Melbourne’s Malvern City Football Club is mourning the passing of its former president, Michael Triandafilidis, paying tribute to his leadership, dedication and lasting contribution to the club and its community.
In a statement issued this week, the club expressed profound sadness at Michael’s passing, acknowledging the significant role he played during the formative years of Malvern City Football Club.
“Michael’s leadership and commitment to our club have left an indelible mark on the Malvern City community,” the statement read.
During his time as president, Michael was widely respected for his dedication to building strong foundations for the club, helping to shape its direction and values both on and off the field. His contribution is remembered as part of a broader collective effort by those who worked tirelessly in the club’s early years to establish and grow it.
The club also extended its gratitude to all individuals who made sacrifices during Malvern City’s formative period, noting that their efforts laid the groundwork for the club’s continued development and success today.
“Their dedication has laid a strong foundation upon which our club continues to grow and thrive,” the statement said.
Malvern City Football Club has offered its heartfelt condolences to the Triandafilidis family, honouring Michael’s legacy and the impact he had on the club and wider community.
A major redevelopment has been proposed for Manly Wharf, with Adam Flaskas, co-founder of Artemus Group, playing a central role in plans to transform the iconic waterfront site into a food and drink precinct.
Artemus Group has lodged a development application with Northern Beaches Council seeking approval for a $4.5 million upgrade of the wharf’s central pedestrian concourse, which currently houses a mix of retail and food outlets servicing ferry passengers, commuters and visitors.
An artist’s impression of a proposed $4.5m revamp of the central retail arcade on the pedestrian concourse at Manly Wharf. Photo: Transmitt.
Under the proposal, all existing outlets along the concourse would be converted into food and drink premises, marking the first significant change to the retail arcade since Manly Wharf was rebuilt in 1941.
Planning documents submitted with the application outline extensive internal works, including the demolition of existing partitions, ceilings, floor finishes, signage panels and ground-floor kiosks. The concrete flooring throughout the pedestrian concourse would be refurbished, while automatic glass sliding doors would be installed at the main entrance, along with a new skylight designed to increase natural light within the space.
An artist’s impression of a proposed $4.5m revamp of the central retail arcade on Manly Wharf. Picture: Little Boat Projects
If approved, the current seven tenancies would be consolidated into six, with the number of kiosks reduced from three to two. The proposal also includes additional fixed seating, upgraded ferry waiting areas and improved external lighting, with illumination intended to enhance the wharf’s historic façade and clocktower and create a softer visual presence along the waterfront.
The statement of environmental effects accompanying the development application notes that the proposed works aim to improve the retail offering, restore and reinstate heritage-significant elements of the site, and provide improved public amenity, including increased shelter and areas of respite for ferry passengers.
Flaskas has previously spoken about a long-term vision to revitalise the Manly waterfront as an inviting hospitality precinct that serves locals, commuters and tourists while retaining its role as a key transport hub.
Artemus Group co-founder Adam Flaskas.
Artemus acquired the long-term leasehold of Manly Wharf in 2023, along with the adjacent Manly Wharf Bar. Since then, the group has undertaken a number of changes across the precinct, including rebranding the Wharf Bar to Felons Brewing Co. and converting a former supermarket tenancy into the Barrel Room, a microbrewery, live music venue and eatery.
Further hospitality venues have since opened along the western side of the wharf, while several long-standing restaurants have recently vacated the precinct following the conclusion of their leases. Artemus has also acquired Hugo’s Pizza at the wharf and has opened a dedicated wedding and events venue on the first floor of the complex.
The redevelopment proposal is now subject to assessment by Northern Beaches Council.
Manly Wharf being rebuilt in 1941. Photo: State Records of NSW.
Adelaide’s food landscape is undergoing a notable shift, with Greek cuisine increasingly stepping into view as part of the city’s evolving dining identity.
With deep roots in Australia’s dining culture, Greek cuisine is entering a period of renewed attention -shaped by experienced restaurateurs, a return to taverna-style hospitality, and growing appreciation for food that is communal, seasonal and grounded in tradition.
A renewed focus on Greek dining in Adelaide
This momentum is being led by venues that place authenticity and connection at the centre of the dining experience, favouring shared plates, slow-cooked dishes and the social rituals that have long defined Greek food culture.
One of the clearest expressions of this approach is Vasili’s Table, a beachside taverna that draws directly on family heritage. Led by veteran restaurateur Billy Petropoulos, the venue champions generous Greek feasting, with dishes such as slow-roasted lamb, seasonal vegetables and classic taverna fare designed for sharing. True to its ethos, even the rear of the property has been converted into productive garden beds, supplying fresh produce and reinforcing a hands-on, home-style approach to hospitality.
Vasili’s Table reflects the spirit of Greek taverna culture in Adelaide, where food, family and shared dining remain central.
In the Adelaide CBD, a more contemporary interpretation of Greek dining is emerging at Omada, located on the corner of Leigh Street. Backed by a group of influential hospitality figures including Simon Kardachi, Omada reflects an urban evolution of Greek cuisine while remaining faithful to its foundations. Beginning with a concise, snack-focused offering, the venue is expected to expand into grilled meats and seafood, traditional Greek pastries such as kataifi, and a curated selection of ouzo and spirits – all intended to encourage relaxed, social dining rather than hurried meals.
Together, the two venues point to a broader recalibration of how Greek food is presented and perceived in South Australia.
Omada’s signature dishes. Photo: Teresa Di Fava.
Part of a national shift
Adelaide’s growing confidence in Greek dining reflects a wider national movement. In recent years, Greek restaurants interstate have helped redefine expectations around Hellenic cuisine, positioning it as both culturally rich and contemporary.
In Sydney, Olympus has demonstrated the appetite for modern Greek dining rooted in tradition, while Melbourne venues such as Taverna and Kafeneion have shown how classic flavours can translate seamlessly into today’s restaurant landscape.
Adelaide now appears ready to embrace this shift, as diners increasingly seek food that prioritises simplicity, generosity and cultural authenticity.
Food, community and connection
What sets Greek dining apart within Adelaide’s broader hospitality growth is its emphasis on people and place. While new apartment developments and hotel precincts continue to generate demand for cafés and restaurants, Greek venues tend to resist anonymity. Instead, they lean into familiarity – food as an extension of family, history and shared experience.
This philosophy also aligns naturally with wider hospitality trends favouring seasonal menus, visible provenance and smaller, more flexible offerings. In the Greek tradition, however, these ideas are less a trend than a continuation of long-standing practice.
As Adelaide’s dining scene continues to evolve, the rise of Greek cuisine feels less like a passing phase and more like a long-overdue recognition. With chefs and restaurateurs choosing to foreground tradition rather than dilute it, Greek food is carving out a space that is both culturally meaningful and increasingly prominent.
For Adelaide diners – Greek and non-Greek alike – this renewed focus offers more than just new places to eat. It creates opportunities to gather, share and reconnect with a style of dining that has always been about far more than what’s on the plate.
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos has earned four nominations at the 98th Academy Awards for his latest film, Bugonia, reaffirming his position as one of the most internationally recognised figures in contemporary cinema.
The nominations were announced on Thursday, 22 January 2026, by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with the awards ceremony set to take place on 15 March 2026.
Bugonia received nominations in four key artistic categories, including Best Picture. Emma Stone was nominated for Best Actress for her performance in the film, while Bugonia also secured nominations for Original Score and Adapted Screenplay.
While the focus for Greek audiences remained on Lanthimos’ success, this year’s nominations were led by Sinners, which dominated the field with 16 nominations across major and technical categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.
One Battle After Another followed with 12 nominations, earning recognition across all major categories as well as key technical fields such as editing, sound, score, adapted screenplay, cinematography and casting.
The nominations were announced live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman.
This year also marked the introduction of a new Academy Award category for Best Casting. The Academy has also confirmed that a Best Stunt Design award will be introduced at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, recognising films released in 2027.
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has reaffirmed that Greece retains the sovereign and unilateral right to expand its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, describing the issue as a core matter of national sovereignty under international law.
Speaking in an interview with OPEN TV, Dendias said Greece remains open to dialogue with Turkey, provided discussions take place strictly within the framework of international law and without pressure or threats.
He stressed that Greece is not weak and will not negotiate under coercion, adding that any decision to extend territorial waters would be based on an assessment of national interest. Dendias also rejected Turkey’s long-standing casus belli, declared by the Turkish parliament in 1995 in response to a potential Greek expansion, stating that it cannot form the basis of dialogue between the two countries.
The Defence Minister’s comments followed accusations from Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party, whose deputy leader and defence spokesperson, Yanki Bahcioglu, claimed that Greece is violating international law.
Bahcioglu said Turkey’s position on territorial waters has remained official state policy since 1995, warning that references to a possible expansion in the Aegean undermine good neighbourly relations and threaten Turkey’s sovereign rights.
Severe flooding and extreme weather conditions swept across large parts of Greece on Wednesday, 21 January, causing widespread damage, major disruption to infrastructure, and leaving two people dead. The hardest-hit areas were in Attica, where torrential rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems and turned roads into rivers.
Authorities confirmed that a 56-year-old woman was killed on Wednesday in Ano Glyfada after being swept away by fast-moving floodwaters and trapped beneath a vehicle while attempting to cross a road. In a separate incident the same day in Astros Kynourias, a 53-year-old coast guard officer lost his life while on duty after a powerful wave knocked him over as he worked to secure boats at a pier.
By Thursday, emergency services were continuing efforts to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by rocks, mud and floodwater, while firefighters assisted motorists and residents trapped in inundated homes.
Athens public transport operator OASA announced emergency measures and temporary changes to bus services, with several routes modified or partially suspended to ensure passenger safety.
The fire brigade reported a surge in emergency calls across Attica, receiving hundreds of requests for assistance. Firefighters were required to intervene in at least 11 cases to rescue residents trapped in flooded homes in Glyfada, Paiania and Vari, while a further 364 calls related to flooding inside residences.
In total, the Fire Brigade’s Operations Centre received more than 910 calls for assistance across the Attica region, including 318 requests to pump out floodwaters, 32 calls to remove fallen trees, 61 requests to relocate people to safety, and 10 incidents involving the removal of hazardous objects.
The most severe impacts were recorded in Glyfada, Vari, Voula and Vouliagmeni, while overflowing streams in Aspropyrgos and Rafina forced nearby residents to evacuate as a precaution.
According to Meteo.gr meteorological stations, rainfall totals exceeded 115 millimetres in areas such as Vyronas, Halandri and Ambelokipi by 7.30pm on Wednesday, while Papagou recorded more than 146 millimetres.
Heavy rain also caused major disruptions to public transport, with police imposing emergency traffic measures and interruptions reported on metro and tram services. Several roads across Attica remained closed on Thursday morning, including sections in Nea Makri, the coastal road in Oropos and Anixi Road in Athens.
Meanwhile, a tanker at the Perama shipyard that had begun listing after water entered its hull due to rough seas was fully stabilised on Thursday morning.
Meteorologists warned that further severe weather was forecast for Thursday, mainly affecting the Aegean, with strong south-easterly winds expected to reach 8 to 10 on the Beaufort scale.
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have been eliminated from the men’s doubles at the Australian Open, with injuries again playing a decisive role in their campaign.
The 2022 champions were edged out in a dramatic three-set encounter by fellow Australians Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler, who claimed a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory in front of a packed crowd at Kia Arena.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis appeared on track to extend their run after securing a break early in the deciding set, but momentum shifted as physical issues began to hamper both players during the latter stages of the match, which extended beyond two hours.
Kokkinakis showed visible discomfort while serving midway through the third set and required a medical timeout to receive treatment on his shoulder. Although he was able to continue, Kyrgios also began to struggle, with his heavily bandaged knee causing increasing concern as the contest moved towards a tie-break.
Despite their physical limitations, the duo worked hard to lift the crowd, producing several highlight-reel shots that had the arena buzzing. However, a disputed volley early in the tie-break — which was ruled to have crossed the net illegally – handed Polmans and Kubler a crucial mini-break.
From there, Polmans and Kubler maintained their composure, capitalising on a rise in unforced errors from their opponents to race out to a commanding lead and close out the match.
As is often the case in Kyrgios matches, the encounter was not without its fiery moments, with the 28-year-old receiving a code violation and exchanging words with both the umpire and a spectator. Nevertheless, Polmans and Kubler remained focused to secure a notable all-Australian victory.
Kyrgios, who had already withdrawn from the singles draw due to injury, is expected to return to action in the mixed doubles, where he is scheduled to partner Leylah Fernandez later in the tournament.
Sweat co-founder Kayla Itsines has drawn widespread attention after an interview in New York in which she reflected on her biggest business regret following the sale of her fitness company, according to The Advertiser.
The Adelaide-born fitness entrepreneur, now based in Queensland, was approached by US influencer James Dumoulin while attending a retail conference. Dumoulin is known for his street interviews with high-profile millionaires, and the encounter was later shared on Instagram, where it has attracted millions of views.
In the video, Itsines revealed she was already a fan of Dumoulin’s work. “I follow you. I’ve seen all your stuff,” she said. She went on to discuss how she became a multi-millionaire at just 22 after selling Sweat in a deal valued at $400 million.
Reflecting on the sale, Itsines admitted she would approach it differently if given the chance. “I think I did it wrong. I think when you’re selling a company you want to be able to sell the company that doesn’t have you attached to it,” she said. She added that remaining closely tied to the business made the transition difficult rather than freeing.
“If I could do anything and do it all over again is I would remove myself as part of the company. You want to sell it and be able to relax. But for me it wasn’t relaxing,” she said.
Itsines also highlighted the importance of diversifying income streams. “The first thing that ever made me money that I was so excited that I bought was a petrol station,” she said, explaining how rental income offered stability beyond digital platforms.
“Like just, diversifying your wealth because one day the internet might shut off and it’ll all be gone,” she said.
After the interview, Itsines praised Dumoulin online, describing him as “the most kind gentle soul” who quickly makes people feel at ease.
Psychic medium and spiritual healer Katrina Flokis says speaking to The Daily Telegraph, a near-death experience during childbirth more than three decades ago transformed her life and revealed what she describes as a spiritual gift.
Now known as “The Lightworker,” Flokis counts celebrities including Margot Robbie, Rita Ora, Joel Edgerton and television host Samantha Armytage among her clients. Demand for private readings is high, with waiting lists stretching for months.
Flokis says her abilities emerged after suffering serious complications while giving birth to her son 33 years ago, when her heart stopped for a minute and a half. “When I was revived and walked back, I could see energy around everyone in the operating theatre,” she says. Doctors initially dismissed the experience, but she later began having vivid dreams that appeared to predict real-world events.
At the time, long before spirituality gained mainstream popularity, Flokis believed something was wrong. “I actually thought I was going through postnatal depression… But I guess I just stuck to it and I just started trusting myself.”
Despite her growing reputation, Flokis still works in a senior corporate role at an international healthcare company. Over time, she says she has learned to manage her abilities “like… a light switch,” allowing her to balance work, family life and spiritual practice.
She says her role is not to tell people how to live, but to help them make informed decisions using all available tools. “It’s very humbling but for me, a soul is a soul,” she says.
While the spiritual services industry continues to grow – alongside concerns about fraud – Flokis says she welcomes sceptics. “Some people believe, some don’t. And that’s the beauty of free will,” she says.
Rising prices at home are prompting more Greeks to spend their holidays abroad, where travel and accommodation often prove more affordable, according to an article by Ilias Bellos in ekathimerini.com
Konstantinos and his wife, both private sector employees, compared the cost of a one-week holiday on the Aegean island of Tinos with a week in Prague or Copenhagen. They found that flights and accommodation in Northern Europe were significantly cheaper, and chose to travel there instead.
A similar decision was made by another working couple with above-average income. Planning a family holiday with their two children, they calculated that a trip to Tenerife would cost around €1,000 less than vacationing on Corfu. Such examples are increasingly common, as overseas travel is often seen as better value than the traditional domestic “sun and sea” getaway.
Bank of Greece data underline this trend. In 2024, Greeks spent €2.8 billion on trips abroad, compared with €2.2 billion on domestic holidays. In the first half of 2025 alone, spending on foreign travel reached €1.677 billion, nearly 25% more than the €1.344 billion spent within Greece.
While middle-class incomes have improved, strong foreign demand and upgrades to tourist infrastructure have pushed accommodation prices in many Greek destinations to record levels. According to a study by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), departures for holidays abroad rose by 8% in 2024 to 6.7 million, while spending increased by 15%.
The study also notes a shift toward destinations such as France, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, away from nearby countries like Bulgaria and Turkey. Although Greeks are choosing pricier destinations, they often remain cheaper than holidays at home, with travel demand now spread more evenly throughout the year.
