Every four years we have a February 29 – also known as a leap year.
While a relatively minor adjustment for everyone to make, the leap day actually serves a very important role in keeping our seasons in sync with the sun and moon, with a history going back thousands and thousands of years.
They exist because it takes roughly (but not exactly) 365.25 days for Earth to orbit the sun, and so we need to add around one extra day to the calendar every four years.
Over time, leap years have been associated with all sorts of weird and wonderful traditions: from the wild notion that February 29 is the only day when women can propose to men, to the Leap Year Festival held in Anthony, New Mexico, which sees people born on this special day gather to celebrate their rare birthdays together.
In Greece, people believe that getting married on February 29 is unlucky. According to ancient Greek tradition, most marriages celebrated on the leap day will lead to divorce.
Another Greek superstition holds that a couple is destined to never be happy again if they split during a leap year.
Believe these superstitions or not, February 29 is also considered just another normal day for many.
Pontians from across Australia are set to gather in Sydney, Wollongong from Friday, March 1st to Sunday, March 3rd for the annual Synapandema event.
The Synapandema 2024 event is being organised by the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, which is made up of seven member associations including Pontoxeniteas NSW, Panagia Soumela Sydney, Diogenes Wollongong, Pontian Club Canberra, Akritis tou Pontou, Pontic Foundation of Panagia Soumela of Australia, and the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia.
The event will give Pontians a chance to celebrate their unique culture from Pontian music to dancing and food.
The highlight of the event will be a Dinner Dance held on Saturday, March 2nd, at the Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow from 7pm.
The Dinner Dance will feature dancing performances from Pontian dance groups across Australia, a three course meal and LIVE Entertainment, as well as live music by Kostas Zois and Thodoros Kotidis.
On Sunday, March 3rd, there will also be a special event – Picnic at Stuart Park – at George Hanley Dr, North Wollongong at 11:30am.
More details about tickets to the Dinner Dance can be found here.
Alexander Poniris, a 25-year-old MMA fighter from Sydney, is on the pursuit to go pro in the fighting world.
With six wins and two losses to his name, Alexander told The Greek Herald his fighting journey was inspired by him growing up watching Bruce Lee movies and watching the famous Connor McGregor fight in the UFC.
“I was always into watching fights, and one day I was just like ‘I want to try martial arts,” Alexander said.
“I started with taekwondo from 12 years old, and now I have a Black Belt in it. As I got older, I began taking it more seriously, where I started fighting nationally and internationally in different competitions.
Alexander Poniris in his taekwondo gear.
Training.
Alexander Poniris fighting, in preparation for the UFC.
“Now I do Taekwondo, Muay Thai, jujitsu, wrestling and boxing as you pretty much have to stay sharp and well skilled in every aspect of Mixed Martial Arts.”
Alexander said after completing school, he went into carpentry. He worked in the field for eight years.
“I then pretty much gave it up to pursue fighting full time,” he said.
“Now I teach kids from ages three to adults, ju jitsu full-time, and I also train three times a day; in the morning, lunchtime and at night. I train roughly 20 hours a week.
Battle.
Alexander Poniris.
“My schedule is really flexible which I love as it allows me to have lots of time to train.”
The 25-year-old fighter said he hopes to take his passions to a more professional level this year.
“Next year, I’ll be turning pro, and from there, I hope to make it into the UFC. I’ve been doing all the right things, training with top guys and I hope to continue chasing the dream,” Alexander said.
“I have fought in national competitions in Queensland and in Sydney for taekwondo, where I’ve claimed the title of a two-time national champion and six-time state champion. I’ve had probably over 100 fights in taekwondo over 13 years.
“In 2017, I also went to Korea and fought at the biggest taekwondo competition, and although I didn’t win, it was a great experience to fight internationally, and I hope more opportunities will continue to come for international fights.”
The future UFC fighter said going professional is all about making mistakes, learning from them, and working hard with your coach to make sure you’re well prepared.
“My goal was to have eight to 10 fights before I made it to a pro level, but obviously with COVID, fighting was a bit hard and I was set back,” Alexander said.
“Now as a result of this, I think I’ve had plenty of time, the right amount of fights and have gained a good amount of experience so I’m comfortable enough to take the next step to go pro.”
Alexander said he feels so lucky to be able to do what he loves full-time.
Alexander said he feels so lucky to be able to do what he loves full-time.
“Sometimes I feel like I need to pinch myself with the life that I live,” he said.
“It’s definitely a blessing that I get to do what I love every day, which includes teaching and training.
“It doesn’t even feel like I’m working, there’s just so much to love about the sport. I love the preparation, the commitment, the dedication and just learning different skills.”
Alexander loves “the preparation, the commitment, the dedication and just learning different skills.”
The Sydney fighter said there’s no better feeling than walking out to the cage, being in front of an audience and putting on a show.
“I love the adrenaline rush, I love the excitement and it just makes me feel so good,” Alexander said.
“It’s such a rewarding feeling to see all your hard work pay off when you go to fight.”
To keep up to date with Alexander’s fights, visit his Instagram @alexanderponiris.
Seeking to improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged children in Greece, The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) joint 2023 End of Year Appeal raised $80,000 worldwide for SOS Children’s Villages Greece educational programs.
All three chapters of the global philanthropic family, THI, THI Australia and THI Canada joined together in the ‘Oli Mazi’ spirit in support of the same cause.
“We know that education is key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage and intergenerational poverty and all gifts, small and large for SOS Children’s Villages Greece will make a meaningful impact”, said Nick Pappas AM, THI Australia’s President.
The Hellenic Initiative’s global end of year appeal raises $80,000 for children’s education.
Founded in 2012, THI is a global non-profit organisation that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. Since its founding, THI has collectively invested more than $21 million in Greece.
This year THI Australia, a registered charity in Australia, celebrates its 10th anniversary. SOS Children’s Villages has been operating in Greece since 1975 and it is the world’s largest organisation focused on ensuring that children and young people without parental care grow up with the care and support they need to become their strongest selves.
“I will always fondly remember the first THI event that took place in New York eleven years ago. This was the beginning of THI’s great humanitarian initiative which has brought relief and help to thousands of children and people in need,” said George Protopapas, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Greece.
Donations from the End of Year Appeal to SOS Children’s Villages Greece will enable children from low-socioeconomic communities to reach their full potential. A gift of $30 will cover a portion of the costs to ensure 5 children receive educational assistance in Greek, Math and literacy. Larger gifts increase the number of beneficiaries proportionally and add English classes, STEM education, healthy snacks, and well-being activities.
Through the Education and Social centers overseen by SOS Children’s Villages Greece, our grant will also empower parents facing financial or educational obstacles. Each academic year up to 2,000 children aged 8 to 17 from local communities and up to 1,500 parents access the amazing support offered at the centres. This assistance increases the resilience, psychosocial well-being, and self-esteem of all participants.
On the occasion of the “Speak Greek in March” campaign, the Hellenic Writers Association of Australia is organising a literary competition – ‘From Greece to the world’ – on Greece and the Greek language.
Theme included: Effects of Hellenism in the world. Influences, representations of Greek art around the world.
The aim of this competition is to give pupils and teachers the opportunity to reflect, comment and express feelings and thoughts about the Greek world and culture.
The competition is open to teachers, secondary school pupils, high school pupils, students and all those who wish to take part, both individually and as a group of two to three people, whether or not they are of Greek origin.
Participants in the literary competition will compete in the following literary genres: prose, fairy tale, historical tale, short story or poem.
Suggested themes for inspiration:
The history of Hellenism from antiquity to the present day.
The everyday life of Greeks in Greece and the Diaspora.
The fine arts, music, songs and Greek dances.
Literature (myths, legends, legends, lullabies, fairy tales, short stories, novels).
Important figures in the history and culture of the Greeks.
Influences of Greek culture on universal civilisation.
Presence and manifestations of social phenomena in Greek communities in Greece and in the Diaspora (e.g. violence, racism, social discrimination, war).
Literary work must be original and written in the Greek language. All resulting works should be in WORD format. Works will be judged at three levels (A, B, C) and one winner will be chosen from each category of the competition, who will receive a cash prize. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Categories:
Α. Students in grades A, B & C of high school
Β. Students in grades A, B & C of high school
C. Students and adults
The aims of the Hellenic Writers Association of Australia’s latest literary competition are:
The Participation Awards and Honorary Diplomas to be announced and awarded
The Awards and Participation Awards will be announced at an open event organised by the Hellenic Writers’ Association Australia.
The names of the schools and teachers who will participate in the activity and the names of the winners will be officially announced in the media.
The works will be published in next year’s Logos magazine.
The Coordination Committee of S.E.L.S.A. is at your disposal for any clarifications. The deadline for submission of entries: Friday, 28 June 2024.
Entries must be sent with the subject title – for the ‘Literary Competition’ – to the S.E.L.S.A. email address hellenicwritersau@gmail.com.
The competition is organised under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne. Responsible for the organisation: The Hellenic Writers Association of Australia and the Board of Directors – President, Roma Siachou, and the Association’s Secretary, Maria Kampyli.
Bill Drakopoulos‘ Sydney Restaurant Group has added the popular Elouera Beach residing venue, Summer Salt, to its growing business portfolio.
According to The Leader, when the prominent restaurateur learned that the restaurant was for sale last spring, he paid a lunchtime visit, unannounced.
“As soon as I walked in I thought, ‘Wow, this is phenomenal’,” Drakopoulos said.
Restaurateur Bill Drakopoulos at Summer Salt on Elouera beach, the Sydney Restaurant Groups’ newest venue. Photo: John Veage.
“There is none more beautiful than this, although I think it needs a makeover and total refresh.”
Drakopoulos said the group wanted to work very closely with the surf club as well.
No stranger to Sutherland Shire, and having spent his childhood in Kirrawee, Drakopoulos also attended Gymea High School and surfed with his brothers on Cronulla beaches.
“They are good people and [they] do great work and we have a moral responsibility to do some fund raising and so on”, Drakopoulos added.
“We may also be able to assist them with catering for their functions..”
Drakopoulos anticipates that by early March, the refurbished venue will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
Police have arrested a man after another man was shot inside a building in Sydney’s CBD on Wednesday afternoon.
The building on Castlereagh Street houses the Consulate of Greece in Sydney.
Emergency services were called to the building at about 12:50pm, following reports of a person being shot.
Police said the 77-year-old victim was shot in the groin at a law firm on the ninth floor of the office building.
Paramedics treated the man at the scene, before taking him to St Vincent’s Hospital in a stable condition.
Police have blocked off Castlereagh Street after the shooting. Photo: AAP / Luke Costin.
Police said they have a 79-year-old man in custody and he was assisting with their enquiries. He was not injured and declined medical attention.
Workers inside the law firm helped restrain the alleged shooter and gave the victim first aid until ambulance crews arrived.
A crime scene has been established and police have asked the public to avoid the area.
Police said it was too early to say what relationship existed between the two men.
Arabella Fennessy and Peniana Blair told The Daily Telegraph they were walking around the CBD when they heard and saw a flurry of lights and sirens. Ms Blair said the pair then saw a man carried out of the building with the “Greek flag” on a stretcher.
Former lift truck driver, Theo Seremetidis will receive $21,000 from Qantas after the company was found guilty of illegally standing him down following concerns raised about cleaning aircraft in the early days of the Covid pandemic.
According to The Australian, Seremetidis was stood down from his role with Qantas Ground Services in February 2020 after he gave his colleagues a direction to stop unsafe work.
Seremetidis, the elected health and safety representative, was concerned about the potential of contracting the corona virus when cleaning aircraft arriving from China.
In 2020, @Qantas stood down Health & Safety Rep Theo Seremetidis after he raised concerns with management about the risks of cleaning aircraft inbound from China without any PPE during the pandemic.
On November 16, last year, Judge David Russell ruled that Qantas participated in “discriminatory conduct” when it stood down the “conscientious” worker, violating workplace health and safety standards.
“I find that [Qantas] saw the giving of the directions by Seremetidis to cease work as a threat to the conduct of business and, in particular, a threat to the ability of [Qantas] to clean and service aircraft and get them back in the air,” Judge Russell said.
Today, Qantas agreed to compensate Seremetidis $21,000 for economic and non-economic losses incurred as a result of the airline’s unlawful actions.
According to the court, the airline will pay $6000 in economic loss compensation and $15,000 in “injury and humiliation” compensation to Seremetidis.
In a statement, Seremetidis said he felt the “David and Goliath battle” was finally coming to an end.
“This was never about compensation for me but about holding Qantas to account for its actions and standing up for health and safety representatives’ ability to carry out their duties to keep workplaces safe,” Seremetidis said.
“The smallest thing Qantas could have done was to say sorry, but they haven’t even done that.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas has taken out Russian, Roman Safiullin at the Mexican Open in Acapulco in straight sets.
According to sdna.gr, the top Greek tennis player beat the 26-year-old Russian 6-3, 6-4, pressing from the beginning of the match for the break and had two missed opportunities in the second game of the first set.
Stefanos Tsitsipas hits a forehand to Laslo Djere at the Mexican Open tennis tournament in Acapulco, Mexico. Photo: New Indian Express.
Maintaining his high level in the second set as well, Tsitsipas scored another break in the fifth game (3-2), and held the lead until the end.
If Tsitsipas makes it to the quarter-finals, he will likely fall on Alex De Minor (playing in the “16” with Sebastian Ofner), who will remain in the Top 10 only if he defends the title in Acapulco.
Tsitsipas will now play against Flavio Kompoli, The 21-year-old Italian who managed to overturn Felix Oze Aliassim, in the next round at Acapulco.
Waverley councillors voted in Mayor Paula Masselos’ plan on Tuesday to not only stop “high impact events” that sell alcohol on Bondi Beach, but all of its beaches, until it reviews its events policy.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Bondi locals have scored a major win against the commercialisation of their beach’s famous sands with the passing of this motion.
In her motion, Waverley Cr Masselos said Bondi Beach was “not an event space or a venue or a brand.”
Sophie Lanigan and Max Volfneuk discuss the inspiration and creation of the ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ artwork, respecting the marine ecosystems that exist along urban coasts. Photo: The Daily Telegraph.
“(It) exists within a suburb where people also live and go about their daily lives,” Masselos said.
“Our beaches are a space of all of our community, and they have told council loud and clear that they are not in favour of big commercial events involving alcohol on the sand at Bondi Beach.”
While Waverley Council is prohibiting commercial events that sell alcohol on Bondi Beach, Mardi Gras, Sculpture by the Sea, and the annual City2Surf event will be exempt from the ban.
