After the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage in Greece, the Orthodox Church in Corfu, Greece has taken action to impose a religious ban on two lawmakers who supported the reform.
AP News revealed that church authorities made the decision after two opposition lawmakers committed “the deepest spiritual and moral error” by voting in favour of the newly introduced same-sex marriage law.
The Church of Greece actively spoke out against these proposed changes and tried to pressure lawmakers to reject them.
“For us, these two (local) lawmakers cannot consider themselves active members of the Church,” a statement from the bishopric of Corfu said this week.
Protesters previously came together in Greece to oppose the same-sex marriage bill. Photo: NBC News.
The statement also mentioned that the lawmakers should not participate in the important Christian ceremony of communion, avoid attending any Church gatherings, and not receive formal recognition from Church officials at official events or local meetings.
“We exhort them to repent for their impropriety,” the statement added.
The bishopric then went on to praise a different lawmaker from Mitsotakis’ New Democracy party for voting against the law.
“That is the kind of politician, irrespective of other convictions, that we need in our country,” it said.
The new law has not only legalised same-sex marriage, but also granted full parental rights to married same-sex couples with children. However, it restricted gay couples from parenthood through surrogate mothers in Greece.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) expresses deep gratitude and heartfelt sentiments in response to a letter received from Mrs Sofia Giannaki Kagadi and the Ionion Centre for Arts & Culture.
Her portrayal of her experience at this year’s Antipodes Festival on Lonsdale Street, Melbourne’s historic Greek precinct, and her acknowledgment of the efforts by the GCM, is a source of motivation for the GCM.
Photo: Antipodes.
Photo: Antipodes.
In her letter, Mrs Giannaki Kagadi reminisces about the Festival, recognising the strong bond between the community and the preservation of Hellenism in multicultural Melbourne.
Specifically, she notes, “The heart of Greece beats in Melbourne. It’s evident that the Greek Diaspora has upheld the values they brought with them. The Greek flag in the hands of the youth. Musical melodies echoing the essence of Greek landscapes, from mountains to islands and seas. Pure Greek words spoken with reverence. Schools and educators passionately advocating for the preservation of Greek language and heritage. Congratulations to the Greek Community of Melbourne for their dedicated work. Congratulations to the Greek Diaspora for nurturing their children. Congratulations to Australia for embracing and enriching Greek values.”
Bill Papastergiadis, OAM, President of the GCM, remarked that Mrs Giannaki Kagadi’s letter underscores the significant and enduring impact of the GCM’s endeavours. Within her words, the vibrant tapestry of our shared cultural heritage as Greeks abroad is vividly portrayed, affirming our commitment to evolve dynamically in the future while steadfastly preserving our identity.”
Leonidas Vlahakis, Chair of the GCM Cultural Committee, stated “Mrs. Giannaki Kagadi’s sentiments will serve as an inspiring force propelling us forward in our mission to keep the Greek flame burning brightly, even amidst the distance from our homeland.”
Photo: Antipodes.
The complete letter follows:
Dear Mr Papastergiadis,
I am reaching out to you due to your esteemed position and contributions to the Greek Community. Recently, I had the unexpected pleasure of experiencing the ”36th Antipodes” event on Lonsdale Street, right in the heart of Melbourne. Despite growing up in these familiar surroundings, the spectacle I witnessed on February 24th and 25th offered a fresh perspective that left me awestruck.
The monumental discus thrower emblem gracing the 15-storey façade of the Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street. As the old saying “Opou Gis & Patris”, a wishful thinking of every Greek expat.
Throughout the event, I encountered numerous symbols of Greek identity and cultural vitality. From young children proudly holding the Greek flag, to the melodic strains echoing the essence of Greek landscapes, and the abundance of Greek language resonating through the ages, the atmosphere was alive with the spirit of Philhellenism. The diverse array of attendees, including the radiant youth of organizations like the Palladian Brotherhood and ”SAINT GERRY,” underscored the richness of our community. The event also showcased the tireless dedication of schools and educators in preserving Greek language and heritage, while the presence of various cultural kiosks highlighted the unwavering spiritual quest of the Greek Diaspora (including the Historical Brotherhood of the Ithakians). An endless list of touching surprises for those who know and those who don’t know the Diaspora.
It is an indisputable truth that the essence of Greece pulsates vibrantly in this place. The Greeks of the Diaspora have admirably upheld the values they carried with them, nurturing a flourishing legacy symbolized by the thousands of children gracing the 36th Antipodes event. These children, through their performances, vividly brought to life the rich tapestry of Hellenic history, spanning from mainland Greece to its islands, Pontus, and beyond. Remarkably, not a single inappropriate word was uttered by them, showcasing their innate reverence and dignity. They embody the spirit of Hellenism, with the lyre’s melody coursing through their veins, proudly representing it.
This generation of Diaspora children is the burgeoning tree of Hellenism, thriving beyond geographical borders. We earnestly hope that Greece acknowledges and supports this vital aspect of its cultural heritage, ensuring its continued growth and preservation of its inherent values within multicultural societies.
Heartfelt congratulations are extended to the Greek Community of Melbourne for their commendable efforts, to the Greeks of the Diaspora for nurturing their offspring, and to Australia for its unwavering commitment to upholding and reinforcing Greek values. Rest assured; we stand in solidarity with you in the noble task of safeguarding Greek culture.
Sofia Giannaki Kagadi and the Ionion Center for the Arts and Culture.
Former MasterChef judge and chef George Calombaris is set to take over the kitchen at popular Greek restaurant Alpha in Sydney.
According to Good Food, Calombaris will take over from Alpha’s founding chef, Peter Conistis, who has already departed the Castlereagh Street venue. Conistis fronted the venue since its opening in 2013.
As Greece gears up for Eurovision 2024, the singer representing them in this year’s competition, Marina Satti, has released her official music video for her song “Zari”.
Being filmed against the iconic backdrop of the Acropolis, “Zari” presents a fusion of multicultural influences wrapped in modern flair. Satti chose to incorporate traditional Greek music, as well as Balkan, and Arabic sounds.
Released on Thursday, March 7, and directed by Zac Wiesel, the music video also features other popular landmarks in Athens, Greece including Plaka, Monastiraki, Omonia, Lykavittos, Rafina, and “Eleftherios Venizelos” Airport.
“Zari”, meaning ‘dice’ in English, was composed by Marina Satti along with eight other Greek artists. They include Palmer Jordan Richard, Stolar Jay Lewitt, OGE, Beshkov Konstantin Plamenov, Nick Kodonas, Gino the Ghost, Vlospa and Solmeister.
This will be Greece’s 50th year in Eurovision. Marina Satti will take to the stage and represent Greece in Malmö, Sweden in the first half of the Second Semi-Final.
On Thursday, March 7, Greece’s PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis issued a message of support for Ukraine following an attempted Russian missile attack which took place hundreds of metres of himself and the Ukraine president.
Ekathimerini reported that this then resulted in the missile landing into port infrastructure in the Black Sea of Odesa.
In a speech at the two-day conference of the European People’s Party (EPP) in Bucharest, Romania, Mitsotakis said “No one will intimidate us”.
“I think we all have a message for the Kremlin: we will not be afraid, we will continue to support Ukraine and its brave citizens for as long as it takes. And we remain united on this issue,” Mitsotakis said.
Ευχαριστώ τον Πρόεδρο της Ουκρανίας @ZelenskyyUa για τη θερμή υποδοχή και τη φιλοξενία σήμερα στην Οδησσό. Η Ελλάδα θα εξακολουθεί να στηρίζει την Ουκρανία στον δίκαιο αγώνα για την προάσπιση της εθνικής της ακεραιότητας. https://t.co/0m6n0O4P8apic.twitter.com/6IfILDJl0k
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) March 6, 2024
Mitsotakis further added that the EU exhibited determination in backing Ukraine with a united front.
“Our enemies did not expect this. We support Ukraine financially and militarily, we impose sanctions on Russia,” he said.
“We are sending a message that no violation of sovereign rights and international law will be accepted by the European family.”
The alleged attack took place at 11:45 am on Wednesday, March 6, when the Greek and Ukrainian delegations were on a tour of the historic port of Odesa.
The strike resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to several others, yet neither of the two delegations reported any casualties.
Despite the explosion that took place, the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Greece’s President, Kyriakos Mitsotakis went ahead.
A Ukrainian diplomatic adviser, Ihor Zhovkva also commented on the attack.
“It really was less than 500 meters from us. What was that? … You cannot exclude it was directed at the delegation of my president or the delegation of foreign guest,” Ihor Zhovkva told CNN Live.
“It took the missile less than three minutes to reach the target, the site of the port of Odesa.
“Have we had enough air defence; this ballistic missile could have been intercepted.”
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a day dedicated to recognising the achievements and contributions of women globally.
Over recent years, The Greek Herald has celebrated IWD through its pages and this year, we launched ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award. This prestigious recognition was aimed at shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and inspiring stories of Greek and Cypriot ‘unsung heroines’ (women) in Australia.
The Greek Herald was overwhelmed by the more than 300 nominations it received for the Award. We would like to thank our readers for actively taking part in our IWD campaign and nominating diverse women from Australia’s Greek and Cypriot communities – whether that was a mentor, a teacher, a volunteer or a woman in the field of business, education, science, arts and culture, sports, philanthropy, or any other area.
Your nominations were carefully reviewed by an independent panel consisting of the Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou MP, the SA Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and the Arts, Andrea Michaels MP, and the CEO of Settlement Services International, Violet Roumeliotis AM.
The selection panel for ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award consisted of (L-R) Violet Roumeliotis, Maria Vamvakinou MP, and Andrea Michaels MP.
The independent panel was provided with targeted criteria and tasked with selecting 15 finalists and the winner of ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award. The winner will be announced online on IWD and in print on Wednesday, March 13.
Ms Michaels said “it was tough” to narrow down the nominations as all the women were impressive.
“All of these amazing women are doing incredible work to improve the lives of others and they should be very proud of their achievements,” Ms Michaels said.
Ms Roumeliotis said she was impressed by the diversity of the women nominated in terms of their geographical spread (with entries from the east coast but also rural and regional areas across Australia), as well as their interests and passions (from history, education and language to even photography).
“What struck me most was their ability to inspire and positively influence others, particularly within the Greek Australian and Cypriot Australian community. It became evident that these women led well-rounded lives, valuing their culture and life experiences. They emerged as contributors dedicated to creating a better society, making a difference, and leaving a significant legacy,” Ms Roumeliotis said.
Ms Vamvakinou added that whilst she and her fellow panellists had some difficult choices to make, they enjoyed “learning about so many wonderful and high achieving women who were very deserving.”
“I was impressed with the brevity and diversity of the nominees. The fact that there were so many nominations indicates that our community responded with great enthusiasm to ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award. Clearly, we have so many heroines deserving recognition,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
The 15 finalists for ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award are:
Anastasia Darras, Philanthropist, Victoria
Ana Darras AM has been positively impacting the lives of sick children and families for over 30 years. Her energy, selflessness and dedication to making their lives better is beyond inspiring. She has helped drive and grow TLC for Kids into an international charity providing support to over 3,500 children and their families every day of the year. She is my personal hero, and an unsung hero to thousands. I, along with our whole organisation, were so very proud that she was among the recipients of the Australia Day Honours this year when she became a Member of the Order of Australia. You would be hard come by to find a more dedicated and incredible human being who continues to make this world a better place for not just vulnerable people, but anyone who meets her.
Angela Mastroyannis, Volunteer MS Fitness Instructor, South Australia
Angela Mastroyannis, a young 82 years, is a much-adored fitness instructor who in a voluntary capacity has developed and run weekly classes for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since 2016 at the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre. As a trained fitness instructor, she had not had experience with MS sufferers before, however she researched, collaborated, and communicated with health professionals to develop an effective targeted MS program, focused on core muscle strength, cardio, mobility and balance.
Described by participants as an inspiration and a legend, she is credited for improving overall wellbeing both physically, mentally and socially. Classes are the highlight of the week for attendees, who have become a tightknit support for each other with Angela playing a vital role in keeping them connected and positive on their MS journey.
MS class participants are full of praise and admiration for this outstanding motivator who is also a friend with great empathy.
Amalia Samios, Genealogist, New South Wales
Amalia Samios is a dedicated researcher on a mission to collate all the history of the ancestry of the island of Kythera, Greece. She has traced and translated almost every document available in the history of the island, including all births, deaths and marriage records along with passport documents. She’s also looked at many, many photos and newspapers and translated the information for generations to come to have access too.
She has dedicated hundreds of thousands of hours to this work over the past ten years, and has traveled the world to find information to translate. Including numerous trips to Kythera where she has gone through all the archives (and she has donated money to help preserve these documents). Along with the help of the Mormon church, who have added a lot to the archives of the island too.
Her mission is to give the work she has done to the world to be able to share. She has started sharing what she can through her website Kytherian genealogy. Her work will ensure that the history of Kythera will live on for many more generations to come.
Maria Anthony, Community Services, New South Wales
Maria Anthony continues to make an impact on people’s lives in many communities. Working in community services and implementing intergenerational programs, bringing together the elderly and the youth in our local community, making an impact on local seniors. As president of Pontoxeniteas NSW, she volunteers her time in a not-for-profit organisation providing free dance, music and language lessons for all.
Maria has worked with and assisted many different Greek organisations and with different communities including Armenians, Assyrians and Jewish community in relation to recognising the genocide. Maria has organised and hosted many fundraisers including for the Westmead Childrens Hospital, Giant Steps (autism), Alzheimer’s, Cancer Council, mental health and suicide prevention (Black Dog Institute). Maria has raised money and donations for flood relief victims in Greece and organised donations and food for fire fighters at Balmoral Fire station.
Gina Poulos, Philanthropist, Victoria
Gina, an unsung heroine from Australia’s Greek community, epitomises unwavering dedication to humanitarian service. For 28 years, she has led Theodora House Inc., a beacon of hope providing emergency food relief. Beginning in Sydney and extending her reach to Traralgon and Langwarrin, Gina’s compassion knows no bounds, uplifting those facing homelessness and financial hardship.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gina’s leadership transformed Theodora House, expanding its services to distribute essential supplies to thousands each month. Her visionary approach, coupled with her emotional intelligence and innovative problem-solving, sustains the charity’s impact, inspiring a team of over 20 volunteers.
Recognised for her commitment, Gina was honored with the 2020 Senior Citizen award by the Frankston City Council and received the prestigious HACCI Community Service award in 2021. Her tireless efforts embody the spirit of service, making Gina a shining example of hope and inspiration for International Women’s Day 2024.
Nancy (Athanasia) Katsimberis, Energy Consultant and Philanthropist, Queensland
Nancy (Athanasia) Katsimberis is the Management Executive and Co-Founder of Australian Utilities Company, and on the board of the National Customer Code Council for Energy Brokers, Consultants and Retailers. With over nine years of experience in the utilities sector and a passion for sustainability, she has presented at local and international conferences, and is a thought leader in the area of prepaid metering for utilities, completing the inaugural degree at Bond of Masters of Philosophy in Business (Marketing).
Passionate about heart-centred leadership, collaboration and giving back to her community, Nancy is the President of the Gold Coast Passport Rotary Club and the secretary and fundraising grant writer for Serving Our People and the treasurer, project manager and grants writer for Abilities Plus Inc. Nancy has secured over $1, 000 000 for charitable projects / initiatives. Awarded the 2021 Top 100 Women In Construction.
Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist / Academic, New South Wales
Dr Anastasia Hronis is a clinical psychologist, working across clinical practice and academia. She has a passion for assisting the entire community to access mental health care. Anastasia founded the Australian Institute for Human Wellness in 2019, providing mental health services to individual and communities. She has a team of 12 staff who provide mental health treatment across Australia. She and her team also work with communities facing additional barriers in regional areas (Broken Hill, Mildura, Northern Territory).
Her PhD was the first to see how therapy can be adapted for children with intellectual disabilities. She has specific interest in addictions and have been instrumental in advocating for gambling reform. Anastasia is also a lecturer and researcher at UTS. Last year she was commissioned by Penguin Random House to write a neuroscience book about addictions and healthy habits for the general public, which will be available in September.
Ourania Rekas, Retired, New South Wales
Ourania Rekas stands as an unsung heroine within the Australian Greek community, a testament to resilience and determination. Arriving with little more than dreams in the early 1960s, she forged a path of extraordinary impact. Despite facing educational limitations, she tirelessly supported her husband’s ventures while raising three children, later becoming a cherished grandmother of seven.
At 54, Ourania embarked on a remarkable journey, pursuing education with fervor. Graduating with a Diploma in Early Childhood after completing her secondary education at TAFE, she exemplified lifelong learning and tenacity. Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished as she established a successful family daycare business, enriching the lives of countless children and families. Post-retirement, her dedication to service soared, championing numerous charities and community initiatives. Notably, her leadership roles within AHEPA and efforts in growing church participation underscore her profound impact on community cohesion and empowerment.
Anais Menounos, Lawyer & Founder of St Nicholas Mission Academy (Ghana), New South Wales
In 2018, Anais founded a school in Ghana, Africa called St Nicholas Mission Academy. After finishing her Law/Arts degree, Anais travelled to Ghana where a boy ran up to her and begged her for a book to read. It was the boldness of this boy that instilled in her a boldness to return to Ghana and offer a book to not only one child, but as many children as possible. Driven by her selflessness, she overcame each obstacle with faith and tenacity. The thriving school now feeds, clothes and educates 250 children for free. They also provide free medical insurance covering vaccinations and medicines. But these are only the tangible gifts. Anais provides hope for a better life for children born into a cycle of poverty and employs 15 local Ghanaian staff. St Nic’s also inspires children in Australia to assist those less fortunate through community partnerships, fundraising and volunteering.
Maria Palaktsoglou, Senior Lecturer in Modern Greek at Flinders University, South Australia
For over 30 years, Flinders academic Dr Maria Palaksoglou has taught thousands of students Greek language, history, mythology and culture. This work is particularly important given that Dr Palaksoglou is currently heading the only university Greek language offerings in South Australia. Dr Palaksoglou designs learning experiences that extend well beyond language skills acquisition, into a nuanced and thoughtful understanding of the multi-dimensionality of past and contemporary Greek culture and contributions to the world.
Dr Palaksoglou’s work is deeply valued by her students, who consistently offer 100% positive feedback across all dimensions of Flinders measures of teaching excellence. This is an outstanding achievement and one that places her in the top echelons of teachers in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and Flinders University. In short, Dr Palaksoglou’s work buttresses the knowledge and valuing of diversity that is foundational to a vibrant multi-cultural society.
Anastasia Xenophontos, Pensioner, Victoria
Anastasia has been a volunteer at the Cyprus Community of Melbourne for many years in the ladies auxiliary and cultural group where she played in theatre roles. She has her own cultural and theatrical group and offers her expertise and skills by scriptwriting plays in which are presented at nursing homes and other community centres when required
Maria Maikousis, Retired Public Servant, Victoria
Maria Maikousis’ influence spans across Australia’s Greek community and beyond, embodying a lifelong commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a cherished Board Member of the Food for Thought Network, Maria empowers Greek women through events and mentorship. Her resilience in overcoming breast cancer fuels her passion for service, offering a unique perspective on life.
Maria’s involvement in organisations like Daughters of Penelope, AHEPA, and Zonta showcases her philanthropic spirit, evident in initiatives such as fundraising luncheons and educational support, as well as her 37 years of experience in Public Service. Notably, Maria’s pioneering role as the inaugural Officer of the Ethnic Communities Council in Canberra highlights her advocacy for equality. Maria epitomises the essence of an Unsung Hero.
Despa Fitzgerald, Detective Superintendent, NSW Police Force
Despa, originally from the rural town of Wagga Wagga and to immigrant parents Mark and Vicky Criticos, realised her childhood ambition when she joined the NSW Police Force in 1988 at Maroubra Police Station. She then transitioned to the newly established Child Protection Enforcement Agency in 1996, she wholeheartedly committed herself to safeguarding children, victims of domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Despite the male-dominated environment, Despa ascended through the ranks to become a Detective Superintendent.
In 2022, she assumed command of the Inner West Police Area Command, prioritising community relationships and supporting initiatives like the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, a vital source of food aid for vulnerable groups. Actively engaging in youth programs such as the Rise Up Program at Marrickville Police Citizens Youth Club, the Greek community, and various outreach programs underscores her unwavering commitment to public service. In 2024 she was an Australian Police Medal Recipient.
Georgia Alexandrou, Cypriot community leader, Australian Capital Territory
Georgia Alexandrou is the first female leader to have taken the presidency of the Cyprus Community of ACT (CCACT) from 2000-2023. Her strong and enduring leadership provided a long period of stability for the Cypriots in the Canberra district and all of Australia. Georgia has been instrumental in advancing relations with Cyprus and Greece working closely with the Cyprus High Commission and the numerous visiting missions of high-ranking Cypriot dignitaries and officials.
Georgia has worked tirelessly in initiating annual commemorative events to remember those killed in the Turkish invasion. She has led her committee in the support of organised petitions to Federal parliament on national Cypriot issues alongside PASEKA and the AHC. On 22 April 2021, Georgia was elected president of Pan-Australian Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee (PASEKA). Sadly, Georgia has recently stepped down from presidency from both CCACT and PASEKA due to illness.
Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis, ACU-TFA Regional Lead (WA), Unit Coordinator/ Lecturer/Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia
Dr. Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis is a pioneering force in the relentless preservation and propagation of the Greek language and culture in Western Australia. With exemplary leadership and transformative influence, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, inspiring others to embrace and cherish the richness of the Greek language and cultural heritage. Her exceptional mentorship capabilities and unwavering commitment to nurture the next generation of educators have been invaluable to countless individuals.
As a lecturer at The University of Western Australia to her foundational contributions at secondary schools, she is continually raising the standards of Greek language education. Her active engagement in professional associations and initiatives aimed at preserving Greek language and culture demonstrates her advocacy and influence.
Serving as Chairperson of the Modern Greek Language Teacher’s Association (WAMGLTA) and Director of the Centre for the Greek Language in WA, she has been instrumental in shaping educational policies. A true unsung Hellenic heroine.
The Pontian Society of Sydney “Panagia Soumela” hosted the first of a series of workshops on Tuesday night with acclaimed musicians and tutors Theodoras Kotidis and Kostas Zois.
The workshop presented an introduction to Pontian music with a huge emphasis on the two main instruments synonymous with Pontic music, the Lira “Kemetze” and Drum “Dauli.”
President of Panagia Soumela Hellena Flame opened the workshop with a heartfelt welcome to both artists and the 50 or so participants.
Photo: Supplied.
“It is an honour to have you both in our Pontian home and we thank you for your tireless efforts in passing on your knowledge of our rich culture to the next generations,” she said.
Continuing her speech, Hellena also thanked visiting Presidents Esta Pashalidis Chilas, President of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, Maria Anthony from Pontoxeniteas NSW and Nick Chrisostomidis from Wollongong Diogenes.
The workshop covered a brief history, beginner tips, tuning and cultural etiquette to do with the instruments. Due to great enthusiasm during the Q&A the workshop expanded to cover a more in depth look at the structure of Pontian lyrics and the changing trends though out the last century up to the present.
Photo: Supplied.Photo: Supplied.
“Every emerging musician or singer will chose his own journey or micro genre when it comes to producing or expressing Pontic music,” Mr Kotidis said.
“The audience will be the judge of what will be liked and to what level the changes from what our forefathers left us will be accepted. But it is imperative and compulsory for every beginner to stick within the parameters of tradition in their beginner years before they start to venture into new styles.”
The workshop touched upon etiquette as a vital part of every Pontian artist.
“When you step on stage holding our traditional instruments you no longer are George, Kosta or Yianni, you are an ambassador of Pontos. At that moment you have become a representative of a whole peoples and culture,” Mr Zois said.
Photo: Supplied.
“Small detail in your appearance shows respect to the instrument, our culture and most importantly the audience. Shorts and thongs are a strictly forbidden of my students.”
The night ended with drinks and light snacks prepared by the wonderful committee of Panagia Soumela.
This event was one of a series of workshops planned for Sydney and Melbourne. It is a part of the 2024 SYNAPANTEMA Pontian festival under the auspice of The Federation of Pontian Associations Australia and concludes on Sunday 10th of March with a final workshop in the Pontian House of Pontoxeniteas in Undercliff.
According to The Herald Sun, 59-year-old Athena Razos embezzled more than $1.5 million from a Melbourne legal firm between 2013 and 2017. This money went towards the construction of a new house in Box Hill South on land she had previously bought for about $1 million.
Razos’ offending was uncovered in late 2017 and the Victorian Legal Services Board found she was not a fit and proper person to work in the profession in 2020.
Razos faced the Victorian County Court on Thursday for a pre-sentencing hearing after more than a year of adjournments as she underwent mental health treatment.
Her barrister Gideon Boas said Razos had repaid the law firm more than $1.1 million in 2018, before she was charged with any offences. Razos struck a deal with the firm to repay a further sum of about $330,000 once she has obtained funds from the sale of the Box Hill South house which has been restrained.
Razos was remanded in custody despite her defence team arguing that she was “not a flight risk” due to her “being on bail for years” and having appointments with a psychiatrist lined up.
The case was adjourned for further plea later this month.
The room buzzed with prominent Greek Australian women who gathered to listen to Dr Angelia Grant, one of Australia’s leading macroeconomists: Australia’s G20 Sherpa, former International Monetary Fund executive director and Head of the G20 and Trade Policy Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Dr Angelia Grant.
“I have often been one of the few women at the table,” she said, looking at the mainly female crowd.
Here, she was among people who could relate. But she was not here to highlight discrimination, but to share her vulnerability – like the time she realised she was being underpaid when she read the Annual Report.
Dr Grant addresses the audience.
“I was the head of one of the biggest divisions in the Treasury but was one of the lowest paid,” she said
“I think transparency is extremely important.”
Dr Angelia Grant and Robyn Saranah with Flowers by Vasette.
The UN report this week made it clear. It will take 286 years to get gender equity, pointed out seasoned executive Robyn Saranah, leading the Q&A with Dr Grant.
“What do you advise?” she asked.
Dr Grant referred to the book given to her by her mentor, strategic advisor Penny Sahini, about Joice Nan Kivell Loch, an Australian author, journalist and humanitarian worker who worked with refugees in Greece and other countries. Loch’s life story inspired Dr Grant when considering the best way towards gender equality.
Dr Angelia Grant, her mentor Penny Sahini, and Robyn Saranah. Dr Barbara Wilson and Penny Sahinis with their mentee Dr Angelia Grant.Stella Avramopoulos and Penny Sahinis.
“There’s probably three things we need to do if we think about investing in women,” she said.
“We need to invest in ourselves. We need to invest in each other. We need to invest in the system… We shouldn’t just invest in women, but everyone.”
Dr Grant spoke of the benefits of mentorship.
Dr Grant and Soranah.
“I am a mentor for lots of women, mainly young public servants. Some are economists, but not all,” she told The Greek Herald, beaming with pride as she shared one particular story. “A young woman was at university when I started mentoring her, and now she is a junior analyst in the Australian public service.”
Dr Grant may not have children of her own, but she feels a maternal connection with her mentees.
Dr Angelia Grant and Robyn Saranah with Flowers by Vasette.
Her own mentors, Dr Barbara Wilson and Penny Sahinis, watched with pride as she opened up about what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated landscape.
Dr Grant said she draws strength from other women.
“I get a lot out of being mentored and it hits different dimensions: partly confidence, partly people who understand you, partly friendship. And women connect you to other women,” she said.
There were successful women at the HACCI event.
There were some men scattered among the women.Stella Avramopoulos from The Good Shepherd.
Dr Grant told the audience to be aware that they are role models.
“I was on the IMF board and I got an email from a young woman in Saudi Arabia. She wrote, ‘I heard you are going. Can I take you out for lunch?’ She was insistent in taking me out for lunch,” Dr Grant said.
Audience members engrossed by the conversation between Dr Grant and Robyn Saranah
Career coach Lena Coates asks a question about women and salary negotiation.
“She said that when I requested to speak [at public meetings] the women would message each other and say, ‘Dr Grant is going to speak.’ The woman said, ‘You’ve made me believe that one day I can be on the board of the IMF’.”
She hopes to someday see this Saudi woman achieve this goal.
Dr Grant and students from Oakleigh Grammar.
Watching the talk were some Year 11 students from Oakleigh Grammar.
“I was thinking of doing zoology next year but I also have two units of economics,” Natasha Kaniadakis said.
“I’m enjoying it so maybe leaning a bit more towards being an economist after tonight. It’s very empowering to hear a woman in such a high position in the government. Our generation may make the gap close a little bit more.”
Fotini Kypraios addresses those present at HACCIs IWD event.
HACCI President Fotini Kypraios spoke of HACCI’s annual IWD event, currently in its 10th year.
“I’m looking at you today, looking at the audience, as grateful as I am for the men who have come to join us here tonight, I lament that not more men join International Women’s Day events because it’s the men who need to hear the female experience and it’s the men who also need to influence change within their spheres at work, at home, and in their communities… Every step we take towards equality, we need to take those steps alongside men,” Ms Kypraios said.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, the 42ndGreek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with The Greek Herald, will hold an inspiring event to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Greek women in Australia and around the world.
Andriana Simos: Panel Moderator & Digital Editor at The Greek Herald
Jenny Zagas: Principal at Lucas Gardens School & Disability Advocate
Anais Menounos: Sydney Lawyer & Co-founder of the St Nicholas Mission Academy in Ghana, Africa
Marika Kontellis: Director at Zakumi Consulting, CEO at Inner Sydney Voice, CEO at Council on the Ageing NSW
Yiana Roumeliotis: Community Engagement Officer at the Addison Road Community Organisation
In the lead up to the event – which will also feature the inaugural presentation of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year award– we will showcase each panellist and their accomplishments.
Andriana Simos is a dedicated journalist and digital editor at The Greek Herald, Australia’s largest daily newspaper for the Greek and Cypriot communities. She has always aspired to produce work which is not only credible and authentic, but also insightful about the social and political impacts of news and community events. This aspiration can be clearly seen through her published work for The Greek Herald, ABC 7.30, SBS Dateline, and News Corp Australia.
