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Greek National Day dilemma: Questions remain unanswered by Victorian Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Federation also asked for the Council Committee to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greek Language Writers’ Festival has successful debut

The Greek Herald
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Greek Language Writers’ Festival has successful debut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olympic FC amongst inaugural recipients of Growing Football Fund Community Grants

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh. Photo: LinedIn.

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

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

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

Dianne Everett
Dianne Everett. Photo: SXSW Sydney.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maria Sakkari storms into third consecutive quarterfinal at Indian Wells

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: ATP.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yanis Varoufakis warns of ‘New Cold War’ impact in National Press Club address

The Greek Herald
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Yanis Varoufakis warns of ‘New Cold War’ impact in National Press Club address

Economist and former Finance Minister of Greece, Yanis Varoufakis, delivered a thought-provoking address at the National Press Club in Canberra.

During the address, Varoufakis shed light on what he perceives as a “common existential threat” that both Australia and Europe are facing. That is – a creeping irrelevance.

He argued that this threat arises from inadequate investment, as well as an “ill-considered slide from a strategic dependence on the United States to a non-strategic, self-defeating servility to Washington’s policy agenda.”

Varoufakis also highlighted the disruptive impact of what he called the “New Cold War” on the business models of Australia and Europe.

He said the root of the “New Cold War” lies not in geopolitical flashpoints, but in a deeper clash between two competing socio-economic systems—one based on the dollar and the other on the yuan.

Varoufakis then cautioned against reducing the complexities of the New Cold War to mere territorial disputes or security concerns. Instead, he urged policymakers and observers to recognise it as a clash between contrasting economic models—one characterised by techno-feudalism and dominance in global finance.

Source: The Guardian. 

Greece unveils revamped Olympic flame-lighting ceremony

The Greek Herald
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Greece unveils revamped Olympic flame-lighting ceremony

Greece has officially unveiled new changes to the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony at Ancient Olympia, in Greece ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The National Herald revealed some of the proposed changes include a new High Priestess, a composer, and redesigned costumes. 

These changes to the ceremony were presented at the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) on Tuesday, March 12.

During the Committee meeting, HOC thanked the sponsors and supporters of the Greek team, they presented the new High Priestess Mary Mina, and they revealed the new ceremonies’ composer Dimitris Papadimitriou.

greek costumes
A close up of actresses wearing the new priestesses costumes. Photo: Reuters/ Louisa Gouliamaki.

The redesigned costumes feature new black-and-white robes which are expected to be worn by the priestesses. During the Committee meeting, six male and female athletes also modelled the new Team Greece outfits, which were inspired by ancient Greece and designed by Mary Katrantzou.

HOC President Spyros Capralos expressed his gratitude to the sponsors for supporting over 200 athletes ahead of the Olympics. 

The ceremony, which will be led by High Priestess Mary Mina and composer Dimitris Papadimitriou, will commence on April 16. The High Priestess will be using a curved mirror to ignite the torch on the day. 

During the meeting, the new High Priestess of the Olympic Flame Mary Mina said “This is big honour for me. I hope to live up to the trust you placed in me”.

“I am very lucky to now take the reins.”

New high priestess, actress Mary Mina.
New high priestess, actress Mary Mina. Photo: REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki.

The Torch Relay will span across 11 days in Greece, before being passed on to Paris organizers on April 26. It will total a 68-day journey until the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Greek rower and Olympic medallist Stefanos Douskos is the first runner in the Torch Relay.

After the Olympic Flame is passed on to the Paris organisers, it will spend the night in the French Embassy, and then depart for France on the ‘Belem’ ship the next day.

Source: The National Herald. 

Greek frigate Hydra opens fire on drones in Gulf of Aden

The Greek Herald
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Greek frigate Hydra opens fire on drones in Gulf of Aden

On Wednesday, March 13, in the early hours of the morning, Greece’s frigate Hydra opened fire on two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Gulf of Aden.

Ekathimerini reported that following this, both drones immediately changed their course.

This marked the first engagement of the Hellenic Navy’s MEKO 200 frigate in the EU naval mission Aspides.

unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
The two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) promptly moved after being fired at by the frigate. Photo: Australian Army.

The mission is designed to protect merchant ships from assaults by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi military.

Ever since Monday, March 11, when the Greek frigate – Hydra departed from Djibouti, it has been patrolling the Gulf of Aden.

Source: Ekathimerini.

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