Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou has shared that if his party is elected in majority at local government elections in September, he will axe ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies.
Mr Christou, who was Mayor of Cumberland City from 2017 – 2022, made the announcement via a video on Twitter.
In the video, Mr Christou said he would scrap “as a matter of priority” the ‘Welcome to Country,’ as well as traditional smoking ceremonies, if his party Our Local Community wins at the elections this year.
Policy announcement for 2024 if re – elected in majority Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies at Cumberland City Council will be dumped as a matter of priority. Instead we will focus on better representing all residents and the diverse communities they represent. pic.twitter.com/RaZrHcrdSL
— Councillor Steve Christou (@ChristouSteve) January 8, 2024
“The people of Cumberland and Australia voted overwhelmingly to reject the Voice to Parliament Campaign with Cumberland City Council Local Government area recording one of the highest No Votes in the Country,” Mr Christou said in the video.
The councillor added that the current policy in place didn’t reflect the needs of Cumberland residents, and he wanted to better represent the community.
“[If elected] our focus will be on more accurately representing our diverse community in the issues that are affecting them, primarily cost of living, and housing affordability,” he said.
The United Nations has recruited María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, a former Columbian Foreign Minister, to visit Cyprus and discuss plans to resolve the island’s ethnic divide.
Cyprus has been divided for 50 years, following an illegal occupation by Turkish forces in 1974.
Ms Cuéllar will head to Cyprus to speak with the Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, Ersin Tatar, to see whether she is able to revive peace talks.
Cyrpus President Nikos Christodoulides. Photo: philenews.
This deal aims to reduce potential conflict and allow for easier harnessing of hydrocarbon reserves in the East Mediterranean Sea’s waters.
In his New Year’s message, Christodoulides said having Ms Cuéllar visit is the “first important step” to making peace between the two sides.
He added that he was “absolutely ready” to move things forward, however the “road will be long and the difficulties a given.”
Tatar shared with a Turkish Cypriot newspaper last week that he had “no expectations” of any peace talks in the works.
Greece’s SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance party tabled a bill on Monday to Parliament on same-sex marriage.
According to AMNA, the bill was aimed at the lifting of discrimination based on gender in Greek Family Law, and the establishment of the right of all persons to get married.
The proposed law was signed unanimously by the main opposition’s parliamentary group.
Our “liberal” Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, just compared thousands of Greek citizens to horses!
“Don’t put the cart before the horse” he said regarding a potential bill to finally (!) legalize same-sex marriage in Greece. (A country with no separation of church and… pic.twitter.com/dkcBKCZOY2
— Stefanos Kasselakis – Στέφανος Κασσελάκης (@skasselakis) January 4, 2024
In a statement, the group said, “The rights of LGBTQ+ are human rights – as the European Parliament remind us with the resolution of September 14, 2021.”
“The EU has already formulated a strategy for the equal treatment of LGBTQ+ for 2024-2025, for its tranformation into a true ‘Equality Union’.”
It also stated that marriage between couples of the same sex is already recognised in 14 EU member states and in 18 Council of Europe member states.
Gold Coast businessman George Mastrocostas has been officially sworn in as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland.
Mr Mastrocostas, head of the prolific private development and construction company Aniko Group, was sworn in at a private ceremony in Athens on January 5.
His appointment as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland underscores his dedication to fostering cultural exchange, strengthening economic ties, and facilitating collaboration between Greece and Queensland.
In his new role, he will actively engage in diplomatic relations, provide support to the Greek community in Queensland, and promote collaborations across diverse sectors, including trade, culture, and education.
George Mastrocostas with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs during his swearing in ceremony. Photo: The Greek Herald / Supplied.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Mr Mastrocostas said: “I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted to serve as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland.”
“This role allows me to build bridges and strengthen the ties between Greece and Queensland, contributing to the vibrant cultural, economic, and social exchange between the two regions,” he added.
In addition to his business and diplomatic roles, Mr Mastrocostas maintains a substantial impact as a Board Director for The Hellenic Initiative Australia. This global non-profit organisation is committed to mobilising Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes in a collective mission to invest in and contribute to the future success of Greece through impactful programs. These initiatives encompass crisis relief efforts, support for entrepreneurship, and contributions to economic development in Greece.
Reflecting on his dual roles, Mastrocostas expressed enthusiasm and said, “Serving on the Board of The Hellenic Initiative Australia allows me to contribute to the broader efforts of supporting Greece’s development. The combination of my diplomatic role and involvement in philanthropy creates a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on both fronts.”
As Honorary Consul General, Mastrocostas is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the existing bonds and exploring new avenues of cooperation. His unique position as a business leader with a profound understanding of both the Australian and Greek cultures positions him to bridge gaps and facilitate meaningful connections.
George Mastrocostas from Aniko Group commenced the new role on January 5. Photo: Supplied.
As a dynamic leader in the development and construction industry, Mastrocostas’ Aniko Group has a development pipeline in excess of $2 billion. The company is one of the largest private developers on the Gold Coast.
Aniko Group has recently completed a $500 million transformation of Hope Island with the sale of more than 600 apartments and townhouses.
Over the last 15 years Aniko Group has delivered significant residential and commercial projects in Southeast Queensland, including the luxury car showroom on Bundall Road and a sold out residential apartment project at Labrador.
The company is set to embark on one of Queensland’s largest private projects early this year – a $2 billion, four-tower residential and mixed-use project called The Landmark, adjacent to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
The project will include a vibrant residential-resort destination that will include an integrated collection of residential apartments, offices, medical, a luxury hotel and a ground-floor retail and dining precinct.
Plans include three residential towers of 25, 30 and 40 storeys – and a further 53-level tower that will include a mix of hotel suites and private hotel branded residences.
Aniko Group has also commenced construction on its $120m apartment project at Chevron Island where it has achieved more than $100 million in sales.
Accused serial stabber, Christopher Raftopoulos has refused to speak to anybody, including his lawyer, after being arrested in Melbourne, Victoria over the weekend.
According to Nine News, 31-year-old Raftopoulos is accused of carrying a bag of knives and going on an unprovoked stabbing spree over three hours in Melbourne’s inner suburbs between January 6 and January 7.
Victorian police allege he may have used multiple different knives to stab five people in four separate attacks across the CBD and St Kilda.
Raftopoulos was due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday morning, but he did not appear in person or via video link. He was charged with more than a dozen assault offences.
The stabber’s lawyer, Michael Amad said Raftopoulos was refusing to speak to him.
The stabbings took place in Melbourne’s CBD. Photo: Nine News.
“Regrettably, Mr Raftopoulos is not prepared to speak to anyone,” he said. “I attempted to speak to him about an hour ago and his position is he does not wish to speak to anyone.”
Mr Amad submitted a mental health report on Raftopoulos to the court, and shared that his client was not engaged with any mental services as of yet, but was previously ordered to undergo community treatment.
“Perhaps if the matter could be adjourned for a few days, he may be in a better place in respect to giving instructions,” Mr Amad said.
The lawyer was then instructed by Magistrate Rose Falla to organise for mental health specialists to speak to Raftopoulos as he “may or may not be suffering from a psychiatric episode or be psychiatrically unwell.”
“I want Forensicare to say they spoke to him today … and what their observations are of him today,” she said.
The Magistrate needs the information before she decides whether to adjourn the case.
The Australian police have commenced a global hunt to capture one of their most wanted criminals, James Dalamangas, who is believed to have fled Australia for Greece 20 years ago.
The appeal was launched today by NSW Police as the 25-year Greek statute of limitations draws to a close, meaning it will be difficult to initiate criminal legal proceedings against Dalamangas.
“Time is now of the essence we believe,” Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor said at a press conference today. “We believe someone in Greece would know where Dalamangas is living or working.”
Mr Dalamangas was suspected to have disappeared to Greece in 1999 after he stabbed to death a Sydney father-of-two, George Giannopoulos.
According toThe Daily Telegraph, Giannopoulos was at a Belmore nightclub in Sydney’s south west on April 25, 1999 when he was stabbed twice and died while trying to intervene between two fighting patrons.
The next day, a warrant was issued for Mr Dalamangas’ arrest, but he was never found.
An image released by Australian Federal Police on what James Dalamangas may look like now.
Dalamangas, who was a bouncer, was also wanted for questioning after another Kings Cross bouncer, Tim Voukelatos was shot and died in 1997. He was also involved in a brawl taking place outside Star City Casino, where his brother was killed in 1998.
Australian police believe he escaped to Greece in 1999 and remains living there.
After many unsuccessful attempts to capture Dalamangas in 2003, authorities in Greece had agreed to commence his prosecution, however four years later, this was suspended when he couldn’t be found.
In 2019, police also offered a $200,000 reward for people to turn in Dalamangas’ whereabouts, but that was also unsuccessful.
Now, 25 years on and as the Greek statute of limitations nears, police are re-appealing for information on his case, urging anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly interested in any information that can assist in locating Dalamangas in Greece.
Superintendent Taylor said after the 25-year time lapse it was not “impossible” to prosecute Mr Dalamangas, but that it would not be possible to do so in Greece.
Despite the heat, thousands turned up at Carss Bush Park in Sydney’s south on Sunday, January 7 to witness as the Blessing of the Waters ceremony took place in the Georges River for the first time.
The ceremony was organised at Carss Park by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) instead of Yarra Bay this year – a move which broke with decades of tradition and received mixed reactions on Sunday.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Blessing of the Waters ceremony as dozens young males attempted to retrieve the Holy Cross from the river. Low tides made the dive difficult, with some left feeling disappointed.
Nevertheless, a worthy victor was crowned – Michael Solidakis, a parishioner from the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah. All the dive participants congratulated Mr Solidakis on his victory and wished him good luck for the year ahead. He was also awarded a gold cross by the Archbishop.
Photos supplied.
Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Following the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, Archbishop Makarios addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of renewal in the New Year.
“As we reflect on the past year, we reflect on the highs and the lows, the pain and triumphs, the struggles and the consolations. And as we look to the future, we make new resolutions for the year ahead. We set goals and consider how we will achieve them,” the Archbishop said.
“As you make your new year resolution, I encourage you to make this your primary resolution, ‘to renew your commitment to Christ’.”
Archbishop Makarios addressing the crowd. Photo: ID Productions.Officials. Photo: Facebook / Sophie Cotsis MP.
The Epiphany Greek Festival followed the Blessing of the Waters ceremony. The event included a rich traditional music and dance program, as well as over 60 stalls offering a wide array of traditional Greek food, sweets, products and services. There were also rides and activities for children.
Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
In terms of entertainment, the day featured a live performance from Greek singer Stella Konitopoulou and her band direct from Greece, music by Tommy Tsonis on bouzouki, Theo Skaltas on klarino, and Nikita Ellenis.
A number of dance groups from across Sydney also performed traditional Greek dances throughout the day.
Among the dignitaries present were the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis; the Deputy Head of Mission at the Cyprus High Commission, Stavros Nicolaou; Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis; Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper MP; the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; the NSW Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Natalie Ward MLC; the Mayor of Georges River Council, Cr. Sam Elmir; and the President of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris.
Greek communities in Tasmania, Queensland, Wollongong, Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay, all enjoyed Epiphany Day celebrations over the January 6 – 7 weekend this year.
Batemans Bay
In Batemans Bay, a church service took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist, combining the celebration of Epiphany Day and St John’s feast day.
St John the Baptist Church.The service at St John the Baptist Church in Batemans Bay. All photos for Batemans Bay supplied by Nick Tsoulias.
Around 300 people later attended the Blessing of the Water ceremony, which was followed by a BBQ at the St John the Baptist church hall.
In attendance was Father Iakovos, Father Platon, Father Kyriacou, as well as Sid Pascalidis, President of Greek Orthodox Community of Batemans Bay, and the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, George Papacostas.
Photo: Nick Tsoulias.The diving of the Holy Cross.
Father Iakovos.
Jervis Bay
In Jervis Bay, an Epiphany Feast Day took place at the Church of Saint John. Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis visited the NSW South Coast for the celebrations.
Bishop Bartholomew presided over a Matins and Divine Liturgy, and conducted the Blessing of the Waters at the church over the weekend.
The divers who participated in the dive for the Holy Cross in Jervis Bay. Photo: Supplied.
This year’s winner of the Holy Cross was Nicolas Bris from the Parish-Community of Saint Ioannis in Parramatta, Sydney. He received blessings from Bishop Bartholomew, a cross to take home and an icon of Christ.
All divers also received Epiphany t-shirts with a logo commemorating the 100 years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
Wollongong
In Wollongong, NSW, 24-year-old Ross Tzotzis retrieved the Holy Cross after a traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony was held at Wollongong beach on Sunday, January 7.
Some of the divers from the Wollongong Blessing of the Waters ceremony. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, Ross said this was the second time he had retrieved the cross.
“It feels good,” he said. “I was a bit nervous on the jetty there, but I just got into the zone.”
He said he continues to partake in the religious occasion because “it is an important tradition and good luck for the year ahead.”
“It’s all part of the Greek heritage,” Ross added with a smile, before posing for a photograph with his family, including his proud grandparents.
Ross (centre) with his family. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Tasmania
The annual Blessing of the Waters in Tasmania was held at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay, Hobart, on Sunday, January 7.
Approximately 250 members of the Greek Community of Hobart and Launceston attended the celebration and this year’s successful participant in securing the Holy Cross was Yanni Anagnostis.
After the event, a BBQ lunch was prepared by the Executive Committee of the Greek Community of Tasmania, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Queensland
In Queensland, the Epiphany Day celebrations took place in both West Queensland at Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church, and Far North Queensland in Innisfail.
Photos: Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW Facebook page.
In the city of Bundall, the Divine Liturgy at Saint Anna was presided by Bishop Emilianos of Meloa and Father Romanos Stergiou.
Following this, a lunch and Epiphany Festival took place at Evandale Park in Surfers Paradise where members of the Greek community came together to celebrate.
Photos: Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW Facebook page.
The Epiphany Day celebrations in Innisfail involved a full church service in the morning at The Dormition of our Lady, followed by the throwing of the Holy Cross.
Greek community member, Jacob won the cross for 2024.
The winner of the Holy Cross, Jacob with Father Romanos Stergiou. Photo: The Greek Orthodox Community of Innisfail & North Queensland Facebook page.
On January 7 this year, South Australia’s Greek Orthodox communities celebrated the traditional Blessing of the Waters at Adelaide’s major beaches.
Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia at Henley Beach
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) held its Blessing of the Waters festival at Henley Beach in Adelaide. The ceremony began with clergy, parishioners and spectators leading a procession from the start to the end of the Henley Beach jetty.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
A significant highlight was the ceremonial throwing of a cross into the ocean at the end of the jetty. This year, there were 21 competitors to retrieve the cross.
In a display of faith and tradition, the competitors eagerly raced to retrieve the cross after the doves had been released and the priest had thrown the cross into the ocean. It is believed that the swimmer who emerges with the cross is blessed with good fortune for the year ahead.
This year the winner was George Langanis, 29, of Lightsview. Out of three previous attempts, this was the first time George had successfully retrieved the cross.
George told The Greek Herald he feels “very lucky, grateful and blessed to have won.”
“I have been trying for a few years now, so I am very happy,” George added.
Reflecting on the struggle to win the cross, George said that “it landed just behind me, so I had to do a turn around and grab my hand on it. I felt a few other hands near and on it, so it became a bit of a tug of war, but I was lucky to be able to pull it out of the water.”
On the significance of the Theofania and being in the water during the Blessing of the Waters, George explained it was special to celebrate Greek heritage with events like these, and encouraged more people to participate in the hope that it can “continue for many generations.”
The Blessing of the Waters is not exclusively a religious event, but it is also a celebration that brings the entire community together. Once the ceremony was over, all were welcomed back to the Henley Beach foreshore where GOCSA’s hardworking and dedicated volunteers were preparing an array of traditional Greek foods for the immediate festivities.
The President of GOCSA, Peter Gardiakos, addressed the festivities by highlighting the religious significance of the event.
“The Epiphany, or ‘Theofania,’ is an important occasion on the Christian Orthodox calendar, where we commemorate Jesus Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist and is seen as his manifestation to the world of him as the Son of God,” Mr Gardiakos said.
“In His Baptism, Jesus is shown to be the divine Son of God, one of the Holy Trinity, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Today you may have seen several doves being released from the jetty. The dove is a symbol of purity and peace, it also symbolises the Holy Spirit, who appears in the story of Jesus’ baptism.
“The Church, the clergy and the parishioners celebrate today’s events by singing hymns of the Feast of the Epiphany.”
Mr Gardiakos closed by thanking all the volunteers which made the event possible.
Remarking on the festivities, the Hon. Emily Bourke MLC thanked GOCSA for bringing the community together to celebrate faith, culture and religion.
“When you do [these events] we see how strong our community is – we remember that this is a celebration that has gone on for 2,000 years,” Ms Burke said.
Local member Matt Cowdrey OAM MP added, “This is a key event on our local community’s calendar to join the Greek Orthodox community here at the Blessing of the Water.”
Mr Cowdrey also offered his congratulations to George, all the brave swimmers, and the community of volunteers who braved the weather to make the event possible.
Once the formalities concluded, the weather drastically improved giving way to performances by the Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group, SLAVA Ukrainian Cultural Centre and GOCSA Dance Academy – adding a beautiful cultural element to the religiously significant event.
Throughout the evening, live Greek music was provided by KERASMA LIVE band, enabling the perfect incentive for dancing amongst festival goers.
Among the dignitaries present were Ms Bourke, representing the SA Premier Peter Malinauskas MP; Mr Cowdrey, representing the Leader of the Opposition David Speirs MP; Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans; and Councillor of the City of Charles Sturt and The Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM.
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (Archdiocesan District of Adelaide):
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) held their festivities at Glenelg, SA celebrating the Theofania in the Archdiocese’s 100th year since its establishment.
Bishop Silouan of Sinope led a procession of Orthodox clergy and faithful onto the Jetty for the Blessing of the Water’s ceremony this year.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
Of the approximately 50 competitors for the cross, this year’s victor was first time winner Photi Karagiannis, 26, of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Prophet Elias. This is the first time Photi had participated in the Blessing of the Waters ceremony as a competitor to retrieve the cross.
Photi told The Greek Herald that “winning the cross was a surreal feeling, ultimately I’m left with a feeling of immense gratitude to my father for providing me with a prayer before the ceremony, to all my family for their support, and to the Church for their blessings.”
“I could feel my heart beating through my chest and tried to remind myself to focus on the controllables only, and whatever else will be, will be. When the cross was thrown, I kept my eyes on it as I ran through the water. The waves were choppy and it was difficult to manage the chaos of my fellow competitors, but I jumped for it as soon as I felt it was in arms reach,” Photi added.
“It is truly special to walk together from the shore to the bishop for his blessing, and is an experience I do not take for granted and will never forget.”
Following the ceremony, the Glenelg Greek Festival was held on the Glenelg foreshore over two days, from January 6 – 7. Festivities continued throughout the day with dance performances by the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Cretan Association of SA, Messinian Greek Dance School of SA, St George College Dance Group and live music by The Zorba Band.
Dignitaries included the Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP; Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis MP, representing the Leader of the Opposition; the Hon. Stephen Patterson MP, Member for Morphett; The Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC; Consul General of Greece to South Australia, George Psiachas; Mayor of City of Holdfast Bay, Amanda Wilson; and the President of the Inter-communities Council of SA, Dr Vladimir Devrelis.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
On Sunday, January 7, the Canberra Greek community came together to celebrate Saint John’s feast day, in conjunction with Epiphany Day.
The day commenced with a special church service at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, which was followed by the yearly tradition of the Blessing of the Waters, which took place at Casuarina Sands.
With beautiful warm weather and sunny skies, at 11.30am Father Petros commenced the service at Casuarina Sands.
This year, four young people participated in the dive for the Holy cross, including Johnny, James, Aristoteli and Nabil.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.
Johnny Frilingos, who was also celebrating his name day on the day, was thrilled to have successfully retrieved the Holy Cross.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Johnny told The Greek Herald on the day.
“I’ve dived for the cross before, but never in Canberra. This is my sixth year diving for the cross, and it’s the first time I’ve won it.”
Johnny Frilingos.
The 18-year-old said he enjoyed celebrating Epiphany Day at Casuarina Sands.
“There was a great turnout today, and I’m here with all my family too which is really nice,” Johnny said.
“It’s so nice to see so many families come together and celebrate.
“I definitely encourage more people to come along and participate, especially the young boys as it’s a great way to connect with people in the community and it’s just a great experience.”
After the cross was thrown, and Johnny retrieved it, members of the community were invited to enjoy a lunch by the water. Souvlakia, salads, bread and light refreshments were made available for all to purchase.
The newly elected President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra (GOCC), Pana Tsironis said just under 100 community members attended the event.
“I feel proud to celebrate this event with my community and honoured to be the President of their community,” Mr Tsironis said.
“While we always would like to celebrate this event with all our community members and encourage them to attend, we understand a number of our community members spend their time over the Christmas period with family and friends interstate, and a number of them attend the ceremony conducted at Batemans Bay.
“I would like to wish Χρόνια Πολλά to all the Greek Community locally and abroad.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.
