Greece’s main opposition party on Tuesday condemned recent comments made by Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan concerning Cyprus, calling for an official response from Athens.
SYRIZA “unequivocally condemns the latest provocative statements by the Turkish president about the Cyprus issue,” the opposition party said in a statement, after Erdogan on Monday stated that “perhaps if we had pushed south… there would be no more south and north and Cyprus would be completely ours.”
“President Erdogan’s unconscionable statements clearly undermine the ‘positive climate’ in Greek-Turkish relations, which the [Kyriakos] Mitsotakis government complacently insists on. Just three months after the signing of the Athens Declaration, Turkey is once more violating its spirit and letter.”
Greek diplomatic sources say that Erdogan’s statements are a distortion of the truth. Photo: In Time News.
According to Ekathimerini, Greek diplomatic sources say that Erdogan’s statements are a distortion of the truth.
“The statements of the Turkish president regarding the illegal invasion of Cyprus in 1974 constitute a blatant distortion of the historical truth and an insult to the memory of the victims.”
Thanks to Scoot’s March sale, you can turn your dream of a Greek getaway into reality for just $355 one-way, plus taxes and baggage fees (and any add-ons).
Until 25 March 2024 (11:59pm), keen travellers can nab Athens flights from Sydney for just $405, from Melbourne for $395 and from Perth for $355.
Scoot has unveiled cheap flights to Greece.
A subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), Scoot is also offering rock-bottom prices for flights to a range of other popular destinations including Singapore, Osaka, Bangkok and Denpasar.
Travel periods include 20 April to 30 May 2024, 16 July to 12 September 2024, 1 October 2024 to 14 November 2024 and 15 January to 20 March 2025.
Extra blackout periods may apply over school holidays and event periods.
For more information on the Scoot sales, click here.
The heart of Melbourne’s Yarraville was once again transformed into the ultimate Hellenic festival on Sunday, March 17, with everything from delicious Greek food to the familiar music that helps brings Zorba dancing to life.
Initially postponed for a week due to the intense heat, the Yarraville Festival couldn’t be stopped over the weekend, with many turning up to enjoy the entertainment provided at the Greek Precinct.
All photos: Jim Claven / Facebook.
During the day, traditional rebetiko and Pontian music blasted through the air, alongside the healing sounds of the clarion with music from Northern Greece.
Zorba’s dance by Theodorakis featured, as well as musicians from Melbourne’s Demotika and Gkazi. Lambi Anastasidis on lyra, supported by his daughters Eleni and Parthena, was a magical performance for all to witness.
Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar, one of Melbourne’s Hellenic culinary institutions, provided their expertise in offering the best Greek delights. Many people also flocked to St Nicholas Church to get their favourite serving of loukoumades.
Jim Claven, Kathryn Gauci and John Martino also attended the festival to promote their books to the public. The Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, and former Minister John Pandazopoulos stopped by to enjoy the event.
President of the Yarraville Festival, Con Frescos, and his sister, Nikki, whose heritage stems from the Greek town of Kyparissia, always aim to do their best for the public as festival volunteers and encouraged others to get onboard next year.
“We are always looking for more people to get involved, it is such a blessing for us to be a part of,” Con Frescos told The Greek Herald.
On Saturday, March 16, the Greek afternoon and Saturday schools of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) celebrated the end of Apokries with a fancy dress event.
Students from various schools came along to join in celebrating the Greek tradition, which took place at the Clemton Park Primary School playground in Sydney’s Earlwood.
Apokries
From 11 am to 1pm, students came dressed in their favourite fancy dress costume, with lots of dancing to be enjoyed including the Greek “Gaitanaki” dance.
A costume and mask parade followed on the special day, with lots of winners announced among the following categories: best dressed, best unusual costume, scariest dressed, oldest student, and youngest student.
Classic games were also played, including well-known musical chairs, and there was even a piñata.
The Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland, George Mastrocostas, has announced a special Open Consular Reception on Monday, March 25 to commemorate the 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
Held at The Greek Club in South Brisbane from 6pm to 8pm, the reception is open to all members of the community, where they will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from the Honorary Consulate-General of Greece, learn more about Greek culture, and enjoy a memorable evening of camaraderie.
“I am privileged to serve as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland, and facilitate such gatherings that invites the community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of Greece,” Mr Mastrocostas said.
“This event symbolises the strength of international ties and the importance of diplomacy in our ever-changing world.”
The event will also host the Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis, a showcase of the elite unit of the Presidential Guard, the Evzones, as a powerful tribute to Greece’s favourite sons and the values they represent. This collection of stunning photography has captivated audiences around the world, serving as a reminder of the importance of honouring and preserving Greek cultural heritage for future generations.
The Evzones Collection. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald / Kostas Mastorakis.
This reception has been highly anticipated as not only is it the first to occur since the role was previously vacated, but it is the first event to be hosted by the newly appointed Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland.
In his role, Mastrocostas is building bridges and strengthening the ties between Greece and Queensland, contributing to the vibrant cultural, economical and social exchange between the two regions.
Aside from his role as Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland, Mastrocostas is a Board Director for The Hellenic Initiative Australia, as well as a dynamic leader in the development and construction industry, leading Aniko Group, one of the largest private developers on the Gold Coast.
The 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with The Imvrians Society of Melbourne, has announced “From Imbros Over the Sea,” a captivating photographic exhibition and lecture curated by esteemed historian Jim Claven OAM.
This exhibition pays tribute to the pivotal role played by the Northern Aegean island of Imbros (Imvros) in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I.
Jim Claven OAM is a distinguished historian with academic qualifications from Melbourne’s Monash University. With over ten years of research into various facets of Hellenic culture and history, his work delves deep into the Hellenic link to Australia’s ANZAC story. Claven is a published author and freelance writer, having contributed numerous historical articles to journals and newspapers worldwide. His books, including “Lemnos & Gallipoli Revealed” (2019), “Grecian Adventure” (2022), and his most recent publication “From Imbros Over The Sea: Imbros & Gallipoli Revealed” (2023), showcase his extensive archival and field research.
In addition to his scholarly endeavours, Claven has delivered historical presentations on the Hellenic link to ANZAC in Australia and Greece, including at the Athens War Museum. As Secretary of Melbourne’s Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, he has spearheaded significant commemorative projects, such as the Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial, the Australian Pier Memorial on Lemnos, and the Lemnos Gallipoli Photographic Exhibition, among others.
The exhibition, part of the 42nd Greek Festival program, showcases the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Greek community in Australia. The exhibition was created by the Imvrian Society of Melbourne, with the support of the Victorian Government and Victorian Veterans Council.
Festival Chair Nia Karteris expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This exhibition is a testament to the shared history between Imbros and Australia. It vividly portrays a crucial era, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices made by those who served during the Gallipoli campaign.”
The “From Imbros Over the Sea” Photographic Exhibition & Lecture will be held on Sunday, 7th April 2024, starting at 4:00 pm at the Prince Henry Centre. Admission is free, but bookings are essential.
Event Details:
What: From Imbros Over the Sea | Exhibition & Lecture by historian Jim Claven OAM
When: Sunday 7 April 2024 | 4:00 pm
Venue: Prince Henry Centre, 2 Coast Hospital Rd, Little Bay NSW 2036
The reopening of Melbourne’s oldest Greek Orthodox church will take place against the backdrop of the Sunday of Orthodoxy feast and Greek National Day.
Bishop Kyriakos Sozopolis will preside over a Vespers service at the church on Sunday, March 24 from 7pm. This will be followed by a Divine Liturgy on Monday, March 25 from 7.30am.
A luncheon will then be held at the Aegean Greek Restaurant in Fitzroy to not only observe one of the principal feast of the Orthodox religion but also fundraise for the East Melbourne church.
A family-owned supermarket in Adelaide’s north has officially been crowned the world’s best by its global peers at a recent awards ceremony in Vegas.
According to Adelaide Now, Saints Road Foodland, in Salisbury Plain, was named IGA International Retailer of the Year in Las Vegas, securing the top honour from more than 6,000 stores worldwide.
Saints Foodland in South Australia has been named the IGA International Retailer of the Year. Photo: 9News.
Saints Foodland director, Spero Tsapaliaris, and Foodland chief executive Franklin dos Santos were among those on hand to accept the award, presented by the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), which was founded in 1962, and operates in more than 30 countries.
The John Chapley family owns Saints Foodland, which is run by Mr Tsapaliaris, who also serves as the chairman of Foodland Supermarkets.
Last year, Saints won the national prize, along with IGA National Large Store of the Year, allowing them to represent Australia in the global event.
St Basil’s Aegean Village in South Australia has come in as the second lowest rated aged care home in the state for its food, with 13 per cent of those surveyed claiming that they never liked the food, and 47 per cent saying they only liked it sometimes.
Although operated under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, St Basil’s Homes (SA) is separately incorporated and independently managed.
St Basil’s Homes (SA) Corporate Services CEO Michelle Church told Adelaide Now that while their other aged care homes performed well in the survey, the Aegean Village’s results were “disappointing.”
St Basil’s Aegean Village in SA.
“We have not met our usual high expectations at one of our sites, something we were aware of at the time of the survey and have already taken positive steps to improve the situation at the Aegean Village,” Ms Church said.
Ms Church added that among the adjustments are frequent resident meal tasting events to get feedback on anticipated menu revisions.
“Our recent internal data is far more positive and I’m confident with these new initiatives that we are on the right track to significantly improve these results in the next formal resident food survey.”
Residents at other Adelaide aged care homes ranked among the worst spend up to $100 a week on Uber Eats because they claim they cannot stomach the food.
From 18 – 24 March, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) encourages the community to join them through Cultural Diversity Week and celebrate the power, influence, and stories of Victoria’s rich multicultural communities.
This year’s theme “Our Shared Stories – Celebrating Together” goes beyond individual narratives, encouraging people to recognise and celebrate the beautiful intersections that enrich Victoria’s cultural diversity.
Some of the many stories the VMC has uncovered throughout 2023 came from the Multicultural Awards for Excellence and Honour Roll.
Nandita Chakraborty, an advocate for improved policy and programs to support those with non-visible disabilities, especially across multicultural communities, was honoured as the recipient of the Arts Award in 2023. Through her continued work, installations, and film Nandita highlights the challenges faced by women from multicultural backgrounds with non-visible disabilities.
Helen Stamoulis, an Honour Roll Inductee for 2023, played a vital role in establishing the Greek Media Group, which initiated 3XY Radio Hellas and Ta Nea newspaper. Through 3XY Radio Hellas, people enjoy a range of radio programs, which provide a connection to their culture.
Asvin Phorugngam has worked passionately and tirelessly for over 25 years to support multicultural communities in a range of social justice roles. Recognised as an Honour Roll inductee last year, his work has included designing and implementing progressive programs to support LGBTQIA+ people from multicultural communities.
To plan for Cultural Diversity Week, councils, businesses, organisations, government agencies, service providers and community groups are all encouraged to start conversations in their workplaces and communities, and to host events and activities that align with the theme.
At a time when overseas conflicts have had an impact on the wellbeing of local communities, it is even more important to show support and commitment for Victoria’s multicultural society.
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM said “Multicultural Victoria is vibrant, diverse, intergenerational, and inspiring. Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to celebrate these shared experiences and their contribution to our state’s identity.”
“Our multicultural communities remain connected and inspired thanks to these and many other often unheralded champions. Cultural Diversity Week gives us the opportunity to recognise and thank the people and organisations whose contributions create significant impacts on the broader society,” Ms Nguyen added.
Cultural Diversity Week activities will run across regional and metropolitan Victoria, with many led by local councils and promoted in an events calendar on VMConnect; the VMC’s online community platform.
