Page 852 – The Greek Herald

HACCI WA celebrates the strength of the Hellenic Business Community at Parliament House

The Greek Herald

-

15 / 03 / 2024

HACCI WA celebrates the strength of the Hellenic Business Community at Parliament House

On the Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (HACCI WA) was honoured with an event at Parliament House, hosted by the Hon Michelle Roberts MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and the Hon Alanna Clohesy MLC, President of the Legislative Council.

This gathering celebrated the contributions of the Hellenic business community to both the economic and cultural fabric of Western Australia.

Ms Roberts commended the Hellenic business community for their dynamic role and significant contributions to the state’s diverse business ecosystem.

(L to R) Hon Dan Caddy MLC, Minister Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA, Consul Karasiotou, Bishop Elpidios, Dr Elena Limnios, Speaker of Parliament, the Hon Michelle Roberts, Simon Millman MLA, Hugh Jones MLA. Photo: Supplied.

The HACCI WA President Dr Elena Limnios unveiled the chamber’s strategic focus for 2024, aimed at enhancing information sharing, networking, and member connections across the globe. This initiative in collaboration with the HACCI National Federation seeks to fortify the bonds between HACCI members, the Chambers of Commerce in Greece, and the Greek Exporters Association, creating a fertile ground for collaborative growth and opportunities.

The event also featured an enlightening address by HACCI WA Patron and Consul of Greece in Perth, Mrs. Georgia Karasiotou, on the diaspora’s role in shaping policies through feedback to the Greek Government and the significance of postal voting in the European Parliament Elections. This underscores the importance of active engagement in democratic processes.

A special moment was the blessing of the traditional Vasilopita by Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea, symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead, and representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly receiving a Commemorative HACCI WA coin. Photo: Supplied.

The event was attended by numerous members of Parliament, including Premier the Hon Roger Cook MLA, Minister the Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA, Deputy Premier and Minister the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Hon Dan Caddy MLC, Hon Stephen Pratt MLC, Simon Millman MLA, Meredith Hammat MLA, Margaret Quirk MLA, Hon Klara Andric MLC, Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC, Hon Steve Thomas MLC, Hon Bill Johnston MLA, Hugh Jones MLA and others. Their presence underscored the government’s support for the Hellenic business community and its contributions to Western Australia’s prosperity.

The event set a positive tone for the year ahead, promising continued growth and prosperity for the Hellenic business community in Western Australia.

“We are deeply thankful for the generosity and support from the President and the Speaker of Parliament for hosting us tonight. The presence of the Premier, Ministers, and distinguished members of Parliament is a great honour. We are excited for a year of growth and prosperity for our Chamber in 2024,” Dr Limnios said.

“The Hellenic National Federation plays a crucial role in amplifying the voice of the Hellenic business community in Australia. We are dedicated to leveraging this unified platform to foster better connections and growth opportunities for our members, both within Australia and in their business endeavours with Greece.”

For further details on HACCI WA and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hacciwa.com.au.

Earlwood Wanderers FC’s ‘Little Wanderers’ program celebrates 10 years

The Greek Herald

-

15 / 03 / 2024

0

Earlwood Wanderers FC’s ‘Little Wanderers’ program celebrates 10 years

This year sees the Earlwood Wanderers FC ‘Little Wanderers’ (LW) program hit 10 years of early development of younger boys and girls.

The LW program was introduced in 2014, as a result of the Earlwood Wanderers FC Committee looking to foster a love of football for players aged between 2-5 in a fun and age-appropriate environment.

The weekly Saturday program, which is supported by certified and supportive coaches, focuses on building fundamental skills, instilling a passion for teamwork, and sparking a lifelong love for football.

The LW’s weekly shot of football inspiration for the game’s football next generation has been embraced by the Earlwood community, as well as young footballers from around the Sydney metro.

To mark the ten-year anniversary, the Club has players from the inaugural intake, the ‘Little Wanderers Class of 2014’ who continue to play for Earlwood Wanderers FC.

When asked if they thought the LW program was a good way to introduce someone to the game of football, they all agreed that it was this program that taught them the basics of football without any pressure which may have occurred if you played in a team first. They went on to say that not only did they learn how to dribble, pass and shoot, but also made a lot of new friends, some of whom they still play with today.

The Club interviewed junior players, asking what their most memorable time and/or highlight at Earlwood Wanderers FC has been over the last ten years since Little Wanderers:

Ethan: “During my 10 years at Earlwood Wanderers, a memorable highlight for me would be the 2023 season where my team had an undefeated season, won the Premiership and then went on to experience Champion of Champions.”

Mary: “My most memorable experience at EWFC was winning the Grand Final in 2022 and winning the Best Team of the Club Trophy, which was named after my late uncle.”

Andreas: “Although I no longer play for the Club, I am still involved as a Game Leader which is a junior referee for U.8’s through to U.12’s. My most memorable experience was playing with my team mates who I am still friends with, and attending Gala Days and playing soccer matches all day.”

Elliot: “Our winter 2023 season has been my most memorable to date. Even though we’ve been progressing as a team over the last few years, we won the Minor Premiership in 2023 beating Hurlstone Pak on their home ground in the last game to become Minor Premiers. One point separated the top four teams last season. Winning the Premiership gave us the opportunity to play in the Champion of Champions tournament. That was a great experience and we made it through to the third round but unfortunately lost to one of the eventual finalists.”

Jake: “In 2018 I was selected to play for EWFC 1^st Division and I have continued to play in 1^st Division since then. In 2017 I was awarded MVP by my coach, which was an honour at the time. In 2021 I was also a referee with EWFC. I have been very fortunate to have had great coaches and team mates who have supported me over the years. I love playing for Earlwood Wanderers – it’s a great Club that has a lot to offer the younger players’ sporting opportunities.”

The Earlwood Wanderers FC Committee are “extremely proud of its history and especially of these fine, young, talented players who have made Earlwood Wanderers their ‘home away from home’ on weekends” in Sydney’s Inner West / South West.

The Club’s President, Tamara Mulroney stated, “It is testament to the dedication of the Club, its coaches, managers and volunteers, that players, once starting as a small child in the Little Wanderers program, continue to play sometimes up until senior levels and feel comfortable while doing so. Many of our players now register their own children in the Little Wanderers program and continue to follow their journey with Earlwood Wanderers FC”

The club has many stories from the 2023 Season. They are inviting the EWFC community to tell their 2023 Winter Season stories, milestones and highlights – email ask@ewfc.com.au or www.ewfc.com.au.

Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister to meet with Greek Community of Melbourne

The Greek Herald

-

15 / 03 / 2024

0

Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister to meet with Greek Community of Melbourne

The Greek Community of Melbourne will welcome the arrival of Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister, Theodoros Livanios with an event at the Greek Centre on Thursday, March 21^st at 6:30PM.

Organised in collaboration with the Greek Consulate to Victoria, the event is open to all and will offer the opportunity to the visiting Minister to present on a range of matters that affect the diaspora with particular information on the upcoming elections and in particular, the postal vote.

The Minister’s visit is poised to strengthen ties between Greece and its diaspora in Australia, fostering a deeper understanding of key issues affecting the Greek community.

Attending the event will also be the distinguished Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Cap, who will extend a warm welcome to the Minister.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Greek Centre, Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street

SA grape grower Jack Papageorgiou comments on China’s wine tariffs

The Greek Herald

-

15 / 03 / 2024

0

SA grape grower Jack Papageorgiou comments on China’s wine tariffs

A decision on lifting China’s tariffs on wine in Australia will come too late for grape growers, including Cooltong-based Jack Papageorgiou.

As the harvest season unfolds, ABC News reported that grape growers are having to dump their grapes on the ground or leave them on the vines, rather than be paid increasingly low prices.

Mr Papageorgiou shed light on the challenges faced by the industry and the need for sustainable solutions beyond tariff relief.

wine exxports — China’s Ministry of Commerce revealed a draft of a proposal to remove trade tariffs imposed on Australian wine exports. Photo: Sky News.

“The Chinese know we have millions of litres of wine in the tanks, so I’m sure they will try to get the best offer that they can,” he told ABC News.

The 71-year-old said that even if China reopens its doors to Australian wine imports, he remains adamant that the industry should not solely rely on this market.

Despite the recent announcement and likelihood of China lifting its wine tariffs, the oversupply issue continues, leaving many farmers struggling with stock and making any profit.

Source: ABC News.

Australia’s Richest 250: 11 Australians of Greek heritage among the list

The Greek Herald

-

15 / 03 / 2024

0

Australia’s Richest 250: 11 Australians of Greek heritage among the list

The Australian has unveiled its annual list of Australia’s top 250 wealthiest individuals, and this year it includes 11 Australians of Greek heritage.

Who are they you might ask? And how did they become so successful in life? The Greek Herald has the scoop.

60 – Nick Politis, $2.42 billion:

Nick Politis is the Owner of WFM Motors and Director of AP Eagers. He is the most successful car salesman in Australia, with an empire that includes dozens of his own car dealers in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland. He is also the Chairman of the NRL club, Sydney Roosters.

88 – Dennis Bastas, $1.63 billion:

Dennis Bastas. Photo: Nicole Reed/ The Australian Financial Review

Dennis Bastas is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Arrotex Pharmaceuticals. Arrotex makes about one-third of the drugs dispensed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and turns over $1.1 billion annually. Last year, Bastas quietly pulled off a huge $1 billion private debt deal to merge his Arrotex Pharmaceuticals with Juno Pharmaceuticals, forming DBG Health.

90 & 91 – Terry and Arthur Tzaneros, $1.6 billion:

Father and son duo, Terry and Arthur Tzaneros, own ACFS Port Logistics, the largest privately owned container logistics operator in Australia, and freight logistics firm, AGS World Transport. Terry and Arthur started ACFS Port Logistics in 2005 and it now employs more than 1100 people across Australia. Additionally, the family has made plenty of headlines in recent years over its prestige property movements, with Arthur named as the buyer of a $61.5 million Bellevue Hill mansion in Sydney last June, just one year after settling on his $32 million Vaucluse home.

99 – Nick Andrianakos and Family, $1.51 billion:

Nick Andrianakos is the Founder of Milemaker Petroleum and Nikos Property. The Milemaker chain comprised 54 sites when it was sold to Caltex in a $94 million deal in late 2016. By then, Andrianakos was already investing in commercial property and crucially he also kept the freehold sites of the petrol stations.

130 – Theo Karedis and Family, $1.18 billion:

Theo Karedis is the co-founder of Theo’s Liquor and Arkadia Property Group. The Karedis family fortune stems from the Theo’s chain of bottle shops sold to Coles in 2002. Arkadia owns 25 mostly retail properties around Australia.

133 – Nicholas Paspaley and Family, $1.15 billion:

Nicholas Paspaley is the Executive Chairman of the Paspaley Group of Companies. The Group has a pearl retail business, an aviation and marine services division, pastoral and tourism holdings, and a property portfolio. The family last year opened the luxury Wall Street Hotel in New York and also owns luxury apartments it rents out in Aspen.

172 – Spiros Alysandratos, $854 million:

Spiros Alysandratos is the founder of one of Australia’s biggest backroom travel companies, Consolidated Travel. His business sells ticketing technology and services to airlines and travel agents, and also travel insurance products. With more than 37,000 travel agents on its books, Consolidated Travel is the largest private airline wholesaler in the country.

177 – Con Makris and Family, $815 million:

Con Makris is the Chairman of Makris Group and although he has been gradually selling down his property portfolio in recent years, he retains substantial assets on the Gold Coast and shopping centres in Adelaide and Melbourne. The Makris family business is now moving ahead with plans for a $500 million transformation of the Marina Mirage precinct on the Gold Coast’s Main Beach, where it plans to build residences and villas and a 110-room boutique resort hotel.

186 – Harry Stamoulis and Family, $785 million:

The Stamoulis wealth is found in Melbourne commercial property. Harry oversees assets that include office buildings and distribution centres. The family also supports Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum. Stamoulis was known to have paid $155 million for an office tower on the Melbourne CBD fringe last year.

220 – Kerry Haramis, $677 million:

Kerry Harmanis is one of Western Australia’s most successful mining executives and investors, making more than $400 million from the sale of his former nickel play Jubilee Mines to Xstrata in a $3.1 billion deal in 2007. He now has shareholdings in several listed mining exploration companies. He has also set up Mindful Meditation Australia to teach teachers to educate children about meditation and mindfulness.

233 – Ilias Pavlopoulos, $621 million:

Ilias Pavlopoulos and Andrew Chepul head one of Australia’s biggest non-bank lenders, ColCap, which they founded in 2006. It has a loan portfolio of more than $12 billion, and more than 260 staff in Australia, the UK and the Philippines. Its brands include Origin Mortgage Management Services, Homestar Finance and Granite Home Loans. ColCap makes annual net profits of about $60 million according to documents lodged with the corporate regulator.

Source: The Australian.

Albania appoints ethnic Greek as prefect of the Vlora district

The Greek Herald

-

15 / 03 / 2024

0

Albania appoints ethnic Greek as prefect of the Vlora district

On Wednesday, March 13, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama appointed Vangjel Tavo, an ethnic Greek, as the prefect of the Vlora district.

Ekathimerini reported that this was done with aims to ease tensions sparked by the imprisonment of the elected mayor of Himare who was convicted of vote buying.

Tavo, a former Deputy and Health Minister in Albania, confirmed being appointed, without being aware if any communication was made with Athens prior.

This action underscores Albania’s efforts to resolve internal tensions while maintaining diplomatic relations with Greece. Tavo’s appointment symbolises Albania’s dedication to inclusivity and unity among its diverse communities.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attends Ramadan dinner in Ankara

The Greek Herald

-

15 / 03 / 2024

0

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attends Ramadan dinner in Ankara

After an official invitation, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited Ankara in Turkey on Tuesday, March 12 and attended a Ramadan (Iftar) dinner at the conference centre of the ruling AK Party’s headquarters.

The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied by the Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi.

The dinner was the 15th in a row and was hosted by the party’s Foreign Relations Committee headed by Zafer Sirakaya MP.

patriarch bartholomew with erdogan turkey — The Patriarch (second from right) with other guests. Photo: Presidency of the Republic of Turkey.

500 guests attended the dinner, including Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ministers, senior state officials and ambassadors from many countries.

There were a number of speeches on the night by Mr Sirakaya, the Ambassador of Djibouti and President Erdogan. All spoke about current international events and thanked everyone for attending.

The Patriarch had brief talks with Erdogan, among others, to whom he wished well for Ramadan, and returned to Constantinople around midnight.

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

The Greek Herald

-

14 / 03 / 2024

0

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.”

‘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.”

‘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

-

14 / 03 / 2024

0

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

-

14 / 03 / 2024

0

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.

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.

Event Details:

60 – Nick Politis, $2.42 billion:

88 – Dennis Bastas, $1.63 billion:

90 & 91 – Terry and Arthur Tzaneros, $1.6 billion:

99 – Nick Andrianakos and Family, $1.51 billion:

130 – Theo Karedis and Family, $1.18 billion:

133 – Nicholas Paspaley and Family, $1.15 billion:

172 – Spiros Alysandratos, $854 million:

177 – Con Makris and Family, $815 million:

186 – Harry Stamoulis and Family, $785 million:

220 – Kerry Haramis, $677 million:

233 – Ilias Pavlopoulos, $621 million:

‘To strengthen Greece’s voice’

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

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.