US President Donald Trump hosted a celebration of Greek Independence Day at the White House on Monday, March 24 acknowledging the enduring influence of Hellenic culture and the contributions of Greek Americans to the United States.
Addressing an audience from the Greek American community, Trump declared, “The legacy of the Greeks is all around us. It surrounds us,” before signing a proclamation designating March 25 as Greek Independence Day in the United States, in honour of “204 years of glorious Greek sovereignty and freedom.”
He praised the Greek American community for their “exceptional courage, patriotism, and tremendous skill”, adding, “Under this administration, we will continue to honour the virtues, ideals, and spirit of this magnificent heritage – From the Golden Age of Greece to the Golden Age of America.”
Trump noted the sizeable Greek American population in the US, now numbering over three million, calling them “perhaps the greatest gift we have inherited from this amazing culture.”
Joined by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the President reflected on the historical significance of 25 March 1821, saying, “Greek patriots began their noble struggle to reclaim their destiny from the grip of a foreign empire, a very powerful foreign empire.”
He also expressed confidence in the Greek people, stating, “We’re doing well, and the Greeks are doing well. They’ll always do well.”
Acknowledging key Greek American figures in his administration, Trump singled out Michael Kratsios, Christos Marafatsos, Gus Bilirakis, Mike Haridopoulos, Jimmy Patronis, and Reince Priebus for praise.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, his nominee for US Ambassador to Greece, was also present, describing the potential appointment as “the honour and privilege of a lifetime […] to serve a country that I love so much, that is so close to my heart.”
“We celebrate and cherish our rich history and our enduring bond between the United States and Greece,” she said, reaffirming Trump’s commitment to “religious freedom and liberty and for the enduring alliance between Greece and the United States.”
Sydney was bathed in blue and white on Sunday, March 23, as thousands gathered despite the threat of rain to honour Greek Independence Day in what has been hailed as one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations in recent years.
From the moving Doxology at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation in Redfern, to the wreath-laying ceremony at Martin Place and the spectacular cultural program at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the day was a powerful testament to Greek Australian unity, heritage and pride.
Following the Doxology led by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the anniversary commemorations continued with a solemn memorial service at Martin Place, attended by dignitaries, clergy, and an enthusiastic crowd. Emcees were Themis Kallos and Dimitrios Kametopoulos.
Despite the threat of rain, thousands turned up to the wreath-laying ceremony at Martin Place. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Wreaths were laid by over 70 representatives from government, councils, veterans’ organisations, cultural associations, student bodies and schools. Dignitaries included His Eminence; members from the Hellenic Republic, The Hon. Stavros Keletsis MP (New Democracy), Athanasios Papathanasis MP (New Democracy), Stefanos Parastatidis MP (PASOK-KINAL), and Miltiadis Zamparas MP (SYRIZA); the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Federal Member for Watson, Tony Burke MP; Federal Member for Maroubra, Matt Thistlethwaite MP; NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis; and the President of the Inter-Communities Council of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Kosmas Dimitriou.
Just some of the dignitaries who laid wreaths.
The Archbishop, joined by Their Graces Bishops Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia, conducted the memorial service, paying tribute to the heroes of 1821. The Last Post echoed through the heart of the city, followed by a minute’s silence and stirring renditions of the Greek and Australian national anthems.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia conducted the memorial service.
Afterwards, a symbolic river of Hellenism surged through Sydney’s streets. Thousands marched behind banners, drums and flags — students from the three Greek Orthodox schools in Sydney (All Saints Grammar, St Euphemia College, and St Spyridon College), scouts, dancing groups, and families — many dressed proudly in traditional Greek costumes.
The sea of blue and white exceeded last year’s turnout, with organisers estimating record participation from communities across NSW.
The procession culminated at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, where a rich cultural program unfolded beneath the sails of Australia’s most recognisable landmark. The New South Wales Opposition Leader Mark Speakman joined the festivities as well.
The procession culminated at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.
In his rousing address to the crowd, Archbishop Makarios declared, “When Greeks are united, they achieve the impossible. Unity is our strength and division is our downfall.” He reminded the youth present that “the freedom you enjoy today was won at great cost,” urging them to “honour the sacrifices of the past and ensure the spirit of 1821 inspires both you and future generations.”
He also underscored the spiritual dimension of the celebration: “The struggle of the Greeks for independence was not only about the liberation of a part of the land, but the recovery of the soul of a people… Our religious and national identities are two sides of the same coin.”
Archbishop Makarios.Stavros Venizelos.
Greek Ambassador Mr Venizelos echoed this sentiment: “204 years have passed since that pivotal moment… and Greece has not only survived immense challenges but thrived, defining its own unique identity.” He paid homage to the Philhellenes and the global Greek diaspora who played an instrumental role in supporting the revolution.
Mr Keletsis, representing the Hellenic Parliament, sent the well wishes of the Greek government and expressed his joy at witnessing the pride the Greek diaspora have for their heritage.
Matt Thistlethwaite.Stavros Keletsis MP.
Minister Thistlethwaite, representing the Prime Minister of Australia, praised the Greek Australian community’s contributions: “No diaspora has contributed more to Australia’s economic and social development than the people of Greek heritage.”
The NSW Opposition leader Mr Speakman added, “Australia is the greatest multicultural society on the planet, and the Greek diaspora is such an extraordinary part of that society. Today is not just a celebration of the past, but a reminder of the shared values of freedom, democracy and faith that bind us together.”
Mark Speakman MP.
Mr Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, highlighted the contemporary relevance of the day: “Our struggle here is to maintain our language, our culture, and our traditions. It is a struggle worth fighting so we can honour our forebears and pass on the flame.”
The High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Mr Sammoutis, reminded attendees that the struggle for freedom continues: “The struggle might be over in Greece, but Cyprus is still fighting to reverse the consequences of the Turkish invasion… We have 51 reasons to solve the Cyprus issue, and to live in a reunified and free Cyprus.”
Harry Danalis.Antonis Sammoutis.
The cultural programme at the Opera House was a true celebration of Greek heritage in all its richness and colour. High school students from the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s Greek language schools captivated the crowd with stirring poetry recitations — Alexandros Moiralis delivered ‘Πατρίδα Μου’ and Lia Pappas recited ’25 Μαρτίου’ —earning heartfelt applause.
Alexandros Moiralis.Lia Pappas.
The combined choirs of St Spyridon College, St Euphemia College, and All Saints Grammar filled the forecourt with the powerful harmonies of the Greek and Australian national anthems.
The cultural showcase continued with a spectacular display of traditional dances from every corner of Greece—Cretan, Pontian, Cypriot, and many more—performed with infectious energy by youth and community dance groups in full traditional costume.
A dancing spectacular.
Each step was not only a tribute to the past, but a living, moving symbol of Hellenic continuity and pride in Australia.
As one elderly attendee remarked, watching the students wave flags and chant “Zito I Ellada!”, “This is how our history stays alive—through the joy and pride of our children.”
Hampton’s Castlefield Estate came alive on Sunday, March 23 as more than 400 people gathered to witness the unveiling of a commemorative bronze plaque honouring the role of the northern Aegean island of Imbros in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915–16.
The event was part of a broader commemorative project recognising key battles and support bases of the First World War, with specially designed plaques embedded in the footpaths of streets within the historic Castlefield Estate — a post-war housing development built to accommodate returning veterans and their families in the 1920s.
Imbros was honoured alongside major Western Front battlefields, acknowledging its critical function as a strategic Allied base during the Gallipoli campaign.
Historian and author of From Imbros Over the Sea, Jim Claven OAM was present at the event with a stall and exhibition run by the Imvrians’ Society of Melbourne, showcasing historical photographs and stories from the island’s wartime role. His books were available for purchase and drew significant interest from attendees.
The ceremony was formally overseen by Her Excellency the Hon Professor Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, and attended by several dignitaries including Victorian Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman, Ryan Batchelor MP, Federal Member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel, and RSL State President Rob Webster.
The event was coordinated by the Castlefield Estate Commemorative Group, with the support of Bayside Council, the Victorian Government’s Victoria Remembers grant program, and the Sandringham & District Historical Society.
“It is symbolic that we are celebrating today because the liberation started in Kalamata on 23rd March 1821 and continued to 25th March,” said MC Spyros Alatsas, addressing hundreds of Greek Australians who gathered at the Hellenic Museum for a grand celebration of Greek Independence Day.
The event, a vibrant party, featured traditional music, dance, food, market stalls, and engaging craft activities for children.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
“This is our third year celebrating, and it keeps getting bigger. We plan to bring more surprises next year!” Alatsas told The Greek Herald.
Translator Valia Gianinska, who, despite her Bulgarian heritage, became a Greek citizen 30 years ago, said, “I feel proud to celebrate Greek Independence Day as a Greek who adopted this nation.”
Attendees arrived in waves following the morning parade at the Shrine and were treated to performances by the Manassis dancers, who showcased traditional dances such as the Kleftiko, Tsamiko, Syrto, and other dances from Epirus, Thessaly, and across Greece. Dancers from Pontiaki Estia also captivated the audience with performances highlighting the unique traditions of Pontic Greeks.
Greek Consul General in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou shared her thoughts on the significance of the celebration, stating, “I feel immense joy and am deeply touched to see all of you here. We are celebrating our independence and remembering the heroes who sacrificed themselves for us and believed in a just cause. Without them, we would not be here today, free and independent.”
Defence Military Attaché from Ukraine, Kyriakos Kyriakakos, of proud Maniot heritage, took the microphone to say, “Join the Greek Army!”
Officials proceedings and Greek festivities filled the event.
This was invitation enough for dance teacher Dimosthenis Manassis.
“As a family, we have begun the process to officially obtain Greek citizenship so that we can send Alkis to be a conscript when he turns 18,” Dimosthenis said, adding that his troupe could send one ‘levendi’ dancer to serve as a conscript in Greece each year.
Jokes aside, the celebration at the Hellenic Museum was more than just an event; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of Greek Australians and their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage.
At the foot of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, after a five-year absence, thousands of Greek Australians gathered to commemorate the 204th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. The event, steeped in history, emotion, and cultural pride, brought together dignitaries, families, students, and community leaders to honour past sacrifices and celebrate the resilience of Hellenism in Australia.
Master of Ceremonies Leonidas Vlahakis guided the proceedings as wreaths were laid in memory of those who fought for Greece’s independence. Among the notable attendees were Victorian Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos, representing Premier Jacinta Allan, Maria Vamvakinou MP, representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and a host of federal and state politicians, reflecting the strong ties between the Greek community and Australian political life.
Emcee Leonidas Vlahakis. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.Bill Papastergiadis OAM (left) lays a wreath.Steve Dimopoulos MP.
Greek Consul General in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou delivered a speech that resonated with many, emphasising the shared history between Greece and Australia.
“It is a great honour and privilege to attend today’s commemorative ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance, a sacred place of reflection and tribute to the sacrifices made in the name of freedom, courage, and duty,” she said.
Greek Consul General in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
The significance of the Shrine
For many attendees, the decision to return the parade to the Shrine after several years at South Melbourne Football Stadium was deeply meaningful.
Manos Milios, wearing a Greek special forces t-shirt, told The Greek Herald he plans to serve as a marine in Greece next year.
Manos Milios, wearing a Greek special forces t-shirt.
“It has always been a dream, and I even wrote about it during one of my class projects at school,” he said. “It is better to be here at the Shrine so we don’t lose our connection to our Patrida (homeland). It should be here. I won’t go to the parade anywhere else.”
Protypo student Stathis, 17, was a flag-bearer with his classmates Antonia and Maria. Stathis said, “Being here at the Shrine of Remembrance, rather than last year at South Melbourne Football Stadium, is better. I think the structure symbolises the forgotten soldiers, and while we may not always remember our ancestors individually, it is important to honour everyone who fought for our freedom.”
The parade was a vibrant display of Greek Australian pride, with students, community groups, and heritage organisations marching in traditional dress, waving blue and white flags. Drama teacher Katerina Poutachidou joined Vlahakis in the presentation.
The parade was a vibrant display of Greek Australian pride.
Mother Paraskevi Stavrianakos, whose toddler marched with his kindergarten, Alpha Early Learning, said, “We have been taking him to the parade since he was a newborn, and we are so happy that this is his first experience, right here.”
Despite the heat, elderly gentleman Ilias Mantas, who came to see his youngest grandchild, said, “Last year, it may have been more comfortable, but I prefer it here at the Shrine. It is more dignified.”
First-time attendee Ismini Tsitos, a grandmother, found the experience moving. “This is our first time at the Shrine, and I prefer it here. The place is more appropriate.”
Peter Meculios, proudly draped in a Byzantine Orthodox flag, echoed the sentiment. “This is the second most important day in the Greek calendar after Easter. The Shrine is a military memorial that reminds us not only of Australian sacrifices but also of Greek sacrifices.”
However, not everyone was convinced. Lemonia Spindzos, a mother of two, admitted, “I prefer the stadium because it is closed. The little ones will be in the parade next year, and a stadium is more contained.”
A celebration and a protest
As Greek Australians gathered in celebration, 400 Turkish protesters assembled nearby at the Australian-Turkish Friendship Memorial. Wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the face of Kemal Atatürk, they chanted slogans as Greek families made their way to the Shrine. Their rallying cries could be heard during the wreath-laying ceremony.
Turkish protests near the parade.
A Turkish protest organiser told The Greek Herald they were unaware of Greek Independence Day festivities.
“We are here to protest the political turmoil unfolding in our country. We oppose the recent arrest request for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—one of the strongest challengers to President Erdogan. This is deeply concerning. We are protesting for democracy,” he said.
Former Victorian politician and Parks Victoria Chair John Pandazopoulos commented on the situation: “Everyone has the right to protest. However, it can cause confusion during our annual national day event, especially if other protests occur nearby. The Shrine area is sacred ground, and we must be mindful of that.”
The large Greek Australian police contingency helped attendees feel somewhat safer. Police inspector Eftyhis Anastasiadis told The Greek Herald that while the Greek police were there in a “ceremonial capacity” they could swing into action when needed, but added that “we have enough police to look after us today.”
A day to remember
As the event concluded, Sophia Siachos, President of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day, addressed the crowd.
“The Greek Australian alliance is built on shared values—democracy, justice, and the pursuit of a better future. Over a century ago, Greek immigrants arrived in Australia seeking new opportunities, bringing with them traditions, their language, and their love for family and community. Australia welcomed them, and together, we built a multicultural society where Greek heritage remains vital,” Ms Siachos said.
Maria Vamvakinou MP and Sophia Siachos.
Siachos later told The Greek Herald, “We are thrilled with the outcome of the Greek National Day Parade 2025, which saw over 1,500 participants and more than 3,000 spectators. This remarkable turnout reflects the strong support from our community and the significance of the event returning to the Shrine of Remembrance, our parade’s historical home.”
The day was a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between Greece and Australia, honouring the past while celebrating a vibrant future.
In July and August 2020, 50 residents at St Basil’s Fawkner and 38 at Heritage Care Epping Gardens died amid the second wave of COVID-19.
According to The Herald Sun, families are now continuing their fight for compensation, with John Karantzis from Carbone Lawyers representing about 80 clients.
He said their claims for psychiatric nervous shock were referred to the medical panel for review late last year, which has caused strain on the system.
“We look forward to our clients’ day before the medical panel so they can tell their story on how the loss of their loved ones has severely affected them,” Karantzis told the Herald Sun.
The class actions also include families of surviving residents, many of whom suffered neglect and mistreatment, as regular staff were replaced with inexperienced nurses during the outbreak.
These cases are expected to be heard in the Supreme Court next year.
The celebrations for Greek National Day at the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) Melbourne campus on Saturday, March 22 were bright and strongly Hellenic.
Children from prep through to VCE, moved the 200 person crowd with speeches, monologues, theatre and dances. Our teachers, led by Maria Bakalidou, choreographed a terrific program.
Through the invitation of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association’s Inspector Andrew Markakis, also present were members of the Hellenic Police Athletic Association who were in Melbourne for the 25th of March Parade to take place adjacent to the Shrine of Remembrance. The Hellenic Police Athletic Association was founded to inspire its members to pursue community athletic programs within Greece and throughout Europe.
In thanking the Hellenic Police Athletic Assoc, President of the GCM Bill Papastergiadis OAM along with Anthea Sidiropoulos and Dr Demetriou, noted that the symbol of their Assoc (the discus thrower Discobolus) was also the defining feature of the façade of our 15 storey Cultural Centre.
Mr Papastergiadis said, “Discobolus celebrates the skill of athletes and the spirit that is exhibited in games. The GCM understands that many of its members pursue excellence in sport and that the GCM to stay relevant needs to meet this changing environment. Hence, the GCM expanded its outreach into our community by initiating Men’s and Women’s Football Cups emphasising that sport, along with our rich cultural and educational programs, unite us all.”
Mr Papastergiadis also referenced his chance meeting with the President of the Hellenic Athletic Assoc last year in Athens, George Tzatzakis.
“I met George and instantly formed a strong bond. His commitment to using sport to bring people together was clear,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
In the course of the performance, GCM students moved everyone with a number of songs. Whilst the students sang “The Marbled King,” Dimitris Avanidis, one of the members from Greece, turned to Mr Ppastergiadis and said, “I am deeply moved by this as my young daughter will be performing this song tomorrow in Athens as part of her school’s Greek National Day event.”
Mr Tzatzakis, in his brief address, said, “our Association is honoured to be invited by the Victorian Hellenic Police Assoc to participate in the event of the Greek National Day. Since arriving, we have felt the warmth and love from all of the Greeks here.”
“I am in awe of the work by the Greek Community of Melbourne in building its 15 storey Cultural Centre. This is a beacon for all of us and we are proud to see it in person. The students of the GCM’s school are our true stars as we know many of them are third generation Greek Australians, yet with the help of their teachers they are keeping alive the language and the Hellenic spirit. The quality of the performance today by the children was beyond our expectation,” Mr Tzatzakis added.
Inspector Markakis said, “it’s a great honour to host our colleagues from the Hellenic Athletic Police Assoc who will also participate in the National Day Parade. Our hearts are filled with pride that they made the trip to Melbourne.”
Also from Greece were Ioannis Drakopoulos, Apostolos Soulos and Constantinos Zakestidis.
The Minns Labor Government has announced 16 new blue plaque recipients, each celebrating remarkable stories that have shaped our state’s rich history.
Among the people, events and milestones being recognised in the third round of this popular heritage program is Sister Kaliniki, Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun. She dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia.
Also recognised is the first Koori Knockout carnival, legendary Australian icons like the world-renowned performing artist Peter Allen, and trailblazing swimmers Fanny Durack and Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie who made history as the first Australian women to win Olympic swimming medals.
The latest round also recognises Malcolm Cole, an Indigenous activist and performer who led the first Aboriginal Mardi Gras Float and Louisa Lawson, a significant figure within the feminist, suffrage and Labor union movements known as ‘the Mother of Suffrage in NSW’.
Coralia Stavropoulos (Sister Kaliniki) ordination ceremony, 1971. Stavropoulos family collection. Image courtesy Jason Crosson.
The NSW Government is also announcing the winner of the inaugural People’s Choice category following a public vote. ‘The introduction of Weet-Bix’ received the most votes, celebrating the debut of an iconic part of Australian breakfast culture which continues to resonate across generations.
The 16 new plaques were chosen from 184 public nominations and assessed by Heritage NSW and independent historians. They join 49 already announced from Waverly to Wagga Wagga, Beecroft to Broken Hill.
The new plaques will be placed at sites connected with the individuals or moments in history. The installation of each plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards and inviting visitors to learn more about the history of these communities.
NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, said,“These new blue plaques represent a vibrant mix of stories. From fearless activists, sporting greats and trailblazing women to events that unite us all, these plaques capture the diverse people and moments that have woven NSW’s unique heritage.”
“I encourage everyone to go out and see these blue plaques – whether you’re exploring your neighbourhood or travelling further afield. They reveal stories that will surprise, inspire and connect us, while teaching us about the rich history of NSW,” Ms Sharpe added.
‘A Past Worth Remembering’. Stavropoulos family collection. Image courtesy Jason Crosson.
Round Three Blue Plaques:
Subject
Recognition
Bobby Goldsmith
A prominent and active member of Sydney’s gay community whose battle with HIV-AIDS inspired the formation of Australia’s oldest HIV/AIDS charity.
Building Bridges Concert
On 24 January 1988, Indigenous activists held a concert at the Bondi Pavilion in the lead up to Australia Day and the Bicentenary. It highlighted Indigenous creativity and strength.
Bessie Guthrie
One of the founding members of Elsie Refuge in Glebe, Bessie Guthrie was a designer, publisher and feminist who opened her home and dedicated her life to championing women and girls.
Golding Sisters
Annie Golding, Belle Golding and Kate Dwyer (Golding) were teachers turned activists that lead women’s rights and social justice movements in NSW. They were born at Tambaroora, north of Bathurst.
Ida Leeson
The first female Mitchell Librarian at the State Library of NSW. She was involved in women’s right’s movements and was a serving officer in the Australian Military Forces.
Koori Knockout
First Koori Knockout, the largest annual Indigenous sporting carnival in Australia, took place at Camdenville Park, St Peters in 1971.
Leslie Mervyn Tanner
A political cartoonist, historian of cartooning and columnist.
Louisa Lawson
A significant figure within the feminist, suffrage and Labor union movements, born in Gulgong in the Central Tablelands.
Malcolm Cole
Aboriginal artist and activist who led the first Aboriginal Mardi Gras float.
Orry-Kelly
Designer to the stars, leading the costume design on over 300 films and winning three Oscars. He was the most prolific Australian-born Oscar winner for over 50 years. Born in Kiama, he moved to Sydney then New York City.
Paul Sorensen
A Danish born master landscape designer who developed his own distinctive landscape style, ethos and technique in gardens across NSW – many of which still stand 100 years later.
Peter Allen
One of Australia’s most beloved and successful performance artists.
Sarah (Fanny) Durack
First woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming.
Sister Kaliniki
Australia’s first ordained Greek Orthodox nun. She dedicated her life to supporting Greek immigrants in Australia.
The Introduction of Weet-Bix
Australia’s love of the humble breakfast cereal, Weet-Bix, began in 1926. The winner of the People’s Choice Blue Plaque.
Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie
Prolific and trailblazing swimmer, and Olympic silver medalist. A sculpture of Mina stands at Wylie’s Baths in Coogee which were established by her father Henry Wylie in 1907.
Detectives investigating the murder of 72-year-old Bill Frangos in Woodville Gardens have seized a red XR6 Ford ute linked to the crime and are searching for another vehicle, a grey Holden Commodore, which police believe was used to set his house on fire in an attempt to “cover their tracks.”
Frangos’ body was discovered on December 7 at his Essex Street home, which had been set alight hours after his death.
Police believe two men murdered Frangos between 10.30pm and midnight before leaving in the red ute, which was later involved in a traffic incident days after the murder.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said, “Bill was involved in some low-level drug activity. We don’t know that’s a motive for the murder but it’s not been discounted.”
CCTV footage shows the suspects walking between the house and the ute multiple times during the murder.
Police were later able to seize the ute after a traffic-related incident involving the vehicle. However, they clarified that those involved in the incident are not believed to be suspects in the murder.
Hours after the killing, the suspects returned in the grey Commodore to set the house on fire.
CCTV footage shows a person with a backpack walking toward the property before flames erupted around 3.30am, and the same person running away afterward.
The Commodore, which has a distinctive silver front bumper, was last seen near Torrens Road at Kilkenny. Police are appealing for information on its whereabouts.
Police are also investigating the suspects’ actions in Alberton, where the red ute was parked on Ozone Street after the crime.
Superintendent Fielke emphasised, “We are a long way down the way to identifying who these people are,” adding that the case is progressing quickly and a resolution is expected soon.
On Wednesday, March 26 all roads lead to AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale for the celebration of the 204th anniversary of the Hellenic War of Independence. The highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the new painting by artist Angela Kiki titled ‘The Maniatisses.’
With due respect to tradition, AHEPA NSW Inc will once again honour the liberation struggle of the Hellenic people. The centre of attention will be the presentation of the new painting titled ‘The Women of Mani’ by artist Angela Kiki, dedicated to the women of the mountainous Mani area which straddles Messenia and Laconia districts of southern Hellas.
It is an original work of art by the Australian Hellene artist, a dedication to the heroic women of Mani at the Battle of Diros in June 1826. It was during the second expedition of the Ottoman general Ibrahim into Messenia, part of his attempt to suppress the fierce villagers of the Mani area.
Angela Kiki (right) with the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Ioannis Mallikourtis. They are standing in front of some of her other artworks.
On the morning of 22 June 1826 began the assault of the Ottoman troops against the barricades of the Maniates at Verga, east of Kalamata. About 2,500 Maniates successfully resisted the assault, repelling an estimated 10,000 Ottoman cavalry and infantry. Ibrahim himself was aboard one of his ships, ordering his fleet to open fire on the shores of Mani, a failed attempt to force the Maniates to transfer some of their men from the Verga front.
Simultaneously with another attack on the defenders at Verga, Ottoman troops attempted a landing on Cape Diros on the night of 21-22 June. The few Maniates still in their villages resisted ferociously.
At Diros village, only the women remained. With their scythes, with stones, with wooden clubs and with their very bodies they chased the invaders to the beach of Diros. Many Ottoman soldiers threw themselves into the water, trying to reach their ships.
Despite the cannon-fire from the Ottoman fleet offshore, the scythe-wielding women of Mani wrote their own history.
As recorded in a song of mourning of the Mani area: «Hail to you, with your hails, women who became men, shouting like men, fighting like Amazons».
Join AHEPA NSW as they celebrate all the heroes and heroines of 1821-1830.
