intense landslides that caused significant ground fissures over the past 24 hours.

The declaration, issued by Greece’s General Secretariat for Civil Protection, is aimed at managing the consequences of the sudden geological activity and will remain in effect for one month.

Cracks have appeared in at least 15 houses, roads, the local church, and the village playground—spanning a stretch of approximately 150 metres—prompting on-site inspections and evacuations.

Nine homes were classified as “yellow” by disaster recovery officials, meaning they pose a moderate risk and residents have been urged to find alternative accommodation.

Seismologist Efthimios Lekkas, head of the Earthquake Risk Assessment Committee, said a clearer assessment of the causes and extent of the fissures will be available soon.

Photo: InTime News.

Investigators are examining whether a leak from an underground water pipeline, first detected on April 23, may be linked to the landslides, though it remains unclear if it was the cause or a result of ongoing soil movement.

Geology expert Dimitris Papanikolaou attributed the fissures to slow-moving rotational landslides caused by the area’s steep slopes and unstable clay-rich soil.

“It is not sudden,” he said, warning the village’s location on a hillside above a valley makes it persistently vulnerable to such incidents.

While the church and cultural centre remain open, the playground has been closed for safety. Experts recommend deploying specialised monitoring equipment to track further movement and assess risk levels.