Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis, has issued a letter to the President of the Castellorizian Association of New South Wales to congratulate them for celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
In the letter, Mr Chrysoulakis said the Association’s centenary celebrations are proof that the Castellorizian community in NSW is “undeniably… one of the most dynamic and creative groups of the Greek diaspora.”
“Like all immigrants, the Castellorizians faced infinite difficulties. They were a cheap labour force when they first arrived [in Australia], and were faced with racism and inequality, but also unbearable nostalgia,” Mr Chrysoulakis wrote.
“They contributed to the economic and social development of Australia, as they were hardworking, honest and honourable, with respect for family, the laws and the mentality of the peoples with whom they coexisted.”
Castellorizian Association of NSW marked its 100 year anniversary with a centenary gala this year.
The Secretary General added that whilst the Castellorizians contributed significantly to Australian society, they always maintained a strong connection to their homeland and beloved Greek island of Castellorizo.
He also commended them for passing on traditions to the next generation.
“They created a new living Castellorizo in distant Australia, keeping their dances, songs, costumes and customs alive… A new Kastellorizo, far away from the Aegean, but at the same time so close!” he wrote in the letter.
“Most important of all, however, is that they enriched their children and grandchildren with love for the land of their ancestors. It is surprising how much the new generation of Castellorizians – third, fourth and even fifth generation immigrants – love their island and claim a better future for it.”
Mr Chrysoulakis concluded his letter by expressing his well wishes to the Association.
“Along with my respect for your long history, you have my warmest wishes for the future: Always be active and creative, unite Greeks and always honour your Motherland, just as your ancestors did for a whole century,” he wrote.
“The legacy you have is heavy, but I am sure you will respond in the best possible way.”
In a breath-taking climax to three weeks of exhilarating football, Oakleigh Cannons FC emerged victorious over Kingston City FC in a closely contested match, securing a 2-1 win and clinching the coveted Greek Community Cup 2024.
The atmosphere was electric as fans from across the Greek community came together to support their respective teams, creating an ambiance of passion and fervour at the football court.
All photos by Costas Deves.
The match was nothing short of sensational, with Oakleigh seizing an early 1-0 lead through a magnificent goal. However, Kingston City FC managed to draw level just before halftime, capitalising on a penalty opportunity to even the score.
The second half saw both teams engage in a fierce battle, but it was Oakleigh who ultimately regained their lead, holding on tightly to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory and their first-ever Greek Community Cup title.
The victory not only earned them the prestigious championship title but also a prize of $3,000, a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the tournament.
On the other hand, Kingston City FC, while falling short of the ultimate prize, demonstrated commendable sportsmanship and talent, earning them the second-place prize of $1,000.
Reflecting on the event, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), expressed his pride in the teams’ performances.
“The Greek Community Cup serves as a celebration of our heritage and a showcase of the young talent within our community. Congratulations to Oakleigh Cannons FC on their well-deserved victory, and kudos to Kingston City FC and all the participating teams for their commendable effort,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“Football has a very strong relationship to Greek Australians given that the formal national soccer team was founded largely from Greek clubs and volunteers of Greek background who formed those clubs.
“These historical football clubs were a major part of our community and this tournament ties in this history with our current young generation of footballers. Acknowledging our history and supporting unity in the football code and its future is an essential part of how our organisation, the GCM, expand its social and cultural footprint.”
A delegation of Directors of the GCM were also among the football fans to celebrate this remarkable finale of the 2024 Greek Community Cup.
Michael Karamitos, the GCM Vice President, express his excitement for the tournament.
“What a spectacular finale to an incredible event for our community. The turnout from the crowds was phenomenal, and their support has been invaluable,” Mr Karamitos said.
“We are immensely grateful and eagerly anticipate an even more remarkable tournament next year. Congratulations to Oakleigh for winning the Cup and to South Melbourne for securing the Shield. I extend my gratitude to all the participating teams and extend a special thank you to Heatherton FC for graciously hosting the tournament.”
Dr Jim Bossinakis, the GCM Vice President, shared his joy over the triumph of the tournament, remarking, “The atmosphere throughout the finals was truly wonderful, characterised by competitiveness tempered with good sportsmanship.”
“It was evident that participants were delighted to be a part of the event, and the elation displayed by the winners underscored the significance of this tournament to them. We eagerly anticipate expanding and enhancing the tournament, with the aim of attracting a broader audience to GCM events,” Dr Bossinakis said.
Leonidas Vlahakis, the GCM Cultural Committee Chair, encapsulated the essence of the event.
“Oakleigh won the trophy; South Melbourne won the shield; but soccer was the winner last night. Crowds that surpassed even last year’s event enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of our Bosnian hosts at Heatherton United Soccer Club. The past fortnight has seen wonderful soccer,” Mr Vlahakis said.
Dr Spiridoula Demetriou, GCM Board Member, reflected on the finale of the 2024 Greek Community Cup saying, “Being present last night to witness this sensational finale, was an extremely gratifying experience. Our hosts, led by the formidable President of Heatherton Melissa Tresnjic, made us feel entirely welcome.
“The sense of community and connection created over this tournament is memorable. It shows how important community sport is to people and our youth. I look forward to the Girls’ tournament commencing later this year,” Dr Demetriou said.
Meanwhile, in the Shield final, South Melbourne Hellas displayed dominance on the field, defeating South Springvale with a commanding 6-0 scoreline. The evening was filled with excitement and anticipation as both matches showcased the finest talents of the participating teams, until the final whistle.
As the curtains close on another exhilarating edition of the 2024 Greek Community Cup, Oakleigh Cannons FC stands tall as deserving champions, their victory a testament to the passion and dedication that fuels the Greek community’s love for the beautiful game.
The 2024 Greek Community Cup will be remembered for its thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and the celebration of football within the vibrant Greek community.
If you missed the action, you can view all the matches on the YouTube channel.
For many students new to Australia, learning English can be quite the challenge, as many young people find their experience of trying to make conversation with native speakers overwhelming.
At Central Sydney Intensive English High School (CSIEHS), they offer a program that targets learning difficulties by providing an intensive English language class that helps students from non-English speaking backgrounds feel more confident and learn English through a variety of subjects on offer.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the program asks new students to complete an English competency assessment, which determines how many terms they will need to spend at the CSIEHS. Depending on their progress, students can stay between one term or a full school year in the program.
As well as undertaking intensive English classes, students also get the opportunity to learn maths, science, PDHPE and visual arts, all in English.
Central Sydney Intensive English High School (CSIEHS) is in Alexandria, Sydney. photo: Department of Education NSW.
CSIEHS has 30 teachers and student learning support officers who can assist in some of the school’s most popular languages, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish and Mongolian.
Principal Arety Dassaklis said the school would receive about 220 students when classes commence this year, with fifty attending school in English for the first time.
“These students have so much to offer [but] the language is the barrier,” Ms Dassaklis said.
“So if we can get them at a point where they can really thrive in their new school, then we’ve all done our jobs well.”
More than 2,270 students who have recently arrived in NSW are studying in the Department of Education’s 16 intensive English centres this term, which will then lead to their journey into a mainstream high school.
Victorian detectives from the Homicide Squad have announced a $1 million reward in relation to the suspicious death of Penny Galanopoulos in Mordialloc over a decade ago.
Penny, who was 33 at the time, was found dead after a fire in her home on 10 January 2012.
Emergency services were called to the property on Main Street, near the intersection of George Street, about 5.20am on 10 January following a report of a fire.
After extinguishing the fire, a body was located inside the property.
Initially, Penny was unaccounted for and a post-mortem performed on the body revealed the deceased was a woman, believed to be aged in her 30s.
Forensic testing subsequently identified the body to be Penny’s and revealed she had been killed before the fire was lit.
In 2012, a handwritten letter was posted to the Mordialloc Police Station and contained information relating to the murder of Penny and the fire at her home.
The information contained in the letter was believed to be credible and investigators at the time believed the author of this letter held the key to resolving the investigation.
Despite numerous public appeals, the author of the letter never came forward or contacted police again.
Investigators have interviewed a number of people in relation to the matter but no one has ever been charged.
Police are seeking any information on Penny Galanopoulos’ death. photo: Victoria Police.
Detectives are hoping that the $1 million reward announcement will encourage someone with information about the fire and Penny’s death to come forward.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad, said “Penny’s family deserves an answer as to why this happened.”
“This is very much still an active investigation and we certainly believe there are a number of people who are in a position to assist us with this investigation,” the detective said.
“It is our belief that a number of people were potentially involved in Penny’s murder and have knowledge of what happened that night.”
A reward of up to $1 million will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Penny Galanopoulos.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Chief Justice and Chief Judge of the FCFCOA, William Alstergren explained that Judge Liveris is not only a high-quality lawyer, but a third-generation North Territorian.
“He has demonstrated a commitment to the Northern Territory and provides a deep understanding and knowledge of its people,” Justice Alstergren said.
“Judge Liveris comes to the Court with diverse experience. He has worked as a solicitor, barrister and has held leadership positions including as a former President of the Law Council of Australia in 2022.”
Mr Liveris graduated from the Northern Territory University – now Charles Darwin University – with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law in 2001, and was then admitted to practice as a solicitor the following year in 2002.
Anastasis Liveris has been announced Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). Photo: NT News.
Many of his years were then spent practising in Perth, before he returned to the Northern Territory in 2008, as part of the litigation and dispute resolution team at Clayton Utz.
Mr Liveris has had a highly successful career leading up to being appointed Judge.
He was president of the former Law Council of Australia, he was called up to the Bar in 2010, and he was elected president of the Law Society of the Northern Territory from 2015 to 2017.
Justice Alstergren described Mr Liveris as a key part of the Territory’s judicial system.
“His Honour will play a critical part in the court’s commitment to providing access to justice to the people of Australia, and importantly, to the communities living across the Northern Territory,” he said.
Mr Liveris was appointed after applying for the role that was accepting expressions of interest. He was then put forward by a panel, which included the Chief Justice of the FCFCOA, a former Chief Justice of the then-Family Court of Australia, and a senior officer from the Attorney-General’s Department, to make the decision.
The Greek government’s gay marriage bill and adoption rights received widespread support among members of parliament during a debate held on Monday.
New Democracy member of parliament Maria Syrengela revealed that the bill was “yet another reformist action” by the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Maria Syrengela. Photo: Left.gr.
She stated that if the bill is passed, Greece will become the 37th country in the world to recognize the marriage of same-sex couples in national law.
Ekathimerini reported that out of 158 members of the New Democracy bill, around 100 are expected to vote in favour of the bill.
The remaining 58 are expected to either stand against it or will avoid voting completely.
Avoiding from the vote, as opposed to outright voting against it, is a move which was encouraged by Mitsotakis, but condemned by former premier and lawmaker Antonis Samaras.
Leftist SYRIZA MPs, which hold 36 seats, noted that while their party supports the bill, banning surrogacy for male couples while allowing it for heterosexual couples “is in complete contradiction to article 4 of the Constitution, which says that Greek men and women are equal before the law,'” and warned that this provision could lead to future issues.
Socialist PASOK MPs, holding 32 seats, say they will support the bill but criticized the government for “‘cultivating division” in society over the bill.
Pavlos Christidis. Photo: Business Daily.
“The Greek family is not threatened, as some say to win a few votes, by equality in civil marriage. The Greek family and the future of young people is threatened by the government’s policies,” PASOK rapporteur Pavlos Christidis said.
Additionally, communist KKE members of parliament, which hold 21 seats, will not be supporting the bill, condemning it as a “‘commercialization of childbearing and adoption'” which undermines children’s rights to develop bonds with both a mother and a father.
Greece’s far-right Solution party also condemned the bill, stating that it “‘goes against centuries of norms and values”. The party currently hold 12 seats.
New Left MPs (a group from SYRIZA that holds 11 seats) praised the bill for LGBT rights and criticized KKE for opposing it. The religious nationalist party Niki, which has 10 seats, condemned the draft bill and urged opposing MPs to vote against it.
King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace has revealed in a statement.
The King was treated in hospital last month for a benign prostate condition, and the palace said “a separate issue of concern was noted” during the stay.
A statement released from the palace at 6pm on Monday in London, the United Kingdom, said the King has “commenced a schedule of regular treatments.”
During his treatment, King Charles “has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” but “will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.”
The Cyprus Community Festival, held on February 4 – 5 this year, celebrated its 9th year of festivities on the shore of the river Torrens.
Organised by the Cyprus Community of South Australia Inc, the festival is aimed at welcoming all communities to participate in Hellenic and Cypriot culture, celebrating the rich tapestry of diverse cultures in SA.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
Over the two-day event, an anticipated 5,000 attendees were drawn to the festival to participate in the rich musical and dance performances, the culinary delights and to experience traditional Cypriot culture.
The festival kicked off on Saturday with an opening ceremony, paving the way for a weekend of lively celebrations. Dr Andreas Evdokiou, President of the Cypriot Community of SA, opened by thanking all those supporting the festival and all the 70 volunteers who dedicated their time to make the event possible.
“These festivals are the opportunity that we get to be proud of our heritage and be proud that we are Hellenes… we are here to enjoy everything that is Cypriot, our food, our wine, our beer [and] our loukoumades,” Dr Evdokiou said.
Dr Andreas Evdokiou, President of the Cypriot Community of SA.
“Don’t forget, we are also here to remember that 50 years ago, Turkey invaded Cyprus back in 1974. Turkey continues to occupy Cyprus illegally, and we are here, and hoping, that one day, Cyprus will be free and united.”
Building on the comments of Dr Evdokiou, the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide George Psiachas added: “Greece will never forget. Greece will always be with you.”
“The Cypriot national anthem is also the Greek national anthem (being the poem by the poet Dionysios Solomos)… We have the same anthem because evidently Greeks from Cyprus and Greeks from the mainland are together in unity… They are always together, supporting each other, and always will be…” the Consul General added.
A special guest in attendance this year was the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, who expressed his deep admiration for the Cypriot community in SA.
“I am thankful to all of you for not forgetting Cyprus and our 9,000 years of history. Not just the kitchen, but our dances, language and traditions. I am so proud of you, being a model for Australians… and all that you have achieved in this beautiful country, and at the same time not having forgotten Cyprus,” Mr Sammoutis said.
Finally, SA Minister for the Arts Andrea Michaels MP, of Cypriot descent, expressed her cultural pride in celebrating at the festival this year.
“My story started in Cyprus in a very tiny village in the North [of the Island]. It is a very proud moment to be here to celebrate the 2024 Cyprus festival. It’s an opportunity for us to feel proud of our culture and history and it’s fantastic to see people very young to our elders – fantastic to see all the generations here passionate about our Cypriot culture and keeping it strong,” Ms Michaels said.
During the festival’s two-day span, approximately 150 dancers participated in a variety of cultural dance groups.
The line-up included performances by the Cyprus Community of SA (performing iconic Cypriot traditional dances like the ‘Tatsia’ and the ‘Drepani’), the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Dance Group, the Messinian Dance School of SA, the Greek Lyceum of SA Dance Group, the Cretan Association of SA Dance Group, the Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group, and the Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy.
Their performances showcased the wide array of classical folk dances and providing festival goers with an insight and connection to Hellenic culture and heritage.
With the conclusion of the performances, each night the Kosmos Band and the acclaimed Maria Maroulis captivated attendees with an enthusiastic performance of traditional and modern Greek music, encouraging dancing among festivalgoers and creating unforgettable evenings of community celebration.
Special guests and dignitaries attending included Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus in Australia; Andrea Michaels MP, SA Minister for the Arts, Small and Family Business, and Consumer and Business Affairs, representing Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia; Jing Lee MLC, representing the Leader of the SA Opposition David Speirs MP; Steve Georganas, Member for Adelaide; Connie Bonaros MLC; Frank Pangallo MLC; the Consul General of Greece for Adelaide, George Psiachas; Mayor of the City of West Torrens, Michael Coxon; Bishop Silouan of Sinope, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (South Australia); and President of the Inter-communities Council of SA, Dr Vladimir Devrelis.
There was an impressive turnout at the Award Ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language 2023 that took place at Macquarie University’s Arts Precinct on Friday, February 2, 2024.
The event was held as part of the celebration of the International Day of Greek Language 2024, making it an even more special occasion.
Among them were the successful candidates and their families, school principals, Greek language teachers, Heads of Languages in NSW schools, representatives of community organisations, and the media of the Greek community.
Among the distinguished guests were Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yiannis Mallikourtis; Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety; the Head of the Department Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature, Professor Hsu-Ming Teo; the Chair of Discipline of Languages and Cultures, Dr Wes Roberston; the President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd., Mr Theophilos Premetis; the President of AHEPA NSW, Bill Skandalakis; the Chief Executive Officer at NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Michael Christodoulou; and members of the board of directors of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.
The Minister for Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Professor Ioannis Chrysoulakis, and the President of the Centre for Greek Language in Greece Emeritus Professor of the Philology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Theodoros Papaggelis, delivered brief speeches via video and warmly congratulated the successful candidates, their teachers and their families.
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Modern Greek Studies at the Department of Media, Communication, Creative Arts, Languages and Cultures and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate, warmly congratulated the successful recipients and acknowledged their achievement which made their teachers, their schools and their families proud.
More specifically, Dr Koromvokis pointed out: “Your passion for Greek language learning proves the value of our language in the diaspora, so far away from Greece. It’s because of this passion that today we celebrate the International Day of the Greek Language here in Australia.”
The event was fully funded by the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation. Each candidate, apart from the certificate, received a USB as a gift, courtesy of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation.
The Examination centre of Macquarie University is the only certified examination centre in NSW and the biggest one in Australia. In 2023, 83 students participated, achieving a 94% success rate.
The Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language is a globally recognised title that proves the level of proficiency of its holder in the market and is considered a prerequisite for the practice of various professions in Greece.
The registrations for the Exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek 2024, which is conducted under the auspices of Macquarie University, are now taking place. Visit Macquarie University’s site for more information.
The chairman of the Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commission Peter V’landys, has requested a $450,000 pay rise towards the ARL and its commissioners.
An email sent to all rugby league clubs last week reveals details about the ARL Commission’s Annual General Meeting this month, which is to take place at Rugby League Central on February 21.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the email also provides details and suggests that clubs and states should consider agreeing to raise the maximum pay limit for the ARL Commission’s eight directors, which is currently set at $750,000.
Peter V’landys and fellow ARL Commissioners are set for their first pay rise since 2012, as the NRL moves to within touching distance of $700 million in revenue, via @brentread_7 & @BulldogRitchie. https://t.co/fZXtdYdc8Q
Some of the reasons mentioned in the email for the request for the pay rise include:
The fixed aggregate amount of fees payable to directors of $750,000 was established with the formation of the Company in 2012 and has not increased since.
During the eleven-year period since 2012, the Australian economy has recorded wage growth, and high inflation in recent years. During this period ARLC director remuneration has remained constant. The net impact results in a significant decrease in the real value of director remuneration.
An increase to the maximum amount of fees payable to directors is reasonable in light of inflation over effectively a 15-year period from 2012 to 2027, and noting the growth of the company.
In order for this to go ahead, the majority of the clubs will need to vote for this proposal to pass. The ARL Commission aims to upgrade to a maximum aggregate of $1.2 million.
All NRL clubs, Queansland Rugby League and NSWRL clubs will be eligible to vote.
The Australian Rugby League Commission needs 10 of the 19 votes to pass the resolution.
