Two students at All Saints Grammar School in Belmore, Sydney, have been awarded the prestigious Watson School Leadership award by the Federal Member for Watson, Tony Burke MP.
The students were Year 12 School Captains, Vasileios and Karina.
The Watson School Leadership awards were established in 2009 and acknowledge high-achieving students who demonstrate strong leadership skills in their school environment.
In a post on Facebook, the School congratulated the students on their well-deserved recognition.
They also shared that Vasileios and Karina’s dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to their peers and reflect the values of All Saints Grammar School.
Sydney’s Newtown witnessed a visual feast on Saturday, March 9, as Luna Studio Art Gallery played host to the launch of the photography exhibition, ‘Face off: Portraits’ as part of the 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney. The exhibition features the remarkable works of renowned photographers Effy Alexakis and Yanni Dramitinos.
L to R: Alexandra Luxford, Nia Karteris, Leonard Janiszewski, Rhonda Davis, Effy Alexakis, Vasili Vasileiadis and Yanni Dramitinos.
The launch event saw the studio filled and overflowing onto the streets, as attendees had the privilege of immersing themselves in these thought-provoking works. They experienced a spectrum of human emotions – from humour and determination to sadness and triumph.
Special guests at the event included Bayside City Councillor Heidi Lee Douglas; Deputy Mayor at Randwick City Council, Alexandra Luxford; Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris; and Rhonda Davis, Senior Curator at Macquarie University.
Eirini Alligiannis and Effy Alexakis.
In her speech, Ms Karteris highlighted Alexakis’ decades-long contribution to both the community and the Greek Festival of Sydney, also acknowledging her partner Leonard Janiszewski. Ms Karteris also expressed gratitude for Dramitinos’ steadfast support of the festival.
Dramitinos, a familiar name among Australia’s Greek community, emphasised his photography journey, which began almost 12 years ago during his tenure at The Greek Herald.
L to R: Leonard Janiszewski, Rhonda Davis, Effy Alexakis and Yanni Dramitinos.
Mr Janiszewski, touched by the presence and support of Ms Davis, introduced her with heartfelt sentiments. Ms Davis, in turn, delivered a moving speech, delving into the meanings and contexts behind each artist’s works, offering the audience a deeper understanding of the exhibition.
Alexandra Luxford with her sons. Heidi Lee Douglas and Nia Karteris.
Jane Thorgerson and Effy Alexakis. Eirini Alligiannis and Professor Vrasidas Karalis.
Alexakis and Dramitinos, with their keen lenses, transcend traditional photography, reaching into the depths of their subjects’ psyche. Their captivating portraits, on display not only depict the celebrated and the familiar but also bring forth the previously unknown, inviting viewers to confront their own sense of “self.”
Photography on display.
Guests in attendance. Kyriakos Gold and Yanni Dramitinos.
This exhibition challenges perceptions and ignites introspection, providing a unique lens into the complexities of human existence. The overflow of attendees onto the streets indicates the overwhelming success and demand for this captivating showcase.
The public is invited to witness this showcase at Luna Studio Art Gallery, 465 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042, from March 6 to March 19, 2024. Admission is free, and no bookings are required.
Under the theme ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’ the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) joined the worldwide International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations with a special event held at Olympic Hall on Friday, 8 March.
During the event, distinguished guest speakers Angela Michael, Principal of Gawler & District College B-12, and Maria Panagiotidis, Magistrate at Adelaide Magistrates Court, shared their stories and said that although advances have been made towards gender equality and female participation, progress has been slow.
In her welcome speech, Hellas Lucas, chair of the GOCSA Cultural Committee, said, “we have come a long way since women were treated as men’s property, but there is a long way to go.”
The Hon Mira El Dannawi MLC representing the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, said it is vital that women’s contribution in multicultural communities be recognised and celebrated.
“I want to highlight the amazing work multicultural women do every day, and today is the time to celebrate their achievements and contributions,” Ms El Dannawi said.
She also highlighted some of the initiatives the Malinauskas government has taken to improve and further encourage the economic, social, and cultural participation of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women across different sectors.
The Hon Michelle Lensink MLC, Shadow Minister for Women, representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon David Speirs MP, said that “it’s an important day to celebrate and thank the women who give so much to their families and communities and increasingly in the world of work.”
Principal of Gawler & District College B-12, Angela Michael, shared her experiences growing up in a Greek family, her passion for shaping the future of young minds and her experience as an educator for the past 37 years. Ms Michael’s presentation was centered around the words Perseverance (Επιμονή), Purpose (Σκοπός), Passion (Πάθος).
“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed,” Ms Michael said.
The event continued with an uplifting presentation by Maria Panagiotidis, Magistrate at Adelaide Magistrates Court, who said that “we need women’s groups and we need to celebrate International Women’s Day because we always need to keep an eye on things and make sure that women are getting a fair go.”
During the event, GOCSA acknowledged two of its female volunteers for their contribution to the Community. The Award recipients were Mrs Koula Tsintziniotis, a long-standing volunteer at St Constantine and Helen Philoptochos, and Mrs Niki Tsatsos, a former volunteer and President of Taxiarchi Philoptochos for over ten years.
GOCSA President, Peter Gardiakos and Cultural Committee Chair, Hellas Lucas presented the Award to Mrs Tsintziniotis thanking her for her ongoing support and service to the organisation. Ms Lucas received the award on behalf of Mrs Tsatsos. Emcee at the event was Ms Smaro Skordas, General Secretary.
Local band Meraki Ensemble, with musicians Kostas Barlas – bouzouki, Demeter Tsounis – piano, Joakim Kalapatsonis – bass, musically enhanced the event.
Attending were the Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Ms Angela Evans and Cr Peter Ppiros, the Mayor of the City of West Torrens, Michael Coxon and Cr Zoi Papafilopoulos, Chair of the South Australian Multicultural Commission Ms Adriana Christopoulos, former director of Public Prosecutions Mr Stephen Pallaras and representatives of other Greek associations.
Speeches were followed by a buffet dinner and refreshments.
Darebin Council’s Cr Emily Dimitriadis hosted a very successful International Women’s Day event, with the Fairfield Bowls Club full despite the hot weather.
There were about 100 people present and a very large presence of Greek Australian women.
Women from culturally diverse backgrounds attended the event. Photo: Supplied.Education was revealed to be the one of the keys to achieving greater gender equality around the world. Photo: Supplied.
Former Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos spoke about the significance of the day and encouraged women, including migrant and refugee women, to be heard by decision-makers so they could have greater political influence.
In speaking about her own grandmothers who were denied an education, she emphasised that education was the key to achieving greater gender equality around the world. She encouraged women to support each other, to be positive role models and to mentor young people.
Many people participated in discussions on the day. Photo: Supplied.Many people attended the International Women’s Day event. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Mikakos also reflected on how Victoria was incredibly diverse with almost half its population having a parent born overseas, but that was not reflected in our parliamentarians, councillors, board members and CEOs.
A panel of speakers participated in the discussion and included the Chair of Safe + Equal, Maria Dimopoulos, Afghani football player Mursal Sadat, author and entrepreneur, Hana Assafiri and VMC Commissioner, Dr Judy Tang.
More than $1,000 was also raised on the day for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant and rich tapestry of Greek literature and culture at the upcoming Greek Language Writers’ Festival.
As a pioneering addition to the esteemed 42nd Greek Festival of Sydney Program, the Greek Language Book’s Festival promises an immersive experience celebrating the beauty and depth of Greek language and literature like never before.
Featuring a dynamic lineup of literary works, carefully curated by experts in the field, the festival will showcase two remarkable books that encapsulate the essence of Greek literature. Each of these works represents a unique exploration of the human experience, resonating with timeless themes and universal truths that transcend borders and generations.
The Greek Language Writers’ Festival flyer.
The event showcases the following Greek language books:
1. “Moral Continuum – Spacetime – Sisyphus and Meropi”
Synopsis: This thought-provoking book, the fifth instalment in a series by esteemed poet Theodoros Dalmaris, 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.
2. “Portraits of Women”
Author: Dina Tourvas
Synopsis: “Portraits of Women” is 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.
The festival will commence at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Greek Community Club located at 206-210 Lakemba Street, Lakemba NSW 2195. Admission to this enriching event is FREE, but attendees are required to book tickets in advance.
Event Details:
WHAT: Greek Language Writers’ Festival | Greek Language Books’ Festival
The winners have officially been revealed for the 2024 Oscars, with Yorgos Lanthimos’ film sweeping several major award titles.
Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for its 96th year, this year’s Oscars highlighted some of the biggest filmmakers, actors, directors, artistic and technical merits in the film and entertainment industry in Hollywood.
Poor Things received four awards at this year’s Oscars. They are for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Makeup and Hair and Best Actress, which went to Emma Stone.
Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone at the Oscars nomination luncheon last month. Photo: ABC7.
The filmPoor Thingswas officially released in January this year, and stars Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael.
It focuses on the story of Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone) – a young woman in Victorian London who is resurrected via a brain transplant and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Fronditha Care, a leading provider of aged care services, had acclaimed journalist Patricia Karvelas as its special guest celebrating International Women’s Day 2024.
Faye Spiteri OAM, Fronditha Care CEO, hosted the event with over 60 guests, who were captivated by the hour-long conversation that covered a range of topics from the origins of IWD to the ‘controversy’ over the annual theme of IWD and exploration of the progress made over the years in areas of women’s empowerment and leadership, gender equity, representation and inclusion.
Ms Karvelas, emphasising the significant strides made over the last 100 plus years, shared stories and reflections of her personal and professional journey. She paid homage to the generations of women that came before, who paved the way for the rights and privileges of many women today.
Patricia Karvelas. Photo: Supplied.
“We must never forget the struggles of previous generations, especially the women who grew up under very different conditions and who fought hard against their circumstances for a better society and future. And the challenges and inequality many women especially in areas of conflict across the world are currently facing. We must remember too that no right is guaranteed, and we must continuously fight for our rights because long held women’s rights, as we have witnessed in the USA, can be reversed”, she said.
Discussing the voices of women whose lived experience has been marginalised because of their social class, their sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, their cultural identity, Ms Karvelas recognised the women of migrant and First Nations backgrounds who navigated and overcame desperate conditions alongside societal pressures to rise above the accepted social mores of their time.
Speaking about the recent Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) report on the Gender Pay Gap data, Ms Karvelas noted its profound implications for societal cohesion and progress.
She articulated the benefits of wage equality, not only as a matter of fairness but also as a catalyst for economic growth and social stability.
Patricia Karvelas with Fronditha Care team members and other stakeholders. Photo: Supplied.
She emphasised the transformative power of diversity, particularly within organisational contexts and noted how in her observations, inclusive workplace environments foster innovation, creativity and collaboration.
“When you have people women and men from different backgrounds, you have different perspectives and opinions, so you broaden your horizons and this benefits everyone – not just women,” she said.
Ms Karvelas also spoke to her strong connection to her Greek cultural heritage, how her identity was shaped by the indelible influence of her older sister and grandparents who raised her after the loss of her parents at a young age. Ms Karvelas also addressed questions from the audience in relation to her professional journey as a journalist and the future of the media landscape and shared her thoughts on how to gain work life balance.
“It was such a pleasure to have Ms Karvelas with us – her candour, passion and enthusiasm impressed us all. She is a true influencer and her drive, determination and dedication to her profession, her family and community will continue to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for many women and men,” Ms Spiteri said in her closing remarks.
On Friday, March 8, the HellenicSociety of the University of New South Wales (Hellsoc UNSW) marked a special milestone celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Held at Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney, past and present members and guests gathered to commemorate the fifty year celebration of the university organisation.
With lots of delicious food and plenty of Greek dancing, the event also featured special presentations and speeches.
Jonathon Cremen, the current president of Hellsoc UNSW congratulated all who attended the Golden Jubilee.
Football Victoria has launched an investigation into an incident of fan violence that forced the abandonment of an NPL match between the Oakleigh Cannons and Dandenong Thunder on Friday night.
Disturbing footage from the match revealed at least one fan being knocked unconscious in the carnage.
After security attempted to control the brawl, police were then called to take over and de-escalate the situation and many fans were then removed from the pitch.
Police reported that three people were left injured following the incident. Photo: The Herald Sun.
It was reported that around 500 people attended the football match, some of which threw items at the police and other people within the area.
The incident took place when the Oakleigh Cannons were leading 2-0. The tensions rose when some of the Dandenong Thunder fans became triggered with the celebration from the Oakleigh striker Stef Valentini in the 42nd minute, which caused the game to be paused.
Referees then attempted to restart the match after a half-time break, but they ceased the match after fans began to come onto the pitch.
Football Victoria has since released a statement following the incident.
“Football Victoria is aware of a serious incident that took place at the Round 5 fixture between Oakleigh Cannons FC and Dandenong Thunder FC,” the statement read.
“FV condemns all forms of anti-social behaviour and violence, in line with FV’s rules of competition and spectator code of behaviour.
“FV has contacted both clubs, who join FV in condemning the behaviour and will fully co-operate with the investigation. FV is engaging with all relevant stakeholders to collect detail on the incident. FV will share further detail on sanctions in due course.”
Information provided by Victoria Police further revealed that three people involved in this brawl were reported injured, however did not need to be hospitalised.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, but no one has made a police report at this stage,” a police spokesperson said.
Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister, Theodoros Livanios, will be in Australia from March 21 this year to meet with the Greek communities in Melbourne and Sydney.
“Being the first time visiting Australia, I am thrilled and looking forward to meeting with the Greek Australian community, one of the largest groups of the global Greek diaspora…” Mr Livanios said in his statement.
Theodoros Livanios.
The Minister also said that during his visit, he wants to hear from the Greeks in Australia how bonds between Greece and the diaspora can be strengthened.
“Bearing in mind that Greeks all over the world, especially the ones who live thousand miles away from the motherland, like you, face a particular difficulty when willing to vote, we recently enacted the law allowing postal voting for the European elections as well as the referendums. We are therefore happy to share with the Greek Australians details on how to register in the epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr platform to vote at the forthcoming European elections in June,” Mr Livanios said.
“Of course, hearing back from all of you about ways that could facilitate and strengthen the bonds between Greece and the Greek diaspora is, and has always been, a main concern for our government.”
The 47-year-old politician will visit Melbourne from March 21 – 23 and Sydney from March 24 – 27.
