On Wednesday, April 9 — right in the middle of school holidays — the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools hosted an educational seminar for Year 12 (VCE) students, focused on the theme of migration.
The keynote speaker for the day was Dr. Andonis Piperoglou, Hellenic Senior Lecturer in Global Diasporas, Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne, who shared valuable knowledge and insights with the students.
Through an interactive presentation, Dr. Piperoglou provided a wealth of resources to help students deeply understand the phenomenon of Greek migration to Australia, while encouraging critical thinking and personal reflection based on their own family histories.
Notably, students from Alphington Grammar School and St John’s College also took part in the seminar alongside students from the Greek Community’s schools, as part of a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening student support networks.
“The gathering of three major schools here today at the Greek Community building is a significant moment for our community,” Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the GCM Schools, said.
“It builds bridges of cooperation, with the shared goal of supporting our students and promoting Greek language education.”
This seminar marks the beginning of a series of joint activities, excursions, and training sessions that have been co-organised to support students across all schools as they prepare for their VCE Greek exams.
Dianella-based St Andrew’s Grammar has created history after its senior girls Futsal team were crowned champions in the School Sport WA Secondary Futsal State Competition.
Stacked with talent and driven with passion for their sport and their school, the St Andrews girls took out the competition with wins in every qualifying round to storm home with a 5-1 win in the final against SEDA College WA.
Principal Craig Monaghan said he was delighted with the team’s win.
“We are incredibly proud of what this group of girls has achieved. Making state finals is an achievement in itself, but to win, averaging seven goals a game against the best in the state, was incredible to watch,” Mr Monaghan said.
“This is the first state championship in the school’s history – an amazing result. And to top it off, the best player of today’s competition was our very own Xuri and the Golden Gloves (best goalkeeper) award was presented to Jemma. They are not just amazing football players but incredible human beings who play sport the way it is supposed to be played.
Jemma & Xuri.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our students. Being one of the inaugural Perth Glory Academy School’s in WA has provided a uniqueness to our offering and these students are testament to how successful this program is at further developing elite young athletes.”
The senior boys team also qualified for the state finals.
“The boys did us proud, played to their potential and worked hard as a team. Equal fifth for this young team was a great result. With only one Year 12 in the team, the future here in the boys team is looking extremely bright,” Mr Monaghan said.
The school will now prepare to host the upcoming Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Schools Event, in Perth next month, where the seven Greek Orthodox schools from around Australia will meet and compete in cultural and sporting events over four days, including Futsal, where the St. Andrew’s Grammar Girls team are more confident than ever to bring home this title for the second year running.
St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has thrown his support behind halfback Lachlan Ilias, who is under scrutiny following a costly mistake in the golden point loss to the Eels last Saturday.
Ilias’ manager, Braith Anasta, suggested the 24-year-old had only weeks to prove himself, but Flanagan dismissed the pressure, saying: “I love his attitude… he’s trying his butt off, and that’s all we can ask.”
Flanagan highlighted Ilias’ defensive improvements and praised his effort in the recent upset win over the Storm, where he kicked for nearly 500 metres.
Lachlan Ilias used to play for the Rabbitohs.
Still recovering from a serious leg injury that ended his 2024 season, Ilias is slowly adjusting to the Dragons’ system, supported by experienced teammates Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook.
The Dragons face the Titans on Friday night, giving Ilias a fresh opportunity to silence his critics and steer his team to victory.
At the Delphi Economic Forum, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged the EU and the United States to pursue a zero-tariff trade agreement within the next 90 days, warning, “There will only be losers, if we don’t manage to resolve this.”
He called for a “win-win” solution, describing the current EU-US trade regime—particularly existing 10% tariffs and potential 20% ones—as problematic.
Mitsotakis suggested that the next three months offer a crucial window for meaningful negotiations with US President Donald Trump.
Live | Συζήτηση με τον Robert D. Kaplan, στο πλαίσιο του Οικονομικού Φόρουμ των Δελφών. https://t.co/tJdZiizYnr
The Greek leader argued that a zero-tariff framework would be mutually beneficial and stressed the importance of protecting global trade, highlighting the role of Greece’s shipping industry and agricultural exports, especially olive oil and feta cheese.
Greece exported €2.41 billion worth of goods to the US in 2024, making it the country’s fifth-largest export destination.
Mitsotakis also encouraged diversification of export markets, suggesting India as an alternative, while notably avoiding mention of China.
In an unprecedented case in Australia, Monash IVF has confirmed that a Brisbane woman was mistakenly implanted with the wrong embryo, resulting in the birth of another couple’s child.
The clinic has attributed the incident to “human error” and issued a public apology, describing the situation as “extremely distressing” for all involved.
The error was uncovered only after the birth parents requested to transfer their remaining embryos to a different provider. An unexpected embryo was found in storage, prompting an internal investigation. Monash IVF confirmed that the transferred embryo belonged to a different patient.
According to The Australian, despite existing safety protocols, including multi-step identification procedures, the wrong embryo was thawed and implanted.
Monash IVF Chief Executive Michael Knaap.
Both the donor and birth families have been informed and are reportedly exploring legal action. The clinic has not disclosed which family is currently caring for the child, citing privacy concerns.
Monash IVF Chief Executive Michael Knaap said, “All of us at Monash IVF are devastated and we apologise to everyone involved.”
The clinic has launched an independent review led by barrister Fiona McLeod SC and stated that additional audits suggest this was an isolated incident.
This is the second major controversy under Knaap’s leadership. Monash IVF previously faced a $56 million class action settlement after faulty genetic testing led patients to discard viable embryos based on inaccurate results. Allegations from that case included forged clinical data and illegal experimentation on embryos.
Renowned album cover designer and visual artist Ioannis Vasilopoulos, known professionally simply as Ioannis, has died at the age of 66, his family confirmed this week.
Born in Athens, Greece, Ioannis enjoyed a decades-long career creating over 350 album covers and visual campaigns for some of rock’s most iconic names, including Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Uriah Heep, and the Allman Brothers.
He remained active as an artist until his passing. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Renowned album cover designer and visual artist Ioannis Vasilopoulos has died.
In a statement, his family said: “We announce with heavy hearts the passing of Ioannis, our beloved artist, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He has left us for the great beyond… His bright smile and child-like excitement live on in his works. Ioannis will undoubtedly be remembered as one of rock’s all-time great artists.”
The tribute continued: “Ioannis wanted to do so many new things, and as a family, we have been tasked with continuing his work. His energy will live on through his incredible art.”
Starting his career in college with a passion for both music and art, Ioannis expanded into award-winning campaigns, photo shoots, logos, and video direction. His influence on the rock and metal scene was profound and far-reaching.
Following the news, rock band Voivod paid tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of Ioannis with one of his artworks: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ioannis Vasilopoulos… His visionary artistry resonated throughout the rock and metal community.”
Ioannis is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Maria, son-in-law Conor, grandchildren Henry and Jack, brother George, sister-in-law Gaylene, niece Sophia, and sister Elizabeth.
Elizabeth wrote: “I love you so much, my big brother… you inspire and taught me so much about music, film, art and adventures. A piece of my heart is forever gone.”
His legacy is etched into rock history, not only through his vivid designs but through the enduring emotional connection his artwork forged with fans and musicians alike.
Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke has announced a $4.5 million funding commitment to the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) to support the creation of a Hellenic Cultural and History Centre in Sydney.
This major pre-election pledge was made during the an official event ‘Leonard Cohen’s life and music on Hydra’ hosted as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney on Thursday, April 10, at the Marrickville Library Pavilion.
The evening began with opening remarks from Deputy Mayor of the Inner West, Councillor Matt Howard, who welcomed attendees to what the council has officially designated as “Little Greece.”
“We know that here in the Inner West — the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism — the Greek community has made perhaps the biggest contribution to building a strong, diverse, and harmonious community,” he said, before introducing Minister Burke.
Deputy Mayor of the Inner West, Councillor Matt Howard, welcomed attendees.
Taking the podium, Minister Burke announced two major funding measures from the GOCNSW:
$4.5 million to support the development of a new Greek cultural and history centre
$143,000 for security upgrades at the Greek Orthodox Community’s facilities
In a speech, the Minister said his vision for the Greek cultural and history centre was inspired by Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum and stressed the importance of preserving and celebrating the stories of Greek Australians.
“I want there to be a home where you have gallery space, museum-style space, as well as performance and meeting areas. That’s what this investment is all about,” he said.
Minister Burke clarified that while plans submitted by GOCNSW to the South Sydney Planning Panel propose a redevelopment at its Lakemba site to build a multimillion-dollar five-storey centre, the funding is not dependent on that location.
“There are designs and everything that have been put to us with respect to it being at Lakemba, yeah, but it’s not conditional on that, no,” the Minister told The Greek Herald.
Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke has announced a $4.5 million funding commitment to the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW).
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, thanked Minister Burke for the announcement during his address at the event.
“It’s good to see that the government’s commitment to multiculturalism bears fruit not just in words, but in action,” Mr Danalis said.
“This goes a long way to establishing a multicultural space for the Greek community.”
Speaking to The Greek Herald after the event, Mr Danalis said the federal funding would be a major boost to the community’s long-term vision.
“We are now able to extend our existing premises to look, finally, like a true cultural centre,” he said. “We need an auditorium, we need areas to display artefacts and historical records dating back to 1898, and we need a space for our members to gather and hold functions.”
President of GOCNSW Harry Danalis (left) with Minister Burke.
Mr Danalis added that the entire project is estimated to cost more than double the government’s contribution, meaning additional support will still be required.
As previously reported by The Greek Herald, the GOCNSW has submitted a $22 million redevelopment proposal for its Lakemba site, which would include gallery spaces, function rooms, meeting areas, and offices across five storeys.
Also in attendance at the event were NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis MP, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, who arrived later for the festival event.
The GOCNSW is now one step closer to realising its long-held vision for a cultural and historical centre that will preserve and celebrate Hellenism for generations to come.
Greek Australians preparing for their long-awaited trips to Greece are being forced to adjust their holiday budgets after a weakening in the Australian dollar against the euro, triggered by United States President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcement.
The AUD/EUR exchange rate has dropped to 0.56, down from pre-announcement levels, compounding the already rising costs of travel in Europe.
Despite the weakened dollar and growing economic uncertainty, a Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) survey shows that 14% of Australians still plan to travel overseas from March to May — almost double the 8% from the same time last year.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond explains: “It might alter how long they stay and how much they spend, but we’re now seeing evidence that people’s behaviours have changed. Travel has become a non-negotiable.”
Greek Australians preparing for their long-awaited trips to Greece are being forced to adjust their holiday budgets.
Finder data suggests that Australians can expect to pay $416 more on average for a trip to Europe compared to just a fortnight ago. The average overseas holiday cost is already $6,675, meaning a nearly 6% increase for destinations like Greece, Italy and Spain.
Yet for many in the Greek Australian community, travel to the “motherland” remains a priority — even if it requires budget adjustments.
For Chris Spyrou, a Sydney-based Greek Australian, the exchange rate was enough to make him skip a multi-country itinerary and focus solely on Greece this year.
“The original plan was to visit a few other countries in Europe before heading to Greece, but with the exchange rate being so bad and the prices in those countries already quite high… it made more sense to just stick to Greece,” Chris told The Greek Herald.
For many in the Greek Australian community, travel to the “motherland” remains a priority — even if it requires budget adjustments.
To keep costs down, Chris plans to visit lesser-known islands and time his family stays with his monthly pay cycle to help with budgeting. And while the financial hit is real, he’s taking it in stride.
“With the conversion rate now closer to 0.50… it is so much easier to do the calculations in my head — so that’s a perk, no?” he said.
Chris is among a growing number of travellers using travel money cards like Revolut to manage currency fluctuations more efficiently.
“It shows you the exchange rate in real time and you can strategically transfer when it’s better… it does make you feel better when you exchange money at a better rate,” he said.
For Melbourne woman Marianna Alepidis, who’s heading to Greece in August to finalise wedding plans, the lower dollar has slightly inflated her expenses but hasn’t derailed her goals.
Marianna Alepidis is heading to Greece in August to finalise wedding plans.
“The exchange rate hasn’t been ideal this year, I’ve been keeping an eye on it every other day to see when it might be best to exchange some money,” she said.
“I don’t think we’ve had to cut back too much on anything because we’ve had a pre-planned budget, but I think we’re looking at about a 10% increase overall.
“Accommodation thankfully isn’t too big of a fuss as yiayia still lives over there, but overall, even over the last couple of years, we’ve seen the prices go up and our money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to 10 years ago.”
Marianna has opted to budget and exchange money beforehand to avoid rate shocks abroad and relies on her international bank card for ease and favourable exchange rates.
She added that while the low dollar might influence the length of future trips, it likely won’t change the desire among Greek Australians to return to Greece.
“I think Greece will always be popular with the Greek Australian population, but it might be more of a case of how long people stay rather than how often they go,” she said.
Marianna is also happy considering travelling to places closer to home.
Still, Marianna acknowledges the increasing appeal of destinations closer to home: “Even travel cost-wise, I think Asia might be next on the travel list given it’s closer and tends to feel pretty steady on the exchange board.”
As the dollar continues to fluctuate, travel experts are urging Australians to book early, set strict daily budgets, and monitor exchange rates closely to get the most out of their overseas holidays.
While the weaker Aussie dollar may make European travel more expensive, the desire to connect with heritage and loved ones abroad remains stronger than ever.
The Pontian dialect, the music, the songs of Diogenis Ainatzis are not just a field of creation for him. It is his personal battle with time, a way of proving that tradition does not belong to museums, but to those who have the power to carry it into the future.
Atimeton, his book published in 2023, was one such act. Now, in 2025, his work has been translated into English and is becoming a bridge with the rest of the world. It is not just a translation. It is an opening. A bet that even in an era of homogenisation, languages like Pontic can find new interlocutors.
He says he does it out of responsibility. Responsibility towards the ancestors who spoke this language, towards those who love it, but also towards those who have never had the opportunity to know it.
It is no coincidence that Australia becomes the first major stop of his trip to promote the book. The Greek community of Australia is not just a community of expatriates. It is a place where Greekness is constantly recreated, in an environment that challenges it to adapt, to endure and to evolve.
There, where the distance from Greece is measured in miles but not in hearts, Diogenis has found a second home. He has returned seven times, and now, on his eighth tour, he is preparing to present a work that aspires to be a point of reference for the rescue of the Pontian dialect, to unite through words, music and rhythm, all those who want to feel the vibration of a civilisation that has survived the storms of history.
The Greeks of Australia, many of whom were born thousands of miles away from Pontus, hold something of that world within them, and Diogenis returns it to them through his lyrics and melodies.
In the interview with The Greek Herald that follows, he talks about the past and the future, about language and music, about his challenges and hopes. Above all, it reminds us that no cultural heritage can be saved on its own. It needs voices that raise it, hands that carry it, and people who refuse to let it go.
Atimeton was published in 2023 and takes a big step in 2025, since it has now been translated into English. What prompted you to proceed with the publication of the book in an international language, such as English?
The biggest motivation for the English edition was the same one that pushed me from the beginning to write the Greek edition of the book. The burden of informal responsibility towards delivery. Those of us who have the ability to contribute to the preservation, dissemination and perpetuation of our intangible cultural heritage in any way we can, must do so.
Also, for the English version, my relationship with the Australian community was also a springboard, which developed after my successive tours on this continent. They have given me, and continue to give me, the opportunities to interact with the Greeks and to listen to their concerns and needs both on a teaching and personal level. Finally, for the English edition, I would like to thank my good friend Kostas Pataridis, for his selfless and willing contribution.
You have developed strong ties with the Greek community of Australia. What has impressed you most from your previous contacts with the Greek diaspora here?
I have the blessing through my artistic career, to have made (and continue to do) many trips in my life, to many countries of the world. With the Australian community, however, I believe that I have developed a very special relationship of mutual love, respect and appreciation. It is no coincidence that in my seven tours so far, I have visited four different cities in Australia, making a total of 153 appearances in all kinds of cultural events, dances, nightclubs, etc.
Next May-June, it will be my eighth music and writing tour. But what impresses me most about the Australian community is the excess of love for Greece and everything Greek. And you know, this is particularly difficult to achieve by young people who were neither born, nor lived, nor live in Greece. In my opinion, it demonstrates the principles by which Greeks in Australia raise their children and this is particularly encouraging for the survival and preservation of the Greek element in this distant continent.
Your Atimetontour in Australia will include presentations and concerts. What can our readers expect?
This tour, as its name suggests, includes several interactive seminars, lectures and presentations of the book, through which one can be initiated into the unique paths of the Pontic dialect, gain a lot of knowledge about its historical origin and course, admire its direct connection with the ancient Ionian dialect, as well as reflect on its future and its survival. Also, to gain a lot of important knowledge about Pontian music, as well as even more about our intangible cultural heritage as a whole.
As for the concerts, those who can stand a lot of dancing and fun until dawn, all they have to do is join us for one of the upcoming lives. The evenings we spend in Australia are unique and each one is a special experience, which everyone must live, regardless of whether they are of Pontian origin or not.
Do you think that the Pontian dialect can gain a new audience in the diaspora and why not in Australia, even among people with no direct connection to Pontus?
It would be rather utopian to believe that in the times of linguistic homogenisation in which we live that this would be easy. Initiation into a dialect that is not used as a means of everyday communication is something particularly difficult and requires effort and a lot of dedication from those interested, especially when experiential learning of it no longer exists. However, I do not cease to hope and try with all the means at my disposal to attract people to the history, music and tradition of Pontus as a whole.
I imagine that you have concerns about the survival of the Pontic dialect, hence the publication of a book that can act as a guardian of its perpetuation. How can the diaspora, and especially the Greek Australian community, contribute substantially to its preservation and development?
Clearly, I have many concerns, which I have developed, to a very large extent, in the book. Anyone who reads it will understand exactly what I am saying and my arguments. The Greek diaspora in Australia, as well as in any other country, can contribute by supporting such efforts with all the means at its disposal, material and otherwise. More specifically, the organised Pontic and Greek community in general, can contribute with its resources and connections to such projects, which, as you mentioned, are the guardians of the perpetuation of tradition. The point is that those in charge in key positions have the will to do so.
You are also a master of the Pontian lyre. How did your involvement with this traditional instrument begin, and what does it mean for you personally?
I’ve been playing the lyre all my life! My involvement began at the tender age of 10 years and has never stopped since! The trigger was my love since childhood for tradition in its entirety. For me, the lyre is the extension of my hand. After almost 30 years with the lyre in my hands, I can’t imagine my life without it. For me, it is a living organism, another member of my family. The one that understands me 100% in every phase of my life, positive or negative.
What are your future plans in the field of music and writing? Are there any new creations or collaborations you’d like to share with our audience?
The effort never stops! As long as my hands and my mind hold, I will continue to create. To write lyrics, books, music, etc. My life is shared, half in the real world and half in the studio. This is how I work, this is how I proceed and this is how I express myself better. So, expect more news soon… Stay tuned !
And a message to our community in view of your tour in May
I want to thank you for the interview, through which I am given another podium to get in touch with the Australian community that I love so much. I want to wish everyone health, happiness and a social environment full of honest people. With those who we didn’t get to know on my previous tours, I’m waiting for you in my upcoming shows in Melbourne and Sydney, to get to know each other and see each other privately.
How does a person’s migrant background affect who they become? How do their parents and mentors shape their destiny?
Who were the Greek pirates sent to Australia as convicts and what became of them?
How do women trapped by tradition break out? What happens when you come out to Greek parents? What is dopamine and how does it control us? Who was the humble priest feeding Sydney’s poor and hungry? Why are retellings of ancient Greek mythology still trending? How did Hellenism manifest on The Silk Road?
These are just some of the themes to be explored at the Greek Australian Writers’ Festival 2025 – a much anticipated event of the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney.
The Greek Australian Writers’ Festival returns on April 27, 2025 for a 4th year, and is bigger than ever with parallel sessions throughout the day featuring fiction, memoir, essays, non-fiction and photography exploring concepts of identity, migration, culture, history, and the complexity of interconnecting yet disparate cultures.
The Festival will officially host the launch of “Patrimonies: Essays on Generational Thinking” by UNSW Professor George Kouvaros, a deeply personal and profound examination of how those who came before us have left their mark on us.
Also featuring another Greek Australian intellectual Professor Nikos Papastergiadis and his memoir “John Berger and Me” – a reflection on his family, his father and their peasant roots, as well as the influence of his mentor, the esteemed British writer and critic John Berger.
Shelley Dark and her husband John had no idea that he was descended from one of the first Greek convicts sent to the colonies but once she found out she headed to “Hydra in Winter” to tell the story of this Hydriot pirate.
The festival will also focus on women with Koraly Dimitriadis’ short story collection “The Mother Must Die” and Emily Tsokos Purtill’s “Matia”, a matrilineal novel of love in four generations.
Will Kostakis will discuss his award-winning Young Adult Fiction book “We Could Be Something,” a story of a young man coming out to his Greek parents.
We will examine the neurotransmitter of pleasure, dopamine with Dr Anastasia Hronis, delve into the insatiable genre of Greek Mythology and showcase the best of photography books.
“We are so pleased to showcase the Australian literary community engaging in Greek ideas” Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos, Founder and Director of the Greek-Australian Writers’ Festival, said.
“This is an opportunity for people to come to Sydney to connect and reflect upon the stories that continue to shape our shared community.”
“Secure your ticket early and enjoy a day of books and ideas by the coast and of course a ticket ensures that you get authentic Greek food prepared in the kitchen of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW in Lakemba.”
The festival will be held at the Prince Henry Centre at Little Bay, New South Wales. Books will be on sale and authors available for signings.
