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Greek Australian twins named on Subway Joeys squad ahead of Italy camp

Subway Joeys’ Head Coach, Brad Maloney has named a 24-player squad to travel to Italy for an intensive two-week camp, featuring some of Australia’s brightest players born in 2008/09, as this age group begins its journey through a new qualification cycle.

The squad – which includes five European-based players – will train at the Australian Institute of Sport European Training Centre in Varese from April 5-19, playing two friendlies against U-16 Switzerland and U-17 Inter Milan FC.

Following extensive scouting and monitoring over the past 12-months, this will be the first camp Maloney – also a current Subway Socceroos’ Assistant Coach – has called for this age group, as the Subway Joeys look ahead to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025™ scheduled for April and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™.

April’s camp represents the first taste of a national team environment for this squad, as they begin their respective journeys through Football Australia’s elite development pathway. 

It’s also the first time Football Australia has assembled a squad for the new cycle, following FIFA’s announcement that the FIFA U-17 World Cup will become an annual event from 2025, where Qatar will host the men’s tournament for the next five years.

Football Australia’s National Youth Championships 2023 U-15 Player of the Tournament, Alexander Houridis (Football Victoria) will travel to Italy alongside his twin brother James (Football Victoria), reinforcing the importance of the annual talent identification tournament.

After becoming the third youngest player to debut in the A-League Men and youngest ever goal scorer in the Australia Cup during the 2023 edition, Brisbane Roar FC’s Quinn MacNicol (Football Queensland) has also been selected for this camp.

The Subway Socceroos linage is also on display within the squad with Marcus Neill (Sunderland AFC), son of Lucas Neill #421, and Gianluca Okon (Football NSW), son of Paul Okon #377, featuring in the squad.

Subway Joeys’ Head Coach, Brad Maloney said he was eager to embark on a new journey to qualify for next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup with this group of players.

“We’ve worked extremely hard over the last 12-months, scouting and monitoring players based both in Australian and abroad, ensuring we’ve identified the best emerging talent for future Australian national teams,” Maloney said.

“Our focus during this camp is not just on honing individual skills but introducing this group to our playing philosophy and principles, while also laying the foundations for the strong and supportive team culture we want to see within all our national teams. 

“Having this camp in Italy provides this playing group with a taste for what to expect as a professional footballer and to have two matches against strong European opposition will also provide a marker as we prepare for October’s Asian Cup Qualifiers,” concluded Maloney.

subway joeys squad list
The squad list.

SUBWAY JOEYS SQUAD | AIS INTERNATIONAL CAMP | MATCH SCHEDULE

Subway Joeys v U-16 Switzerland

Thursday, 11 April 2024 

Kick-off: 1pm local/9pm AEDT

Stadio Communale Ascona, Switzerland

Subway Joeys v U-17 Inter Milan

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Kick-off: 3pm local/11pm AEDT

Konami Youth Development Centre, Italy

Experts call for new inquiry into death of WA man Andrew Petrelis in witness protection

Experts are calling for a new inquiry into the alleged suspicious death of West Australian police officer, Andrew Petrelis, while he was in witness protection.

According to Nine Now, Petrelis was in witness protection, closely monitored by authorities due to his alleged involvement in a previous multi-million-dollar drug case.

However, 108 days after agreeing to go into witness protection, Petrelis was found dead from an apparent heroin overdose.

Andrew's ruled medical cause of death.
Andrew’s ruled medical cause of death. Photo: Nine Now.

To this day, questions have been raised on whether he was murdered, whether it was an accident, or whether his details were leaked from witness protection, leading to his death.

This has now led to a push for a fresh inquiry and investigation into his death.

Petrelis’ parents have advocated for accountability from law enforcement and continue to seek closure and justice for their son’s death.

“We can’t bring Andrew back, we know that. But those people, they’ve got to be held accountable,” Andrew’s father Nick said.

“I just want my son to be able to rest in peace,” Andrew’s mother, Lesley, said.

Source: Nine Now. 

Newington College divided over co-ed move as ‘old boys’ vote causes chaos

Former Newington College students recently met to discuss the school’s controversial decision to make the all-boys school co-ed.

Newington plans to gradually transition to co-education by 2033, starting with allowing girls to enrol into the junior school by 2026.

Almost 1000 alumni of the school attended a meeting on Wednesday night to voice their concerns, vote on several resolutions and request that the decision becomes overturned.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that many attendees expressed their frustration at the meeting over the registration of girls at the school, and despite attempts to challenge the proposed resolutions, all five were eventually voted on. 

“We expected a brawl,”one attendee said.

“They fought us tooth and nail on voting, and then at the last minute they surrendered,” attendee Peter Thomas said.

protest
Parents protested on the first day of the school year, against the co-ed decision. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

Some who criticised the co-ed proposal include a group called Save Newington – they argued that the decision lacks transparency and proper consultation. They believe the move undermines the school’s reputation and community values. They further raised concerns about the impact on longstanding traditions and trust with students, parents and the school.

Despite some of the alumni opposing the school’s co-education decision, others support it, citing the evolving societal landscape.

The school administration viewed the meeting as an internal matter of the Old Newingtonians’ Union (ONU), indicating a difference in opinions within the broader alumni community.

Alex Pagonis
Alex Pagonis is the current president of the Old Newingtonians’ Union. Photo: LinkedIn.

The president of the Newington Old Boys’ Union (ONU) Alex Pagonis, chaired the meeting and one source claimed he “did a good job in difficult circumstances for him.”

Another student however, described it as an “anti-climax.”

The ‘Save Newington College’ cohort want to remove Pagonis from his presidency, and introduce a new leader – John Venetoulis.

Mr Venetoulis is a pharmacist, old boy and current parent, and he said the co-ed decision breached the school’s contract.

Newington College.
Newington College. Photo: IB Schools Australasia.

“They continuously said it wouldn’t happen in our lifetime… the College Council must honour their contract with parents,” Mr Venetoulis said.

The Newington Council chairman, Mr Tony McDonald allegedly wrote an email to former students that the school council is “saddened by the division within our alumni and the ONU.”

“I wish to emphasise that the motions put forward, if successful, will not affect the College’s vision and future direction,” he said in the email.

“No ONU Council is able to make or change decisions of College Council.”

Sources: The Sydney Morning Herald and The Daily Telegraph.

Grape-growing DJ Andrew Sarakinis advocates for family farming

Stay-at-home dad Andrew Sarakinis has shared his story on how he manages his family business while pursuing his passions of deejaying full time.

ABC News reported that Andrew, who lives in South Australia, grew up in the Riverland in the 90s as the youngest son of Greek immigrant parents.

Due to where he grew up, he said his access to dance music and the clubbing scene was very limited. He decided one day to beg his cousin to drive more than two hours away to Adelaide so that he could buy his first DJ equipment.

“It was just a hobby that I was interested in but as I started playing a few parties and introducing music to friends it really took off,” Andrew said.

Andrew, who goes by DJ Sarez, said after winning a DJ competition in 2001, it kickstarted his career where he then began playing at local parties and night clubs and appearing on festival line-ups.

“I had a residency at the biggest club in Adelaide, which was a massive boost to kickstart my career,” Andrew said.

“And then from there I played festivals, I had a residency job on Triple J hosting Mix Up on Saturday nights, and I was getting booked interstate.

“It was pretty surreal to be a DJ on the same bill as your heroes.”

The 43-year-old said he was thankful his career allowed him to financially support his family, by giving him the opportunity to grow grapes part time.

When asked whether the future of family farming is working the land part-time and having another job as your main source of income, Andrew remained optimistic about the future.

“When the industry does turn, this will be a really thriving area again, like it has been in the past,” he said. “Hopefully we get there.” 

With most of his weekends filled with DJing gigs, Andrew said that he has time before and after school for his young daughter while his wife works. 

“It’s a good area to bring the family up and there’s lots of flexibility in owning your own business.” 

Source: ABC News.

US and Cyprus to sign deal to fight financial crimes

On Tuesday, March 25, the US and Cyprus said they are formalising a collaboration to fight money laundering, evasion of Russian sanctions and other financial crimes.

This agreement will allow for Cypriot law enforcement authorities to receive access to US expertise on the topics.

Ekathimerini revealed that both the FBI and Cypriot police will be signing the agreement in the next few days, which includes the US Department of Justice.

The agreement aims to help “proactively detect, investigate and prosecute cases involving financial crimes”, in Cyprus. This was mentioned in a joint statement.

Cyrpus President Nikos Christodoulides
Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides. Photo: philenews.

The Cypriot President, Nikos Christodoulides, had previously invited FBI and Justice Department officials to contribute to helping with investigations into allegations Cypriot financial service providers assisted Russian oligarchs skirt international sanctions.

Despite Cyprus’ claims that it had abided by international sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the US has targeted several Cypriot-based companies, lawyers and accountants for allegedly contributing to dodging the sanctions.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Director discusses Australia’s Aboriginal history at Thessaloniki Film Festival

The award-winning director, Warwick Thornton has spoken upon the harsh history of Aboriginal people in Australia following the premiere of his film ‘The New Boy’ at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.

Thornton’s film ‘The New Boy’ stars Australian actress Cate Blanchett, according to News24/7.gr.

Thornton, who is known for films like “Sweet Country” and “Samson & Delilah,” serves as an important voice for indigenous storytelling, offering different perspectives which are rarely seen in mainstream cinema. 

His latest film, “The New Boy,” explores a young Aboriginal orphan’s encounter with a nun in 1940s Australia, revealing the clash between cultures and the threat to balance.

Warwick Thornton and Kate Blanchett
Kate Blanchett stars in Warwick Thornton’s new movie, The New Boy. Photo: Ron Foley.

In an interview with news247.gr, Thornton discusses the importance of giving voice to those who need to be heard.

“I come from a very small Aboriginal tribe in the desert of central Australia,” he said. 

“I’ve been lucky enough to learn how to make movies and be able to get money to make movies, and I think it’s incredibly important that if you have the opportunity to show something, it’s from the heart and has a voice.” 

“I consider it important to try to give a voice to the voiceless, which are my people.”

Warwick Thornton
The Australian director, Warwick Thornton. Photo: Screen NSW.

Thornton further reflected on the significance of Indigenous cinema in challenging traditional narratives and educating audiences about Australia’s complex history of oppression.

Through collaborations with actors like Cate Blanchett, Thornton aims to amplify Indigenous voices on the global stage, advocating for recognition and understanding amidst ongoing societal challenges.

Source: News24/7.gr. 

‘Greek is superior’: Nicholas Jordan taste tests Australian supermarket yoghurts

Are you a fan of Greek yoghurt? Do you think it tastes better than ‘plain’ yoghurt?

Nicholas Jordan put yoghurt to the test to uncover whether Greek yoghurt is better than plain yoghurt and his results are in.

He decided to sample 17 different unsweetened, unflavoured yoghurts and experienced a culture shock in the process. His idea came about during lockdown, where he first trialled a project to test different types of muesli and then brands of yoghurt.

Recently, he did a blind taste test of 17 different yoghurts again, along with eight other yoghurt-loving reviewers who helped him rate them.

They all categorised the yoghurts by thickness, the amount of fat and the amount of protein in each, and then decided to rate the taste and texture.

Yoghurt

These were the results:

  • The best Greek yoghurt overall: Farmers Union Greek Style Natural Yoghurt – 8/10
  • The best value yoghurt: Lyttos Greek Style Natural Yoghurt – 7.5/10
  • The best plain yoghurt: Jalna Biodynamic Whole Milk Yoghurt – 6.5/10

And the rest:

  • Attiki Greek Style Natural Yoghurt – 7.5/10
  • Bulla Australian Style Natural Yoghurt – 6.5/10
  • Barambah Organics All Natural Full Fat Yoghurt – 5.5/10
  • Meredith Dairy Natural Goat Milk Yoghurt Probiotic – 5.5/10
  • Yoguri High Protein Greek Strained Yoghurt – 5/10
  • Five: AM Organic Natural Yoghurt 1kg – 5/10

Source: The Guardian.

Archaeological site of Ancient Messene in the Peloponnese to be upgraded

The Central Archaeological Council of Greece has given the green light for an upgrade of visitor facilities at Ancient Messene in the Peloponnese.

According to Amna.gr, the ancient site is set to be revamped by the end of 2025, with enhancements aimed at improve accessibility for visitors.

The proposed plans will feature minimalistic interventions to maintain the site’s integrity while improving its functionality, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said. 

Lina Mendoni
Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has advocated for the archaeological site. Photo: Anna.gr.

“Our goal is that interventions, landscaping, and constructions are as mild as possible – that they do not create an optical, aesthetic, or any other problem for the monuments, but promote their functional nature, and support their recognition and overall highlight the archaeological site,” Ms Mendoni said.

Excavations have already commenced, and new changes will also be introduced including revamped ticketing and parking arrangements, and new ramps to access the site. Several trees are also expected to be planted to provide more shade.

These renovations aim to improve the visitor experience and preserve and protect the site.

Source: Amna.gr.

Adrianos Golemis becomes first Greek to ace ESA astronaut tests

Adrianos Golemis has been named the very first Greek to pass European Space Agency’s (ESA) test to become an astronaut.

Euro News revealed that every year, 22,500 applicants apply for the ESA’s exams to become an astronaut, but only 25 make it through all three rounds. 

Golemis has passed the first round after years working as a doctor for the ESA.

“When I was younger, I used to think that the job I’m doing now, that is astronaut doctor, that this is something exotic, it’s not for the Greeks, it’s not for me, it’s for geniuses,” Golemis said.

“This is not the case. Effort, persistence, and of course an inclination and I think we can get there.”

Source: Euro News.

Postal voting and Greek economy: Hot topics at breakfast event with Greek Minister

In a ground breaking event organised by Business Sydney in collaboration with Bank of Sydney and the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, an exclusive breakfast was held on Tuesday, March 26 at Business Sydney Events Centre to discuss the recent reform of postal voting for Greeks abroad and the economic outlook in Greece.

Attended by Sydney’s Greek business and community leaders, the event featured a distinguished line-up of speakers and provided valuable insights into the government’s priorities and objectives for the country.

The morning commenced with speeches from Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou, Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis. These introductory remarks set the stage for an engaging and informative session, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of the issues at hand.

Executive Director at Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou.
Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Theodoros Livanios, Alternate Minister of Interior for the Government of the Hellenic Republic. Minister Livanios delved into the recent reform of postal voting for Greeks residing abroad, shedding light on the significance and implications of this ground-breaking development. He emphasised the importance of this reform in ensuring the democratic participation of Greek citizens living outside the country.

Additionally, Minister Livanios provided an in-depth analysis of the current economic situation in Greece, offering valuable insights into the government’s efforts to address challenges and drive growth. Attendees were given a comprehensive understanding of the country’s economic policies and the government’s vision for a prosperous future.

The event also featured a dynamic question and answer session between the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis MP and Minister Livanios. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the Greek government’s digital transformation initiatives, renewable energy production, and the postal vote for the upcoming European elections, whereby all valid Greek passport holders are eligible to participate.

Minister Cotsis and Minister Livanios emphasised the importance of voter registration and encouraged active participation in the democratic process.

Melos Sulicich, CEO of Bank of Sydney, concluded the event by expressing his gratitude to all attendees and partners for their contributions in making the exclusive breakfast a resounding success.

The event fostered valuable networking opportunities and showcased the strong collaboration between Business Sydney, Bank of Sydney, and the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney.

As the exclusive breakfast event came to a close, participants left with a deeper understanding of the reform of postal voting for Greeks abroad and the government’s efforts to drive economic growth in Greece.

The event served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions and highlighted the importance of active engagement in shaping the future of the Greek community in Sydney.