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The Pan-Thessalian Federation of NSW keeps traditions alive with Rougatsia celebration

The Greek Herald
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The Pan-Thessalian Federation of NSW keeps traditions alive with Rougatsia celebration

The Pan-Thessalian Federation of NSW “Karaiskakis” held an event on Saturday, January 14 in Sydney to commemorate the Greek New Year’s tradition of the cutting of the vasilopita and celebrate the custom of ‘Rougatsia’ for the second consecutive year.

The event, held at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, brought together the Thessalian community and members of the wider Greek community for a lively and entertaining celebration.

The Rougatsia, a tradition that dates back centuries, features men dressing up as priests, husbands, wives, koumbaros (best men), groomsmen, and other comical characters. This unique custom offers participants and attendees a chance to experience the traditions and customs of Thessaly in a festive manner.

The Pan-Thessalian Federation of NSW “Karaiskaki cutting the vasilopita. Photo: Vasilios Vasilas
The Federation celebrated the custom of Rougatsia with costumes and dancing. Photo: Vasilios Vasilas

This year’s event saw an influx of new faces from Thessaly and other regions of Greece, as well as individuals who had not attended in a long time but were eager to witness the Rougatsia festivities firsthand. The president of the Federation, Asterios Tsintzas, delivered a speech, highlighting the significance of the event and expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to its success.

The president of the Federation, Asterios Tsintzas. Photo: Vasilios Vasilas

Notable guests included Athanasios Lambrou, Second General Counsellor for Public Diplomacy, who attended with his family and delivered a warm welcome speech. Despite having been in Australia for just one month, Mr Lambrou highlighted the importance of continuing Greek customs in the diaspora and praised the efforts of the Pan-Thessalian Federation in promoting cultural heritage. Costa Dantos, the secretary of the Federation, served as the emcee, ensuring the smooth flow of the event. Special recognition was given to Vaso Tsintzas, the coordinator of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, along with the entire Pan-Thessalian Federation “Karaiskakis” committee and the women’s group members who actively actively contributed to the event’s success.

The secretary of the Federation, Costa Dantos. Photo: Vasilios Vasilas

Among the distinguished guests were representatives from various Greek associations and organizations, including Costa Lianos, the President of AHEPA Australia; Katerina Vetsikas, President of the Pan-Achaian Philanthropic Association “Paleon Patron Germanos” and her committee; Nikos Fasoulas, President of the Serres Association “Pan-Serraikos” and former President of the Pan Macedonian Federation of NSW; Costa Dantos, President of the Chalkidiki Brotherhood of NSW; George Tourtouras, representing the Kozani Association “O Lassanis”; Soula Rossidou from the Hasion Association; Angelos and Elena Matsoukas from Radio Symban; and Takis and Stavroula Papapetrou from the Aristotelion Academy of Traditional Greek Dance.

The Ancient Rougatsia festival organized by the Pan-Thessalian Federation “Karaiskakis” continues to be a vibrant celebration of Thessalian culture and traditions, bringing together the community in a joyous display of Greek heritage.

There were many new young faces at the event. Photo: Vasilios Vasilas
Pan-thessalian-federation-of-NSW
Photo: Vasilios Vasilas
The event commemorated the Greek New Year’s tradition of cutting the vasilopita. Photo: Vasilios Vasilas
Photo: Vasilios Vasilas

Finance executive Spiro Premetis supports raising test thresholds for investors

The Greek Herald
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Finance executive Spiro Premetis supports raising test thresholds for investors

Executive Director for Policy and Advocacy of the Financial Services Council (FSC), Spiro Premetis, has expressed his support for raising the wholesale investor test thresholds.

While the case has not been made for an overhaul of the managed investment scheme framework, FSC acting Chief Executive, Premetis states that an increase in test thresholds will assist with ensuring that investments can be managed accordingly.

“An increase to the wholesale investor test threshold to $5 million, including the family home, will help ensure wholesale products can only be accessed by those who are able to bear the financial risk…” Premetis said.

Small Caps
Labor’s reform will also include a mechanism to guarantee that test thresholds raise on a regular basis to account for price fluctuations, such as a periodic ministerial review.. Photo: Small Caps.

According to the Australian Financial Review, Labor is set to make it more challenging for regular investors to qualify as “sophisticated investors,” with regulators warning that access to riskier assets like private equity and unlisted property should be restricted to individuals with more than $4.5 million.

“Investors [able to bear the financial risk] are more likely to have a more sophisticated understanding of financial matters, and who can afford to seek financial advice on the investments,” Premetis added.

Labor’s reform will also include a mechanism to guarantee that test thresholds raise on a regular basis to account for price fluctuations, such as a periodic ministerial review.

Source: Australian Financial Review

Christos Dantis explores cultural and educational programs at Greek Centre in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
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Christos Dantis explores cultural and educational programs at Greek Centre in Melbourne

The multi-talented and widely recognised, Greek singer, Christos Dantis, visited the Greek Centre today. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Antonia Tsamis, Public Relations Manager of the GCM and the GCM staff.

During his visit, Christos Dantis was provided with an overview of the GCM’s history, as well as its diverse multicultural and educational programs that span the entire year. These encompass a broad spectrum of cultural activities, including the Antipodes Festival, Greek Film Festival, live music and dance performances, film screenings, lectures, theatrical productions, and the Community Cup soccer tournament.

Christos Dantis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis showed a deep interest in the cultural and educational programs offered at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis and Bill Papastergiadis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne. 3
Christos Dantis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

Mr Dantis was taken on a tour of the cultural centre. He was provided with an overview of the use of the building by so many different cultural and educational providers. At the Mezzanine level, he had the opportunity to engage with the school holiday program of the Australian Shakespeare Company.

Mr Dantis was then shown the educational facilities of the Greek centre and had the opportunity to observe a seminar on mentoring of future teachers at the Greek Community language schools. Christos Raspa, the seminar organizer, highlighted its importance to the Greek singer, stating, “This mentoring seminar is a valuable initiative aimed at training young individuals to become future teachers in the GCM schools. This ensures their contribution to the preservation of the rich Greek culture and language.”

Mr Dantis shared his empathetic understanding of the challenges associated with being in a foreign land and the sense of absence experienced by expatriate Greeks. He shared a personal connection, revealing that he has three brothers residing in America, and his own son is currently pursuing his musical and artistic endeavours in New York.

Christos Dantis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

He said, “The greater the distance, the stronger the yearning to communicate and the desire to assert and embrace our Greek identity, serving as a reminder of both personal and cultural roots. I do believe that that the cultivation of the Greek spirit is deeply rooted in the family structure. This familial bond serves as a conduit for preserving traditions, fostering a continuous link to the philosophy and values of being Greek, regardless of one’s international location. It is through these connections that the Greek spirit perseveres, overcoming challenges and contributing to national pride through shared struggles.”

Mr Dantis also offered an interesting perspective on developing music programs on students abroad, which incorporate the connection with Byzantine music. He asserted, “I think implementing an educational and training program on Byzantine music would be an ideal approach to reconnect the children of expatriate Hellenism with our cultural roots. Greek music schools have successfully adopted a comparable music education program.”

Christos Dantis and Bill Papastergiadis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis and Bill Papastergiadis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis and Bill Papastergiadis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis and Bill Papastergiadis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis and Bill Papastergiadis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Christos Dantis and Bill Papastergiadis at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

Mr Papastergiadis expressed his gratitude to Mr. Dantis for his sincere interest in the GCM’s activities. He remarked “We appreciate Christos Dantis’ visit and the positive influence he has had on our community. It is an honour to have him with us today, as our community maintains a direct and close connection with talented and esteemed artists from Greece. Greek music serves as a vital connection between language and cultural.”

The artist dedicated his song “To Palio Mou Palto” to all Greeks in Australia. He stated, “This song mirrors our collective consciousness. It encapsulates our awareness and values, representing the principles we were born and raised with, some of which may be overlooked as we navigate our journey.”

Through his visit, Mr Papastergiadis showed to the singer the replica of the Parthenon Marbles that had been installed on the Greek Centre balcony façade and they have been endorsed by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The extensive history and remarkable accomplishments of the GCM left him with a lasting impression.

Thanasi Kokkinakis scores biggest Australian Open singles victory in years

The Greek Herald
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Thanasi Kokkinakis scores biggest Australian Open singles victory in years

Nine years have passed since a teenage Thanasi Kokkinakis scored a stunning five-set victory at the Australian Open (AO) in 2015.

Now 27, Kokkinakis was determined to secure a second round match at this year’s AO, beating Austrian, Sebastian Ofner on Tuesday night in a thrilling first-round five-set triumph, 7-6(1-7), 2-6, 6-7(4-7), 6-1, 7-6(10-8).

The world no.80 kept his cool, staging an incredible comeback to claim victory over the world no. 37 on Melbourne’s John Cain Arena.

According to tennis.com.au, despite the Austrian’s 77 winners for the match, Kokkinakis, scoring 43 of his own, managed to pull out the win in four hours and 18 minutes.

“I wish I could do it easier but I can’t,” Kokkinakis said.

“I know it’s a first round, but this one means a lot.”

Kokkinakis will face 13th-seed Bulgarian, Grigor Dimitrov for a second-round showdown, which he says he is ready for.

“Grigor is a hell of a player…But I back myself. I’ve beaten higher-ranked players before, I’ve lost to lower-ranked players. It’s a number, it’s about coming out on the day and playing my best tennis, so hopefully I can do that,” Kokkinakis added.

Kokkinakis joins Australia’s top four ranked players – Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson – who also progressed to the next round, alongside 68-ranked Chris O’Connell, as reported by The Guardian.

Source: The Guardian and tennis.com.au

Greek-owned bulk carrier struck by Houthi missile off Yemen coast

The Greek Herald
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Greek-owned bulk carrier struck by Houthi missile off Yemen coast

A Greek-owned bulk carrier was struck by a missile off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea on Tuesday, in an event that has been linked to a series of previous attacks by Houthi-led rebels.

According to Ekathimerini, Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, stated the Malta-flagged Greek bulk carrier “Zografia” was apparently targeted and struck by a missile while traveling in the Red Sea, 76 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s coastal city of Saleef.

The damage to the vessel is described as minor and no injuries have been reported among the crew of 24 people – three Filipinos, 20 Ukrainians and one Georgian national, with no Greeks onboard.

Zografia was heading from Vietnam to Israel without any cargo, and it will now sail to the Suez Canal in Egypt for a thorough examination of all damages incurred.

Houthi attacks on ships in the area since November have harmed businesses and concerned global nations, escalating Israel’s more than three-month conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza.

Source: Ekathimerini

European Court rules against Greek MEP Eva Kaili on immunity lifting request

The Greek Herald
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European Court rules against Greek MEP Eva Kaili on immunity lifting request

The European Union’s Court of Justice has dismissed “as inadmissible in its entirety” the appeal launched by European Parliament Member, Eva Kaili, against the request to lift her parliamentary immunity.

“On the basis of an investigation concerning the management of parliamentary allowances, the European Chief Prosecutor, Laura Kövesi, made a request on December 15, 2022 to the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, to lift the parliamentary immunity of Eva Kaili, former Vice-President of the European Parliament,” the court order stated.

“The conduct in question is not subject to review,” the court declared on Tuesday.

According to Ekathimerini, the court also stated, however, “that, until the final decision of the Parliament is taken, MEP Kaili will still continue to benefit from the protection of the privileges and immunities granted by EU law.”

Kaili, a socialist, was arrested on December 9, 2022, for her suspected role in the Qatargate incident, in which MEPs, lobbyists, and their families were accused of being excessively influenced by the governments of Qatar, Morocco, and Muritania, frequently through direct financial handovers.

On May 14, Kaili was freed from prison and given an electronic monitoring device before returning to her Brussels home.

Source: Ekathimerini

Demi Flokis on how making TikToks with her yiayia Maria keeps them close

Evelyn Karatzas
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Demi Flokis on how making TikToks with her yiayia Maria keeps them close

If you haven’t heard of yiayia Maria yet, this is your sign to do your research.

What initially started as a one-off funny video posted between yiayia Maria and her granddaughter, Demi Flokis, has turned into a TikTok channel with over 100,000 likes and many fans.

Yiayia Maria
The beloved Yiayia Maria. Photo: Demi Folkis.

Demi, a 28-year-old from San Souci, said after regularly visiting her yiayia on the weekends, she decided to begin filming funny videos with her and posting them on social media. She then decided to create a TikTok account to post the videos.

“The account, Yiayia Maria’s Channel is a way to share videos of my yiayia who is always very fun and cheeky and loves the camera,” Demi told The Greek Herald.

“I tend to visit yiayia once a week, and every time I am there I would occasionally put her on my Instagram or Snapchat stories and I would always get replies from all my friends saying how funny she is and how they want more videos of her. 

“I then realised I needed to start being more proactive with it.”

Demi Flokis and Yiayia Maria
Demi Flokis and Yiayia Maria. Photo: Demi Flokis.

Demi said the first video posted on TikTok was a ‘Smash or Pass’ video – this is where she’d show her yiayia different celebrities and she’d rate them.

“I posted it and overnight she had 40k views, and hundreds of new followers,” she said.

“After this, yiayia gained a lot of interest and love from all over the world. We became so overwhelmed with all the beautiful comments from strangers towards yiayia Maria, which is what made me want to keep this up and keep sharing videos, which I know bring so much joy to everyone’s day. 

“Our content can range from fun games like that, storytelling, yiayia’s messages for the day and yiayia singing and dancing.”

Demi Flokis
Demi said her Yiayia has now gained a lot of interest and love from all over the world. Photo: Demi Flokis.

The Earlwood yiayia was born in Pyli village on the Greek island of Kos, and moved to Australia when she was 17. Demi said she grew up in Australia with her four sisters and three brothers.

“When she left Greece, she came to Australia to meet her brother who was already here, leaving behind some of her siblings and her parents,” she said.

“In 1957 she came to Australia, and by 1958 she had married pappou George and later had four sons.”

Yiayia Maria now is adored by fans all over the world. People in America, Canada, Germany, and of course Greece, are constantly sending wonderful messages to Demi about how much they love the videos with her yiayia.

“To me, that is so special especially in a world where there is so much other stuff going on, it’s nice to be able to make people laugh and smile,” Demi said.

“We have even had our relatives reach out to us saying that they are all watching her back home in her island of Kos. It makes us both so happy.”

Demi Flokis
Demi loves using TikTok to connect with her Yiayia. Photo: Demi Flokis.

Demi said using TikTok is also a great way engage people, especially now that it’s attracting older generations. 

“Whether they completely understand how it works or not, they still do get the idea and know in a roundabout way what it involves and how it is a platform to post videos which have the opportunity to be shown and shared around the world,” she said.

“I can speak for myself when I see other grandparents of all nationalities on TikTok, and I find myself watching their videos for hours laughing along with them. 

“I think it is also a nice way to create memories with this generation. They have never seen or heard of anything like it, so being able to film and make memories with them is special to me, as we are very lucky to still have a grandparent or grandparents around.”

Demi and Yiayia Maria
Yiayia Maria is thankful for everyone who listens to her, loves her and supports her and her videos on TikTok with her granddaughter. Photo: Demi Flokis.

Yiayia Maria shared that she was so thankful for all the ongoing support she has received since making the TikTok channel with Demi.

“I feel happy and I didn’t believe that so many people would watch me,” yiayia Maria said.

“Thank you so much everyone for listening to me, loving me, supporting me and for all your kind words and comments.

“I love making these videos with my granddaughter, it’s very nice to be able to connect with her this way. I love her so much, as well as my other grandkids of course.

“I am thankful that my Demi always supports me and calls me and brings me food and takes care of me.”

Demi said she hopes to create many more videos with her yiayia. 

Some that may be posted in the future include things about her personal life growing up in Greece, singing videos, cooking videos and more ‘Smash or Pass’ content.

Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW holds kefi-filled Taverna Night

The Greek Herald
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Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW holds kefi-filled Taverna Night

On Saturday, 13 January, the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW came together to host a Taverna Night.

Taking place at Panagia Soumela Hall, at Hurlstone Park, the sold out event featured many families and members of the association, as well as representitives from Kalymnian and Pontian associations.

The night was filled with the Cretans junior, intermediate and senior dancing performing groups who welcomes everyone in attendance to come on the dance floor and join in. 

Plenty of kefi was seen throughout the event, with musicians performing including Miltiades Varouhakis and Mario Makridakis from Crete, and Alexander Mountakis from Sydney.

As well as lots of dancing and great entertainment, the Taverna Night also featured delicious food which was catered by the Greek Generation Gourmet Group.

The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW thanked the community for their support in a Facebook post.

“We would like to thank everyone that attended to make it such a fantastic night,” the post read.

Greek government signs memorandum to research Kytherian stories

The Greek Herald
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Greek government signs memorandum to research Kytherian stories

A meeting was held last Tuesday, 9 January with the Directorate of Secondary Education of Piraeus to discuss the framework of the educational program of oral history “Kythira: Stories that Build Bridges,”.

The Memorandum of Cooperation with the Municipality of Kythira was also signed off by the Director of Secondary Education of Piraeus, Mr. Dionysios Anastasopoulos, and the Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis.

This collaboration between the government and the author aims to raise awareness on issues related to Kythera’s local history, particularly focusing on the migration to the island. The program will primarily target educators and students, and aim to shape democratic attitudes and respect to connect various generations.

Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis and Director of Secondary Education of Piraeus, Mr. Dionysios Anastasopoulos. Photo: Giannis Kanatselis

In attendance was the Secretary-General of Hellenes Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Mr. Giannis Chrysoulakis, and the Ambassador of Australia to Greece, Ms. Alison Duncan.

Mr. Anastasopoulos shared that signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation opens new doors for the educational program “Kythira: Stories that Build Bridges.” 

He further emphasized the shaping of cultural identities through oral and local history programs and the development of collaborations, with schools in Australia and schools in Kythira.

Mr. Harhalakis further shared information on the migration of Kythirians and emphasized the significance of establishing the first Migration Museum in Greece on the island, which is supported by the Municipality of Kythira. 

He also expressed his gratitude to Ms. Alison Duncan for her presence at the signing of the Memorandum and the ongoing support provided by the Embassy of Australia in Greece to Kythira.

Ms. Alison Duncan expressed enthusiasm for the educational program and the Migration Museum.

The Education Advisors of the Directorates of Primary and Secondary Education in Piraeus, who supported the program, Ms. Archontia Mantzaridou, Ms. Kyriaki Mellou, Ms. Naya Mpoumi, and Mr. Panagiotis Pefanis, spoke upon the importance of the program as an educational tool to share the migration history of Kythira. 

The initiative seeks to actively contribute to the development of an extensive collection of spoken testimonies related to people’s migration experiences in Kythira.

It will include interviews with Kytherians who migrated to Australia, the creation of a digital oral history archive, lifelong learning for educators, collaborative projects between Greek students and possibly with students in Australia.

It also seeks to preserve the stories of Kythirians who have experienced migration, add depth and nuances to existing literature, encourage students to explore historical significance, recognise continuities and changes, and adopt a historical perspective on the migration of their region through critical thinking and the diversity of narratives. 

Ultimately, the educational program aims to contribute to the broader education of students.

Melbourne’s Greek Community Cup kicks off with thrilling start at Heatherton FC

The Greek Herald
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Melbourne’s Greek Community Cup kicks off with thrilling start at Heatherton FC

The 2024 Greek Community Cup kicked off on Sunday January 14 at Heatherton FC with a full schedule of games, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament.

The opening clash between Malvern City and Heidelberg Alexander unfolded as a pulsating football match.

Greek Community Cup.
The Greek Community Cup kicked off with a success. Photo: Greek Community Cup.

The game reached a thrilling conclusion with a remarkable goalkeeping save that secured Malvern City’s 3-2 victory. 

In the second game, East Kew (Olympiakos) faced off against Altona East Phoenix (Paok), with East Kew emerging as 3-0 winners in a highly entertaining spectacle.

Greek Community Cup
South Melbourne Hellas vs Kingston FC. Photo: Greek Community Cup.

The defending champions, South Melbourne Hellas, showcased their prowess against Kingston FC. The match unfolded at a ferocious pace, with both teams creating opportunities.

South Melbourne secured a 3-0 victory, underlining their status as formidable contenders. Kingston FC demonstrated commendable effort, facing the challenge head-on against the reigning champions.

The day concluded with a dominant performance by Oakleigh Cannons FC against South Springvale FC. Oakleigh emerged victorious with an impressive 5-0 win, treating fans to an entertaining spectacle.

Greek Community Cup
Michael Karamitos said it was an excellent start to the three weeks of football. Photo: Greek Community Cup.

The Vice President of the Greek Community, Michael Karamitos, reflecting on the first round of the tournament, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “What a magnificent start to what promises to be an amazing 3 weeks of football”.

“The Greek Community Cup kicked off spectacularly with all 8 teams passionately competing. The crowds turned up in troves and everyone enjoyed the commencement of the tournament. We look forward to witnessing more thrilling matches in the following weeks.”

Greek Community Cup
Photo: Greek Community Cup.

As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the upcoming matches and the crowning of the 2024 Greek Community Cup champions. Football enthusiasts can expect more exhilarating moments and fierce competition in the weeks to come.

Team fixtures can be found here.

For all other tournament information visit: 

www.greekcup.com.au or Home | Greek Community of Melbourne

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