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Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister: ‘We stand by the diaspora in Australia’

The Greek Herald
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Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister: ‘We stand by the diaspora in Australia’

By Ilias Karagiannis.

Ahead of his upcoming first visit to Australia, Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios gave an exclusive interview to The Greek Herald.

Mr Livanios will be in Melbourne, Victoria from March 21 to 23, and in Sydney, NSW from March 24 to 27, to represent the government in the celebration of Greek Independence Day on March 25.

In his interview, the Alternate Interior Minister spoke about his visit as well as the participation of Australia’s Greek diaspora in the European elections on June 9. When asked about the low participation of Greeks in Australia in the national elections of 2023 (only 123 people voted), Mr Livanios said he was optimistic this number would be higher for the European elections due to the recent introduction of postal voting.

“The good news is that, as of Saturday, March 9, more than 140 Greeks living in Australia have already registered on the platform epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr to vote in the upcoming European elections in June,” Mr Livanios said.

“So far, this number has already exceeded the 123 people who voted in the national elections of 2023. And every passing day, it grows. This, combined with the convenience provided by postal voting, makes us optimistic for even greater participation.

“Postal voting, which is being implemented for the first time in Greece, is an institutional tool that the state provides to voters, especially those residing outside of Greece, to give them the opportunity to vote in the European elections from their homes, without long journeys, as we saw last summer, and with greater flexibility.

“This time, one won’t need to travel to Melbourne or Sydney. They will be able to register online on the postal voting platform, no later than April 29, at midnight Greece time, either by yourself or by visiting the Greek consulate.

“What does one need to register? No documentation is required anymore, as we have already abolished them since July 2023, except for a valid identification document. Even if someone doesn’t have a Greek Tax Identification Number or a valid Greek passport, they can visit the Embassy or Consulate and register by presenting their Australian passport or identity card or driver’s license.

“However, it must be clarified that in order to cast their vote, if someone who has registered on the platform doesn’t have a Greek Tax Identification Number, they will need to have a Greek document, such as the one they would show if they appeared at a polling station in Greece on election day, that is, an identity card or passport or driver’s license, whether it is valid or not.”

Livanios
Mr Livanios is optimistic about the participation in the European elections on June 9 in Australia. Photo: Supplied.

‘To strengthen Greece’s voice’

One of challenges highlighted by the government is for Greeks abroad to be informed about their right to vote through postal voting. We asked the Alternate Interior Minister if this is the biggest challenge for the government.

“The New Democracy government is the first to recognise the challenges faced by Greeks abroad in their efforts to participate in our country’s elections,” Mr Livanios said.

“From 2019 until today, we have been working systematically to eliminate them and we have acted on what we committed to regarding facilitating the exercise of electoral rights. Initially, in 2019, we introduced the possibility for Greeks outside Greece to vote, with specific conditions, in order to achieve the necessary majority for the law’s passage.

“In July 2023, we took the next step, removing the requirements of previous residence and submission of a tax return in Greece to facilitate even more Greeks to participate in elections. And two months ago, we legislated for postal voting for the European elections and referendums.

“And from the very next day, we started its implementation. So that one doesn’t even need to travel on a specific day, to a specific place to vote. I consider this to be the biggest challenge for Greeks abroad, as the recent election experience showed.

“Now, what remains is for as many people as possible to be informed about this possibility, to register on the platform, and especially for those who live so far from Greece, like the Greeks in Australia, to immediately mail back the postal vote, without delay, in order for it to be received in time.

“That is, it should have reached Greece no later than the eve of the European elections, at 5 pm on June 8, Greek time. Of course, there will also be a relevant campaign, to make the electoral process known and clear to everyone.

“At the same time, both the Minister of Interior Niki Kerameus and I, with our visits to cities where the heart of Hellenism beats all over the world, want to spread this message. We call on all of you to vote in the June European elections, to shape together the present and future of our country, to make Greece’s voice stronger in Europe and the world.”

Livanios
It will be Mr Livanios’ first-time visiting Australia. Photo: Supplied.

‘We want your opinion on the future of the country’

As Mr Livanios will represent the Greek government at the 25th of March celebrations in Australia, we asked him if this was his first visit to the country.

“It is indeed my first time visiting Australia, and I don’t hide from you that I find it moving, especially for such a purpose, which is not limited to the presentation of the postal voting platform. The reasoning behind this initiative is even more interesting. The establishment of postal voting is a move that shows all Greeks living far from Greece… that Greece is beside them. 

“Greece moves, strives, works to bring the diaspora closer. And, above all, to listen to them. It wants their opinion, their vote, their choice for the future of the country. This is the message I want to convey on this trip, to as many Greeks as possible.”

Saved by Stories: Cr Michael Glynatsis takes granddaughter Penelope to Greek Storytime

The Greek Herald
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Saved by Stories: Cr Michael Glynatsis takes granddaughter Penelope to Greek Storytime

By Mary Sinanidis

Greek Storytime at Richmond Library appeared to be on the brink of closure. It opened again this month, just in time for the Speak Greek in March campaign, thanks to the persistence of parents who started a petition and the advocacy of Councillor Michael Glynatsis after The Greek Herald brought parents’ concerns to his attention. 

On Wednesday, the Councillor demonstrated his commitment to the program – and multiculturalism – by bringing his granddaughter, Penelope, to the library. 

Greek storytime
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
greek storytime
greek storytime

Vicky Petalas, the program’s facilitator, expressed her gratitude: “We are delighted to have Cr Glynatsis here with us. We appreciate his efforts to ensure the program began again.”  

At the start of the year, Ms Vicky had received an email notifying her the beloved program would lose its financial backing. 

Parents were disappointed that they would be losing the program, and a petition was begun by Maria Tsakakis. During the coverage of the story, The Greek Herald prompted Yarra City Council’s Greek Australian councillor to intervene, however the Council sent a message to the press that it had intended to support the initiative all along, funding would be forthcoming and a facilitator would be assigned. 

greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime

Despite this assurance, Ms Vicky was not immediately called back and Greek Storytime had yet to resume by the end of February until The Greek Herald emailed the Council, copying in Cr Glynatsis.

Either this proved instrumental to kickstarting storytime or the timing was aligned. Either way, the next afternoon, the facilitator was signed to begin the program in March – just in time for the Speak Greek in March initiative. 

greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime

The resumption of the program on Wednesday was celebrated with songs, storytelling, and crafts, all conducted in Greek, fostering a sense of community.

Mary Drosynou, a retired teacher, said, “As an educator myself, I can vouch for the amazing job Vicky is doing. I am so happy that this program wasn’t lost as it is valuable for our children and community. It is such a great asset to have in our neighbourhood.” 

Her words were echoed by Vasso Zangalis, a staunch advocate for Greek Storytime’s preservation in libraries across Victoria. 

She remarked, “Ms Vicky is a godsend for parents. Her infectious energy and passion not only facilitate language acquisition but also instill a love for Greek culture.” 

greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime
greek storytime

Cr Glynatsis commended the program’s impact. 

“This initiative truly enriches the multicultural fabric of our city,” he enthused, expressing his desire to see similar programs extended to other cultural communities within the city. 

He also noted the program’s incredible outreach in attracting families from distant suburbs such as Mill Park, Glen Iris and Mernda to Richmond.

greek storytime
greek storytime

Following the library event, they shop on Swan Street or catch up at local cafes in the area. As owner of the Aegean Greek Restaurant in Fitzroy, Cr Glynatsis appreciates the importance of such initiatives in driving traffic to local businesses. 

“When are we all going to dine at the Aegean?” one parent asked.

“You’re always welcome,” Cr Glynatsis said.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.

Concerns raised over imminent closure of another St Basil’s aged care home in NSW

The Greek Herald
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Concerns raised over imminent closure of another St Basil’s aged care home in NSW

The recent announcement by the Board of St Basil’s NSW/ACT Aged Care to close their aged care facility at Kensington, previously operated by Castellorizian Aged Care, has caused considerable consternation within the local Greek Australian community, following the permanent closure in September 2022 of St Basil’s Annandale.

St. Basil’s NSW & ACT is an organisation created by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) which provides quality care for ageing Australians. Archbishop Makarios of Australia is President of a Board of Directors which includes prominent Greek Australians such as James Jordan (who serves as Chairman), Greg Gav and Theo Penklis.

The property at 252 Johnston Street in Annandale was eventually sold for $18 million and is now being redeveloped for affordable housing in Sydney’s Inner West.

st-basils-annandale
St Basil’s Annandale sold for $18 million.

At the time, the Board claimed that St Basil’s Annandale was surplus to its operating requirements and had to be sold. According to a media release, the proceeds from the sale would be used to provide its residents and clients with an enhanced experience through the restoration of its facilities, as well as to support the expansion of services that enable St Basil’s to reach more ageing Australians in need.

Many of the residents from Annadale were transferred to St Basil’s Kensington. 

For the residents and many of their friends and family, it came as a shock that on 17 January 2024 St Basil’s NSW/ACT announced it had made the “difficult decision” to close its aged care home in Kensington. 

Mr Jordan said, “The decision follows significant consideration by the Board of Directors and the Executive team. Our aim, vision and mission are to always provide the best possible care for our residents in a safe and quality living environment. Whilst the clinical care of residents has been maintained, the physical environment has been challenging and the building is now outdated. Despite our efforts to renovate, it no longer meets the more complex clinical needs of residents who require care.”

The Board’s Chairman added that reviews conducted by the Aged Care Regulatory Body and St Basil’s own Quality Team identified certain “environmental compliance gaps” which were not conducive to the complex care needs of residents in the long term.   

St Basils’ Aged Care management advised that it would be working closely with each resident and their families to relocate to another home of their choice.

The decision to close St Basil’s Kensington so soon after the sale of the Annandale property has left some observers perplexed.

The Greek Herald has reviewed a number of governance documents and correspondence issued by St Basil’s in recent years, as well as annual and regulatory reports.

When St Basil’s acquired the Kensington property in late 2019 and took over the management of the former Castellorizian Nursing Home, the transition was described in the 2019–20 annual report for St. Basil’s NSW/ACT as follows:

“We facilitated lots of consultations with families and customers there to make sure they felt supported as St. Basil’s took the reins, and understood who we are, our mission and values. Understanding what we were going to change for them to make things better and what was going to stay the same.”

St Basil’s made laudable changes at the Kensington facility, where around 75% of the residents were from a Greek background and described as being very family oriented.  Changes included repainting and installation of new furniture, introduction of a proper maintenance office and customer service officers and a shift to a centralised clinical database system. They also rolled out the St Basil’s “Live Well” model of care.

In April 2021, St Basil’s published its Strategic Plan 2021-2026 under the heading “Stronger Than Ever.” The Strategic Plan painted an optimistic and rosy future for the aged care provider, boasting that the company will achieve sustainable growth by building on its core services and offering new services to the St Basil’s family through their life’s journey.

st basils strategic plan kensington
St Basil’s NSW/ACT has released its Strategic Plan 2021-2026.

After the Kensington facility’s closure was announced, friends and relatives of residents have expressed concerns regarding the option to relocate to the St. Basil’s facility in Lakemba. The concern stems from the considerable distance between the existing eastern suburbs location and Lakemba, posing challenges for many relatives and friends who wish to visit their loved ones. However, it’s worth noting that some residents have been successfully relocated and are grateful for the assistance St. Basil’s has offered them during this transition period.

Others are questioning the motives of St Basils’ and the GOAA, particularly as in its 2021 publication it was very positive about moving forward and about the legacy which it was trying to establish for the homes.

There have since been discussions that the Kensington property will be utilised as a training facility for St Basil’s staff or an education facility for the Archdiocese’s Theological College however, this is not yet confirmed.

On a number of occasions Archbishop Makarios has emphasised St Basil the Great’s important theological and social works and his philanthropy towards church and its people with the establishment of the group of holy institutions named “Vasileiada,” for the care of the poor, the sick and the elderly.

Both the Archbishop and the St Basil’s Board have acknowledged they are stewards of the Church and the St Basil’s name and have the responsibility to strive for excellence being compliant and viable into the future.

At the time of publication, The Greek Herald approached the chairman of the board, James Jordan, and Archbishop Makarios for comment.

Greek National Day dilemma: Questions remain unanswered by Victorian Council

The Greek Herald
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Greek National Day dilemma: Questions remain unanswered by Victorian Council

Some members of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day have raised concerns around its constitution, as well as the upcoming Greek Independence Day parade on April 14 at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne.

The Victorian Council for Greek National Day is made up of representatives from all of Victoria’s major Greek organisations and was established to organise commemoration events for Greece’s Independence Day on March 25 each year. The current Chairman is Cretan Australian, Tony Tsourdalakis.

According to The Greek Herald‘s sources, the Panepirotic Federation of Australia and the MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture both sent letters to Mr Tsourdalakis with questions they wanted raised at a Council meeting scheduled for February 6 this year.

Tony tsourdalakis restraining order cretan president
Tony Tsourdalakis was sent letters of concern from members of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day.

The Panepirotic Federation of Australia’s letter addresses changes to the Council’s Constitution, in particular:

  • Questions around who approved the registration of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day in 2019; what happened to the old body; why the rules of the old body were not incorporated into the new body; and who was invited to the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at the time.
  • Questions around who approved the name change from Organisational Committee Greek National Day Incorporated to Victorian Council Greek National Day on 9 May 2023; and who was invited to the EGM at the time.

The Federation also asked for the Council Committee to:

  • Provide the invite chain with all member’s emails showing who was invited to both of the above EGM’s;
  • Provide a full list of all members of the organisation and when they became members and how they were approved as members; and
  • Read out at the February 6 meeting all letters received by the Council.

In a separate letter, the Director of the MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture, Dimosthenis Manasis, raised concerns about the Council’s organisation of the Greek Independence Day parade on April 14.

Greek-Independence-Day-march-at-Lakeside-2-1024x769
File photo of last year’s Greek Independence Day parade at Lakeside Stadium.

Although much later than the usual March 25 date, Mr Tsourdalakis has said April 14 was the only feasible date for the Greek Independence Day celebration because March is cluttered with a number of other events including Labour Day, the Children’s Marathon, Grand Prix and Catholic Easter.

Mr Manasis said whilst he is not concerned what day or month the event is booked on, his issue lies in the lack of communication between the Council and people who want to participate in the parade.

Mr Manasis said the last communication he had with the Council about anything parade-related was in October 2023, despite media reports stipulating Committee members had consulted with colleges and organisations. This lack of communication, he said, means the MANASIS School already has conflicting commercial obligations which cannot be cancelled.

The dance instructor also alleged his students were called “traitors” for opting to attend last year’s parade with the MANASIS School rather than their day school.

To date, The Greek Herald understands none of the concerns raised within both letters have been addressed by Mr Tsourdalakis or his Committee. Instead, at the February 6 Council meeting, Mr Tsourdalakis and Council Secretary Natasha Spanos said they would step down from their roles at the end of this year’s parade.

natasha spanos
Natasha Spanos has resigned as Secretary of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day.

This comes as Jim Grivokostopoulos (Grivas) also abruptly resigned from his position as Treasurer of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day during a general meeting on December 11 last year.

When resigning, Mr Grivas said he felt unable to do his job properly as Treasurer because he was never provided access to the Council’s financial records or invoices in order to verify the P&L statement. Mr Grivas’ access was restricted despite requesting to see the financials.

While Mr Grivas stipulated in his resignation that he believed “nothing untoward” was behind the restricted access to the financials, he did put forward a motion calling for an independent audit committee to review the last three years of financial statements.

This motion was passed by the committee members present and it was agreed that the audit committee would be made up of three people: Mr Grivas himself, Father John and Arthur Andronas.

Australia’s Treasurer responds to Steve Georganas MP’s enquiry on Greece tax deal

Andriana Simos
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Australia’s Treasurer responds to Steve Georganas MP’s enquiry on Greece tax deal

Australia’s Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP has responded to an enquiry by Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas MP asking for an update on negotiations for the Double Taxation Agreement between Australia and Greece.

Minister Georganas wrote to Minister Chalmers in September 2023 asking for an update on the tax deal.

In the letter, Minister Georganas said that after holding a number of meetings in Greece with ministers and politicians, he understood there was “a clear consensus that they are ready to proceed with the necessary negotiations and discussions to bring these matters to a resolution.”

“Given this information and the willingness on their side to move forward, I kindly request an update on the progress of the Double Taxation Agreement with Greece from our end,” Minister Georganas wrote.

“I am eager to work collaboratively to address these concerns and strengthen the ties between our two nations.”

Alison Duncan and Steve Georganas met with Greece's New Democracy MP.
Steve Georganas MP (right) has met with a number of politicians in Greece. He’s pictured here with Ambassador to Greece in Australia, Alison Duncan, and Greece’s New Democracy MP. Photo: Ieidiseis.

In response this year, Minister Chalmers said Australian Treasury officials have been working hard towards a conclusion to tax treaty negotiations with Greece.

“Despite the significant progress made in negotiations, there remains a number of outstanding issues that are being worked through,” the Treasurer said.

“Australia remains committed to concluding negotiations, but I note these agreements can take some time to complete as the pace of negotiations is dependent on the availability and agreement of the negotiating partner and once a treaty has been agreed, it typically takes one to two years to complete the treaty’s implementation processes and to legislate the treaty, bringing it into Australia’s domestic law.”

The Treasurer concluded by stating he appreciates “the strong desire to have the treaty negotiated and implemented as soon as possible.”

“I am aware of the significant cultural and economic ties between Australia and Greece and the potential for our economic relationship to grow once many of the taxation barriers to trade and investment have been addressed through a tax treaty,” he said.

The update comes two years after Australia and Greece held their first round of negotiations for a Double Taxation Agreement in February 2022.

A Double Taxation Agreement is a treaty between two countries where income earned by an individual in one country is not fully taxed by both countries and the tax paid in one country is offset against the tax liability in the other country. In essence, individuals and businesses are provided with greater tax certainty which is thought to encourage increased economic integration through foreign investment and trade.

At the moment, 82,000 Australian nationals hold a value-added tax identification (VAT) number in Greece and 30,000 of them have Greek citizenship, while another 51,000 who have Australian citizenship are also estimated to be descendants of expatriates.

Minister Georganas told The Greek Herald he has been contacted about the tax deal by many of his Greek Australian constituents with investments in Greece, and added he was happy with the response by Minister Chalmers.

“I’m pleased at the response by the Treasurer and am happy to hear we’re close to a conclusion on the agreement between Australia and Greece,” he said.

Greek Language Writers’ Festival has successful debut

The Greek Herald
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Greek Language Writers’ Festival has successful debut

On Wednesday, March 13, the Greek Language Writers’ Festival officially launched two books – ‘Moral Continuum – Spacetime – Sisyphus and Meropi’ by Theodoros Dalmaris and ‘Portraits of Women‘ by Dina Tourvas.

The book launches were held as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney. On the night, the books were warmly received by the audience and beautifully presented by their respective authors and interviewers.

There was also a number of presentations by Costa Vertzayias, Eleni Eleftherias and Anna Couani, as well as a speech by the Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Michael Tsilimos. Efthymios Kallos acted as Master of Ceremonies.

The two remarkable books represent a unique exploration of the human experience, resonating with timeless themes and universal truths that transcend borders and generations.

Mr Dalmaris’ book ‘Moral Continuum – Spacetime – Sisyphus and Meropi‘ is described as a thought-provoking book and is the fifth instalment in his series. It delves into the intricacies of nature, separate from the influence of humanity. Through profound prose and poetic exploration, Dalmaris captures the complexity and creativity inherent in the natural world.

Mrs Tourvas’ book ‘Portraits of Women‘ is described as a bilingual masterpiece, offering a glimpse into the lives of 70 Greek women from Sydney and Greece. Additionally, Tourvas commemorates historical women activists renowned for their tireless efforts in advocating for humanity. Through stunning visuals and poignant narratives, Tourvas weaves together a compelling tapestry of strength, resilience, and empowerment.

Online workshop to be held for Greek language teachers with Macquarie Uni and SICLE

The Greek Herald
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Online workshop to be held for Greek language teachers with Macquarie Uni and SICLE

The Modern Greek Studies Program of Macquarie University as the accredited examination centre for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language exams in partnership with the Sydney Institute for Community Languages Education (SICLE), University of Sydney, are co-organising a free online workshop for the Greek Language Exams 2024 with the title: 

‘Strategies for understanding and producing oral language in the teaching of Greek as a heritage and/or a foreign language: Development practices and teaching methods.’

The seminar aims to present to Greek language teachers the effective strategies to best prepare students for the oral exams of Certificate of Attainment in Greek.

Certificates of Attainment
Students received their Certificates of Attainment in Greek at Macquarie University last month. Photo: Supplied.

Oral language proficiency, encompassing both comprehension and production, stands as a foundational skill and a primary objective, particularly in the initial stages of learning the Greek language. However, the challenge intensifies when teaching this skill in foreign language environments, where the language is less mediated and directly linked to the demands of daily communication and environmental circumstances. 

The forthcoming workshop will delve into effective practices and pedagogical recommendations for teaching oral language. Additionally, it will explore strategies to best prepare students for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek exams within this context.

Dr Konstantina Iliopoulou is the presenter and holds a BA in Greek Philology, MA in Applied Linguistics, Ph.D. in Assessing L2 Writing and Postdoc in alternative assessment in Language classroom.

She works as Laboratory Teaching Staff at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy and Education, Department of Pedagogy and as a part time lecturer at the University of Nicosia on MA programs concerning Teaching Greek as an L2 as well as at the Hellenic Open University on a relevant MA program under the subject “Language, Education and Society.” She is an external associate of the Greek Language Centre, and scientific member of the Research Centre “Temenus” of the University of Western Macedonia, Greece. Her main research interests are in the areas of teaching languages, intercultural education and assessing language in L1 and L2.

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, 2nd April 2024 at 7:00pm-8:30pm (Sydney time) / 11:00am-12:30pm (Athens time).

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/0VN0fxJ0N7.

The zoom link for the workshop is provided upon submission of your registration form. Registrations close on Monday 1st April 2024 at 4:00pm (Sydney time) / 8:00am (Athens time).

NESA accredited teachers can count completion of this workshop as NESA Elective PD (1.5hrs) to be added to their eTAMS record themselves.

Olympic FC amongst inaugural recipients of Growing Football Fund Community Grants

The Greek Herald
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Olympic FC amongst inaugural recipients of Growing Football Fund Community Grants

Football Australia has announced Olympic FC as one of more than 100 inaugural recipients of the Growing Football Fund’s Community Grants, generously supported by CommBank.

This initiative is a testament towards Football Australia’s and CommBank’s joint commitment to empower, support, and encourage women and girls across the nation to actively participate in the game.

A diverse group of 121 clubs and associations from across the country have been selected to receive funding. These grants will support a range of initiatives aimed at: 

  • Driving Participation: Creating new opportunities for engagement through come-and-try events
  • Enhancing Experience: Investing in coach development to improve the participant experience
  • Promoting Body Confidence: Removing white playing shorts to promote body confidence
  • Reducing Barriers: Proving fee subsidies to women and girls who are experiencing financial hardship

The collective impact of these initiatives will significantly contribute to Football Australia and CommBank’s shared goal of advancing gender equity and creating quality environments for women and girls within football. 

Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh. Photo: LinedIn.

Sarah Walsh, Head of Women’s Football, World Cup Legacy, and Inclusion at Football Australia said, “We are delighted to recognise the outstanding efforts of our grant recipients in championing initiatives to drive the attraction and retention of women and girls in football.

“Their innovative approach to supporting our game plays a vital role in Football Australia’s chasing its ambitious goal of attracting and retaining 50,000 female participants across Australia over the next two years.” 

James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, added, “The Growing Football Fund Community Grants represent a significant step forward in our efforts to make football the most inclusive and accessible sport in Australia. By supporting clubs and associations at the grassroots level, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for women’s football in our country.”

Dianne Everett
Dianne Everett. Photo: SXSW Sydney.

Dianne Everett, General Manager, Brand and Creative at CommBank said, “We are thrilled to see the first round of grant recipients take to the field and change the game for girls and women across the nation. Grassroots sport is a cornerstone of many communities, and supporting equal participation in sport will ensure a brighter future for communities across Australia.

“We are proud to partner with Football Australia to help play our part in forming the CommBank Matildas of tomorrow.”

At the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier featuring the CommBank Bank Matildas and Uzbekistan, two Victorian-based community football clubs – Kyneton District Soccer Club and Upfield Soccer Club – received special recognition during the half-time break.

Ron Cole, President of Kyneton District Soccer Club, highlighted the importance of the investment via the Growing Football Fund Community Grant into coach development, with 35 of their coaches being supported through training opportunities. 

Wally Hanna
Wally Hanna. Photo: Upfield SC, Facebook.

Wally Hanna, President of Upfield Soccer Club, shared his gratitude to CommBank and Football Australia for the funding that will assist 50 young women from refugee backgrounds through a fee subsidy for new players, stating, “This funding will support local families in relieving financial hardship and also help young refugee arrivals feel connected to their community, which is vital during the early stages of their settlement.”

Football Australia said another round of the Growing Football Fund Community Grants will be open for clubs and associations to apply for later this year.

Maria Sakkari storms into third consecutive quarterfinal at Indian Wells

The Greek Herald
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Maria Sakkari storms into third consecutive quarterfinal at Indian Wells

Maria Sakkari beat Diane Parry in 3 sets and secured her third consecutive qualification for the quarterfinals of Indian Wells.

Maria Sakkari celebrated her first qualification to a quarter-final this year in the 1000 of Indian Wells, with the Greek champion beating Diane Parry 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

The 28-year-old Greek, No.9 on the board, won 5 consecutive games in the 1st set to win it 6-2.

The set was more difficult than the result suggests, with Parry having 3 break opportunities in the 6th game, but Sakkari holding on to make it 4-2.

Later, the French woman entered the match for good, as she made the only break in the entire 2nd set, leading 4-2 and without even once risking a break point on her own serve, she reached 6-3.

In fact, Parry also made the first break of the 3rd set, but fortunately for Maria, not the only one. In fact, as soon as she received the break, the Greek tennis player stepped on the gas, quickly turning 2-3 into 6-3, winning 4 consecutive games and making two consecutive breaks on Parry’s serve.

In the 9th game, a break point was erased by Maria, who withstood the pressure and finally closed the match on her serve without getting involved in bigger adventures, after 2 hours and 11 minutes of play.

Sakkari did not have an easy afternoon, as the final result shows, but at the most crucial point, they came forward, played without fear and got the ticket to the quarterfinals.

Source: ATP.

President of Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne says property sale marks a ‘new chapter’

The Greek Herald
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President of Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne says property sale marks a ‘new chapter’

The President and Committee of the Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne and Victoria have today issued a statement after the sale of its property at Bayswater for $6.8 million. 

The 3.22 hectares property at 26 Waldheim Road, Bayswater, had been a gathering place and entertainment venue for Melbourne’s Lesvian community for about 43 years, but the area and the age of the venue were financially loss-making.

In the statement on Facebook, the President John Karanikolas and Committee said whilst the sale is “disheartening,” it is time to relocate.

“Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne and Victoria, our club, is more than just a piece of land—it’s a community. A community of individuals who wish for our traditions to continue,” the statement reads.

“We’re all aware that the only way to ensure this, is by working together and by engaging the younger generation to carry on our traditions. We firmly believe that our community transcends physical boundaries; it resides in each of us who cherish our heritage.”

The statement then went on to thank Club members for their support throughout the sale process, as well as solicitor Peter Mitrakas.

“Ultimately, we respected the majority decision of our members to sell the property and we proceeded with the sale,” the statement reads.

“Throughout this journey, we’ve strived to honour our members’ requests and valued their input throughout the process of selling the property, keeping them informed every step of the way.”

The President and Committee said they will continue to safeguard the Lesvian cultural heritage for future generations.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our club’s narrative, ensuring the longevity of our club, and the preservation of our cherished traditions, destined to be honoured for many years to come no matter our physical location,” the statement concluded.

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