Every year, Forbes Magazine releases a list of the top billionaires in the world. This year, there are 10 billionaires from Greece on the list.
There are also 10 people from Cyprus named on the list including Polys Haji-Ioannou, Stelios Haji- Ioannou, and Clelia Haji- Ioannou.
Ranking at 432 – Maria Angelicoussis
Maria Angelicoussis. Photo: Lloyd’s List.
Net worth = $6.4 billion.
Maria Angelicoussis is the CEO and owner of Angelicoussis Group, a shipping company based in Athens, Greece.
Ranking at 991 – Aristotelis Mistakidis
Net worth = $3.3 billion.
Aristotelis Mistakidis, known as “Telis,” stepped down from his role as the director of Glencore’s copper business at the end of 2018.
Ranking at 1187 – Philip Niarchos
Philip Niarchos. Photo: SuperYachtFan.
Net worth = $2.8 billion.
Philip Niarchos, the oldest son of the late shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos, inherited much of his father’s art collection.
Ranking at 1286 – George Prokopiou and family
George Prokopiou. Photo: Boat International.
Net worth = $2.6 billion.
George Prokopiou owns Greek shipping firms Dynacom, Dynagas Holding and Sea Traders, plus a 42% stake in publicly traded Dynagas LNG Partners.
Ranking at 1438 – Constantinos Martinos and family
Constantinos Martinos. Photo: Naxos Times.
Net worth = $2.3 billion.
Constantinos Martinos is the owner of Greek shipping firm Thenamaris, which has a fleet of 89 tankers, bulk carriers, container ships and LNG carriers.
Ranking at 1496 –Spiro Latsis and family
Net worth = $2.2 billion.
Spiro Latsis inherited the fortune of his late father, Greek shipping tycoon John S. Latsis (d. 2003) alongside his siblings Marianna and Margarita.
Ranking at 1545 – Vardis J. Vardinoyannis and family
Vardis J. Vardinoyannis. Photo: Supplied.
Net worth = $2.1 billion.
Vardis J. Vardinoyannis cofounded Motor Oil Hellas, a petroleum company based in Greece, with his late brother in 1970.
Ranking at 1764 – Marianna Latsis and family
Mariana Latsi. Photo: Bovary.
Net worth = $1.8 billion.
Marianna Latsis inherited the fortune of her late father, Greek shipping tycoon John S. Latsis (d. 2003) alongside her siblings John and Margarita.
Ranking at 1764 – Andreas Martinos and family
Net worth = $1.8 billion.
Andreas Martinos is the owner of Greek shipping firm Minerva Marine, which has a fleet of 71 tankers, dry cargo and container vessels.
Ranking at 2046 – Athanasios Martinos and family
Athanasios Martinos. Photo: Exampsalmos.
Net worth = $1.5 billion.
Athanasios Martinos is the owner of Greek shipping firm Eastern Mediterranean Maritime, which has a fleet of 78 tankers, bulk carriers and container vessels.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Father Varvaris was driving a woman, whom he had known through his church, to her late husband’s grave for prayers on September 24, 2022.
Upon returning her home to San Souci, the 87-year-old woman disembarked from the vehicle, only for Father Varvaris, who intended on reversing, to accidentally accelerate forward, hitting the woman who stood to the left of the car.
The woman fell face-first into a knee-high brick fence, which resulted in her obtaining life-changing injuries.
Following the incident, Father Varvaris immediately helped the woman and called triple zero, where police and paramedics then attended the scene. She was taken to St George Hospital.
The parishioner was taken to St George Hospital in Sydney following the incident. Photo: St George ICU.
The woman was left with a brain bleed, facial laceration and broken teeth, injuries to her eye and an ankle and foot fracture. Documents revealed that since the incident, she hasn’t been able to walk unassisted.
88-year-old Father John pled guilty to negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm on Tuesday, March 5. He appeared before Sutherland Local Court again on Tuesday, April 2.
Magistrate Philip Stewart accepted that Father John was remorseful, led a life of otherwise unblemished religious devotion and was unlikely to reoffend because he no longer held a licence.
“Father Varvaris obviously intended to put the vehicle into reverse. It is clear that he did not check that the vehicle was in reverse before pressing the accelerator and moving the car forward striking [the woman],” Mr Stewart said.
“In the circumstances, whilst there is no intention whatsoever to cause harm, there is a degree of negligence firstly by failure to check which gear the vehicle was in, and secondly by accelerating without having checked the direction the vehicle would travel in.”
The Magistrate said a conviction was required with no further penalty imposed and he was disqualified from driving for three years.
The NSW Government has committed $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.
Building on the world-first manufactured stone ban, the NSW Government today delivered on its election commitment to support research which centres firmly on silica dust-related disease diagnosis, treatment and care.
The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will provide a total of $5 million over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
This funding enables research into prevention, diagnosis, therapeutic procedures, and treatment of silica dust-related diseases with the aim of improving outcomes for people diagnosed with silicosis.
ADDRI is currently working towards:
Accelerating and expanding laboratory-based research into silicosis (early diagnosis and treatments).
Reducing barriers to diagnosis by establishing a NSW specialist Dust Disease Multi- Disciplinary Team.
Improving GP education about dust diseases to reduce misdiagnosis.
Expanding collection of tissue samples through ADDRI’s Biobank.
Internationally regarded as a leader in their field, the institute’s goal is to save lives through three priority areas: laboratory research; clinical sciences; and prevention and public health.
Sophie Cotsis. Photo: Supplied.
icare, through the Dust Diseases Board, has a grants programs which has delivered investment into dust disease research, including providing funding to the Asbestos Diseases Foundation Australia, the Lung Foundation Australia and research programs at the University of NSW, the University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney among others in financial year 2022-23.
The NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, “last year we led the country in calling for a ban on manufactured stone, to protect the lives of workers so that no one else is exposed to this substance.”
“Even after the ban, anyone who has ever worked with engineered stone remains at risk of developing silicosis,” the Minister added.
“Today’s funding announcement delivers on our election promise to invest in research and care programs for NSW workers living with silicosis.”
“The property has been inaccessible to the public for almost six years, much to the disappointment of locals and a great many visitors,” Mr Strange said.
“During the closure Friends of The Paragon have kept a watch on the property and reported risks observed.
“To the credit of the property agents, Theo Poulos Real Estate, responses have been quick, ensuring that damage has been limited. Fortunately, unlike other heritage properties in the mountains, the damage should be capable of remediation.”
Mr Strange added that he expects the Paragon café to re-open later this year.
“We look forward to The Paragon regaining its former position as a key destination for tourists and a delightful treat for local,” he said.
People outside the closed cafe that’s being renovated. Photo: Jennie Curtin.
In 1975, the Paragon was listed by the National Trust in NSW and in 1977, it was placed on the Australian Heritage Commission’s Register of the National Estate.
Jack died in 1976, but Mary continued to manage the business for another 11 years. She passed away in 2001.
In 2003, the business and building were sold separately.
The Paragon Café officially closed in 2018 after failed negotiations between the building and business owners.
In 2020, the Blue Mountains council approved an application to restore the heritage-listed building. Due to very heavy rainfall over several years, the building was left with severe deterioration, and since then, it has reportedly been broken into, vandalised and graffitied.
Global professional services company, GHD, has appointed Jim Giannopoulos as CEO.
Giannopoulos replaces Ashley Wright effective 2 April, 2024. He will be based in Melbourne, Australia.
The planned transition process, announced to shareholders and employees in December, continues the employee-owned company’s history of succession from within its operations.
Giannopoulos was most recently CEO – Americas, having led the Canadian and then all operations for GHD’s Americas region including Canada, USA and Chile over the past four years.
Jim Giannopoulos joined the company more than 30 years ago. Photo: LinkedIn.
Having joined the company as a graduate chemical engineer over 30 years ago, he has held various leadership and project roles in Australia, Asia, Canada and the United States. Giannopoulos is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Commenting on his appointment, Giannopoulos said there are plenty of opportunities for global growth.
“I am passionate about partnering and collaborating to deliver positive outcomes for our clients; it’s an honour to lead such a strong, talented and collaborative team,” he said.
GHD chair Rob Knott paid tribute to Ashley Wright, who has held the CEO position since 2016. Knott praised Wright for his strong leadership and service.
On Monday, April 1, the tragic murder of a 28-year-old woman took place outside a nearby police station in Athens.
Despite seeking help against her ex-partner, who violated a restraining order, she was dismissed by officers after making a call to the police station just before the incident.
The police had replied stating, “Lady, police cars are not taxis”, prior to filing the victim’s complaint.
The woman was dismissed by Greek police officers. Photo: The National Herald.
Ekathimerini revealed that she was killed outside the Athenian district Agioi Anargyroi police station after her ex-partner reportedly fatally stabbed her.
Her final words reported included,”He is here”, and then screams were followed.
Following the incident, five police officers, including the duty officer and supervisor, were then suspended.
Calls for recognising femicide in Greek law have now intensified, following the 28-year-old woman’s death, highlighting the urgent need to address gender-based violence.
AHEPA Australia marked Greek Independence Day on Friday, March 29 with a lunch at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, Sydney.
The event was well-attended by a number of official guests including Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis; Mayor of Waverley City Council, Paula Masselos; the National President of AHEPA Australasia, George Lianos; and the President of AHEPA Australia in NSW, Theo Schinas. There were also numerous Presidents of local Greek and Cypriot organisations.
Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis; Mayor of Waverley City Council, Paula Masselos; the National President of AHEPA Australasia, George Lianos; and the President of AHEPA Australia in NSW, Theo Schinas were among those who attended. AHEPA dancing.
George Chiotis emceed the event and began official proceedings with speeches by Mr Schinas and Mr Lianos.
Keynote speaker Olympia Nelson, PhD Candidate at the University of Sydney, presented on the “Enduring Legacy of Byzantium and why it is relevant today.”
Ms Nelson showed how the Byzantine period was very important in maintaining the ancient teachings of Hellenism and was fundamental in establishing and growing the Greek Orthodox religion. The Byzantine legacy was one of the main reasons that drove the Greek Heroes of 1821 to revolt against the Ottomans and start the process of freeing the Greeks.
The night ended with music by Michalis on the bouzouki and Thanasis on the harmonica.
Two young Greek Australians have spoken to The Greek Herald about their love for baseball and representing the Greek community in a sport that is typically male dominated. This comes as the Women’s Baseball National Championships take place from Tuesday, April 2 to Monday, April 8 this year.
Angela Mourtzios
Angela Mourtzios, a 19-year-old university student from Adelaide, South Australia, told The Greek Herald she developed her love for baseball after commencing tee-ball when she was younger.
“I started playing tee-ball when I was seven and played a couple of years until I moved up to baseball,” Angela said.
“I could have taken the same path as a lot of girls and moved over to softball, but baseball just seemed a lot more exciting to me.”
Angela said she loves the challenge of baseball as “there’s always something to improve.”
“I also really enjoy the team aspect of the game. As much as you individually have to perform well, it takes a whole team effort to be successful,” she said.”
“Our club season didn’t go as well as we were hoping for this past season, but we’ve got a great bunch of ladies and junior girls coming through. I’m looking forward to seeing where we can go in the next few years.”
Angela Mourtzios during a game.
The South Australian baseball player is in Melbourne, Victoria this week to represent the Adelaide Angels in the division 1 women’s baseball team. She will serve as a pitcher and outfielder.
“It feels really good to be out representing SA again at this year’s nationals after taking last season off with injury. I’m looking forward to seeing how we compete with other states, and hopefully come home with a medal,” Angela said.
Being one of the only players at the tournament with Hellenic heritage, Angela said she was proud to represent the Greek community in SA.
“It makes me feel proud and I know my yiayia and pappou are super excited to see how I go,” she said.
“They sacrificed a lot to come to Australia from their villages in the Amyntao region in western Macedonia when they were in their early twenties to give their children, and now their grandchildren, the opportunities they wouldn’t have if they stayed in Greece.”
Angela said she plans to continue pursuing her passion for baseball.
“After I graduate, I’m hoping to get a job potentially in the marketing industry while continuing to play baseball at a high level,” she said.
“One day I would like to be considered for the Emeralds – the Australian Women’s Baseball Team, but I’ve got to keep working hard and putting in the effort to get there.”
Faith Neretlis
Faith Neretlis is a baseball coach from Western Australia. She coaches the Western Australian U16 Youth Women’s State team and said she loved coaching as it provides a “different perspective on baseball.”
“You don’t realise it until you’re coaching, how different situations are when you are a coach, compared to competing. It has allowed me to understand the kind of work that goes behind every training session and game,” Faith told The Greek Herald.
“It’s just such a different world, but you still get the opportunity to be involved. Even if I’m not competing, I’m still there in that atmosphere and I get to help and support the next generation of women in baseball, which I really enjoy.”
Faith Neretlis is a baseball coach from Western Australia.
Faith and her Dad.
Faith (second from left).Faith (second to left) and Angela (third from left).
Faith and the WA Youth Women’s team (formally called, WA HEAT).
The 19-year-old said her love for baseball stemmed through the influence of her father, Mark Neretlis, who played baseball through most of his life. Alongside her younger brother, Jesse, Faith was introduced to the sport at an early age.
“My dad was the one who kind of introduced us to it,” Faith said.
“My younger brother, who is 17, also plays baseball and we grew up playing together.
“Growing up, it wasn’t a typical sport for women, it was kind of more male dominated, but I was in a mixed team, which I really liked as it meant I could be in the same team as my brother.”
As a coach of Greek heritage hailing from Florina, Northern Greece, Faith said she felt proud to be one of the only Greek Australian coaches at this week’s championship in Melbourne. This will be her second time coaching the Under 16’s team.
“I’m not sure if there’s much baseball in Greece, so it feels great to be able to represent [her Greek heritage] in something that’s not as common,” Faith said.
“We’ve got a great group of girls this year that have worked really hard, and I’m really interested to see how they play in the tournament and to see how the other states have developed as well.”
Angela and Faith are both taking part in the Women’s Baseball National Championships at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona from Tuesday, April 2 to Monday, April 8 this year.
The Jenny Souris Foundation (JSF) has announced a special event in collaboration with M&J Chickens and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. On Friday, April 5th, rugby league fans will witness a thrilling match between the Bulldogs and the Roosters, kicking off at 6:00 PM at Accor Stadium.
This significant round will be dedicated to The Jenny Souris Foundation, aiming to raise vital funds to support families grappling with medical expenses for critical illnesses.
Maria Souris, daughter of the late Jenny Souris and founder of JSF, expressed her gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the importance of the event.
The 2004 NRL Grand Final between the Bulldogs (victorious) and Roosters.
“This is the 3rd year we have held The Jenny Souris Round, and we want to thank the Bulldogs and our major partner M&J Chickens for donating the back of jersey space and the round to us,” Maria said.
“My mother’s legacy continues to inspire us to make a difference in the lives of families facing medical crises. This special round symbolises our commitment to providing hope and support to those in need.”
In a nostalgic twist, the match between the Bulldogs and the Roosters will serve as a throwback to the epic 2004 Grand Final showdown between both clubs, adding an extra layer of excitement and significance to the event.
Fans from both teams will have the opportunity to contribute to the cause by donating at the event, demonstrating the unity and compassion within rugby league community.
The Jenny Souris Round promises to be an evening filled with excitement and purpose, as rugby league enthusiasts come together to support a noble cause. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to the fundraising efforts and make a difference in the lives of families dealing with overwhelming medical expenses.
To donate and learn more about The Jenny Souris Foundation, please visit JSF.org.au/donate. The NRL match between the Bulldogs and Roosters will be on Friday, April 5 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium for a 6pm kick off.
About The Jenny Souris Foundation:
The Jenny Souris Foundation (JSF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing financial assistance and emotional support to families navigating the challenges of critical illnesses. Founded in memory of Jenny Souris, JSF strives to alleviate the burden of medical expenses and foster hope within communities facing adversity.
This year, the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney will partner with the Greek Festival of Sydney to celebrate the life and work of Lord Byron, on the 200th anniversary of his death (19 April 1824).
There will be a talk by Professor Vrasidas Karalis and Professor Mark Byron on Thursday, April 18 at the Parliamentary Theatrette, NSW Parliament House in Sydney from 7pm.
Lord Byron is globally well known as the poet who came to the aid of the Greek nation in a time of acute need. This intimate bond with Greece extends to Byron’s poetry, as well as to its subsequent reception and influence upon Greek literature.
The talk sketches out a brief account of this bond towards defining what it means for Byron to be considered a “Greek poet.”
About the speakers
Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Sir Nicholas Laurantus Professor of Modern Greek, Chair of Modern Greek Department, University of Sydney
For the last 20 years, the main area of research of Professor Vrasidas Karalis has been in Modern Greek, Byzantine, Cultural Studies and more recently, New Testament Studies. He has also worked in translation, especially of the Australian Nobel Laureate Patrick White and translated three of his major novels into Greek (Voss, The Vivisector, A Cheery Soul). For his services, he has received the Federation Medal from the Federal Government in 2003.
Professor Mark Byron, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney
Professor Mark Byron teaches and publishes across the genres and practices of Modernism: prose, poetry, drama, and film, as well as textual and editorial theory. He is currently working on a project concerning how leading Modernist authors – James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Samuel Beckett, and others – absorb early medieval thought and textual practices into their work. His research also engages with the complex interactions of Transatlantic Modernism and Contemporary Literature with the artistic and literary traditions of China and Japan.
