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Alex Skaftouros’ Christmas lights in Victoria spread yuletide cheer and autism awareness

The Greek Herald
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Alex Skaftouros’ Christmas lights in Victoria spread yuletide cheer and autism awareness

By Mary Sinanidis.

Alex Skaftouros’ Christmas lights in Highett, Melbourne draw droves each year to his dazzling display. His quiet suburban street turns into a traffic snarl, making parking a challenge. I manage to find a spot in one of the backstreets and follow the twinkling lights, carol singing, and the sounds of children’s giggles.

Upon arrival, I am greeted by a Christmas wonderland with Alex, aged 25, standing near the gate beside a table covered with sweets for the children and a donation tin for Autism Australia. Last year, he raised $1,659, surpassing the $1,500 from the previous year, and this figure continues to grow.

Being autistic himself, Alex has chosen Autism Spectrum Australia as the charity for his display to raise awareness and support for others like him who aspire to lead normal lives.

alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights
Alex Skaftouros. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights

His mother, Jenny, expresses a Christmas wish: “I’d wish for more patience and understanding for people like Alex. They’re not weird. They will learn. They do learn. They just learn in a different way with a lot of repetition.”

Zac, his father, mentions that the family have been putting up the lights since Alex was around five years old.

“We started with a few things and these decorations grew over time. We would always do it together. I used to do most of the work, but now Alex takes charge,” he says.

Alex proudly adds, “I love it!”

alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights
alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights

Dazzled by the lights, Alex points out details of the display, including a ship paying homage to the Greek Christmas tradition, numerous Santas, and a festive Collingwood Magpie because it’s his favourite team.

“They won the premiership this year,” Alex says before asking me which team I support.

“Go the Pies!” I say, and Alex seems satisfied.

I point to a flashing Santa mooning people, and Alex laughs mischievously. Not all decorations are wholesome.

alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights

“I go to Bunnings, Ebay, Dollar King, and Christmas Kingdom to buy the lights. Each year I add something, and this year it’s those Christmas canes,” he says.

His mother adds that he scours the internet for inspiration, especially from homes decked up for Christmas in the United States because “they go crazy there.”

In his own neighbourhood, Alex is the inspiration, even receiving an award from Kingston Council during a Christmas light competition that was only held once, possibly because it was evident that Alex would be a hands-down winner every year.

When asked to make a Christmas wish, Alex says, “To get the lights up earlier!” and adds, “And for myself? A gift card to buy more lights.”

alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights

Alex loves putting up the lights and bringing joy to his community, especially the children.

“It’s a lot of work but everyone is happy. Everyone loves the lights. They are beautiful,” he says.

When he isn’t bringing the spirit of Christmas to his neighbourhood, Alex works at Mythos in Oakleigh.

“It’s next to Vanilla. I do the pittes. Come say ‘hi’,” he invites.

alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights

Despite being autistic, Alex is an extrovert, and his mother notes that other people’s admiration of the lights has boosted his confidence.

Waves of children come and go. Con Lambrou, father of three, mentions he has relatives nearby, and the children always ask to come by to see the lights.

“I’ve been coming past here for years,” he says. “We’ve seen this house with just three lights, and it has steadily been growing.”

alex Skaftouros’ christmas lights

With the amount of lights Alex currently owns, it could take three to four weeks to put them all up and two weeks to take them down. Next year will be even more special because Alex will soon be an uncle since his sister, teacher Jassmine, is expecting twins, and Alex is over the moon.

Alex is optimistic when it comes to the future. Apart from sharing the joy of Christmas with the babies, he hopes to travel more and mentions he has been to Kefalonia where his grandparents are from. His father is from Samos.

“I’ve also been to New Zealand, and flew business class to Auckland,” he says.

By next Christmas, he also hopes to learn to drive – but good luck finding a parking spot anywhere near his lights.

Alex’s house is at 58 Tennyson Street, Highett, Melbourne or find out more by visiting the Alex’s Christmas Lights Facebook page. Can you top Alex’s Christmas wonderland? Send us a photo and address of a Greek Australian home with Christmas lights. Email info@foreignlanguage.com.au.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.

The Greek Herald journalist wins award for exposé on Greek Orthodox funeral certificate

The Greek Herald
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The Greek Herald journalist wins award for exposé on Greek Orthodox funeral certificate

The Greek Herald journalist and University of Technology Sydney student, Pamela Rontziokos, has won a Jerra Ossie Award for a recent article in The Greek Herald which investigated the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s (GOAA) ‘Certificate of death and funeral service.’

The exposé found families were expected to pay $250 for a funeral certificate that was not officially recognised in Australia nor Greece. The cost of the certificate was also found to be five times the amount compared to a government-issued death certificate in Australia and Greece. 

The annual Jerra Ossie Awards are organised by the Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia, and recognise the exceptional journalistic work of undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Miss Rontziokos’ article won ‘The Crikey Award for Investigative journalism by an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Student’ in this year’s Jerra Ossie Awards, and she received a monetary prize worth $200.

the greek herald pamela rontziokos funeral certificate greek orthodox archdiocese of australia
Pamela Rontziokos has won a Jerra Ossie Award.

In a statement to The Greek Herald, the 20-year-old student said she felt “really fortunate and proud” the article won an investigative award.

“With the support of my team at The Greek Herald we combed through every issue around the funeral certificate and got down to the bottom of it,” Miss Rontziokos said.

“All we wanted to do – and continue to do – is make sure our community is being treated fairly. The award serves as a reminder of why publications such as The Greek Herald are essential to multicultural Australia.

“I share this award with The Greek Herald publication and my colleagues and I am very proud of all of us.”

Miss Rontziokos was also named as finalist for the Democracy Watchdog Awards 2023 this year.

Three Australians of Greek heritage inducted in Victoria’s Multicultural Honour Roll

The Greek Herald
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Three Australians of Greek heritage inducted in Victoria’s Multicultural Honour Roll

Three Australians of Greek heritage have been inducted in the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll for 2023.

The Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll spotlights those who promote multicultural civic participation and the social, cultural and economic benefits of diversity in Victoria.

Kyriakos Gold, Nola Radiotis and Helen Stamoulis were recognised along with 24 other honour roll inductees, at The Multicultural Awards for Excellence in Melbourne, Victoria on Tuesday night.

The awards were attended by the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt MP, and Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), Vivienne Nguyen AM.

Who are the Australian inductees with Greek heritage?

Kyriakos Gold:

kyriakos gold victorian multicultural honour roll
Kyriakos Gold. Photo supplied.

Kyriakos Gold is a standout autistic social entrepreneur and advisor, uniquely blending business savvy with a deep understanding of intersectionality and power dynamics. 

As the founder of Just Gold, Australia’s first management consultancy and creative agency that is an accredited social enterprise, they’ve integrated strategic communication, diversity, inclusion, and social impact. Their approach is informed by their lived experience as an Autistic Queer Greek Australian, making a significant impact on the Australian social enterprise scene.

Nola Radiotis:

Kyriakos Gold Nola Radiotis
Kyriakos Gold (L) with Nola Radiotis (R). Photo supplied.

Nola Radiotis is the current and longest-serving president of the Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs, ‘Anemones’ and was also named Darebin Council’s CALD Elder Community Leader of The Year. Nola is an inspirational leader and role model to others and works to ensure support systems are in place for elderly and vulnerable women in the Darebin community.

Helen Stamoulis:

Helen Stamoulis is the wife of the late Melbourne businessman and rich lister Spiros Stamoulis. She was recognised in the honour roll for her vital role in keep Victoria’s multicultural communities safe and connected. She’s also a strong supporter of the Greek culture and philanthropic initiatives.

Melbourne icon Franco Cozzo dies aged 87

The Greek Herald
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Melbourne icon Franco Cozzo dies aged 87

Melbourne icon Franco Cozzo passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87, his family announced on social media.

The family said Mr Cozzo was “surrounded by his loving wife and family” when he passed.

“We would greatly appreciate that our privacy be respected during this difficult time,” the Facebook post adds.

Born in Ramacca, Sicily in 1936 to an Italian father and Greek mother, Mr Cozzo migrated to Australia in the 1950s.

Mr Cozzo became a well-known Italian-Australian furniture salesman who quickly rose to fame for his unique television adverts in the 1980s.

The ads used a fusion of English, Italian and Greek, and came to represent Melbourne’s burgeoning multicultural identity and immigrant community in the late-20th century.

For many Melburnians, the words “grand sale, grand sale, grand sale. Where? In Brunaswick and Footiscray” are permanently etched in their memory. He used to repeat “Megalo! Megalo! Megalo!” (Greek for “Grand!” or “Large”) in his adverts as well.

Source: The Age.

White Fox Boutique owners slammed for delivery delays ahead of Christmas

The Greek Herald
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White Fox Boutique owners slammed for delivery delays ahead of Christmas

Georgia and Daniel Contos, the owners of online fashion brand White Fox Boutique, have come under fire by thousands of customers for delivery delays ahead of Christmas.

According to A Current Affair, White Fox Boutique customers have been airing their grievances on social media, with many still waiting for clothes to be delivered from the brand’s Black Friday sales in November. Some are asking for refunds.

The brand has seen a growth of four times more sales than last year’s Black Friday event.

In response to the criticism, the Contos’ said they have had “all hands on deck” trying to fulfill the orders, with a team of around 200 working seven days a week.

The couple have also axed their Boxing Day sale to ensure they can focus on getting Black Friday orders out.

“It is very stressful for a lot of people…. we are doing everything we can to get them out as quick as possible,” Georgia told ACA.

Daniel added, “We are obviously very sorry with the fact that it has taken us longer than normal to get the orders out and we understand that during Christmas emotions are higher.”

Owner of Betros Bros frustrated due to rise in alleged assaults on staff by shoplifters

The Greek Herald
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Owner of Betros Bros frustrated due to rise in alleged assaults on staff by shoplifters

The owner of supermarket Betros Bros in Toowoomba, Queensland has been left frustrated as repeat shoplifters allegedly assault his staff and customers, A Current Affairs (ACA) has reported.

Bevan Betros released CCTV footage to ACA showing two young females entering his store and helping themselves to confectionary items and hiding them in their clothing. A staff member can be seen asking the pair what they’re hiding and taking a photo.

When the manager attempted to stop the pair from leaving, one of the girls appeared to throw a punch before a scuffle breaks out. Customers stepped in to try and restrain the girls, while the manager called police.

Both teenagers eventually escaped the store, but not before one of the girls threw some more punches at a customer who had helped restrain her.

Mr Betros told ACA he wanted to bring this alleged attack to the public’s attention because of his frustration that the same offenders keep returning.

“Customers assaulted while they’re waiting at the checkout? That’s disgusting,” Mr Betros told the Channel 9 program.

“These same offenders keep coming into the store and doing what they like thinking they can just walk out with the goods.”

Mr Betros stressed that despite this, the Betros Bros continues to be a safe space to shop.

Queensland Police have confirmed a 13-year-old and 17 year-old girl were arrested and charged with public nuisance and stealing offences.

Nick Bourdaniotis donates Evzones photo exhibition in Athens to Greece’s Presidency

The Greek Herald
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Nick Bourdaniotis donates Evzones photo exhibition in Athens to Greece’s Presidency

Greek Australian photographer Nick Bourdaniotis has donated the entire Athens exhibition of ‘The Evzones Collection’ to the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic.

The Evzones Collection first went on display at the War Museum in Athens, Greece in March this year. The exhibition was the first time photographs of Greece’s Presidential Guard taken by a Greek from the diaspora went on display at the museum.

The exhibition was under the patronage of Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and included photographs of the Evzones’ visits to the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide for commemoration events such as ANZAC Day and OXI Day.

The Evzones Collection on display at the Athens War Museum earlier this year. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald / Kostas Mastorakis.

Mr Bourdaniotis’ donation of the Athens exhibition was announced during a viewing ceremony on Tuesday, December 19 at the Greek Presidential Guard Headquarters in Athens, Greece.

President Sakellaropoulou was present at the viewing ceremony and was taken on a guided tour of The Evzones Collection by Mr Bourdaniotis.

The collection will now be on permanent display in the Presidential Palace and the headquarters of the Presidential Guard (Evzones). It will embark on tours and prestigious events of the presidency across Greece and the world.

EU strikes major deal to reform migration policy after years of talks

The Greek Herald
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EU strikes major deal to reform migration policy after years of talks

European Union countries and lawmakers reached an agreement on Wednesday to overhaul the bloc’s laws on handling asylum-seekers and migrants, euronews reported.

The reform includes speedier vetting of irregular arrivals, creating border detention centres, accelerated deportation for rejected asylum applicants and a solidarity mechanism to take pressure off southern countries experiencing big migrant inflows such as Greece, Italy and Spain.

These countries will now expect other EU states to contribute either by accepting migrants or paying into an EU fund, whose proceeds will be mostly directed to the “front-line” states to help them deal with migrant arrivals.

Following the announcement, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas said: “It’s been a long road to get here. But we made it. Europe is finally delivering on migration.”

The agreement comes after years of talks and debates on the EU’s migration policy.

The accord, known as the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, still needs to be formally approved by the European Council, representing the 27 EU member countries, and the European Parliament before it enters the bloc’s lawbooks.

Enter Alexander: New exhibition about the battle of Chaeronea opens in Athens

The Greek Herald
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Enter Alexander: New exhibition about the battle of Chaeronea opens in Athens

A new exhibition titled “Chaeronea, 2 August 338 BC: A day that changed the world” has opened at the Museum of Cycladic Art (MCA) in Athens.

According to amna.gr, the exhibition, which was presented at a press conference by the museum’s antiquity curators Panagiotis Iossif and Ioannis Fappas, features 240 ancient items from 27 museums in Greece and abroad, as well as 4 private collections.

Photo: Paris Tavitian © Museum of Cycladic Art

It focuses on the significance of the battle of Chaeronea during the shift from the Classical to the Hellenistic period. This battle marked the emergence of the Macedonian army, led by Philip II, against the allied Greek cities, including the Sacred Band of Thebes and the army of Athens. The conflict introduced eighteen-year-old Alexander to history, who later became known for conquering the world with campaigns in Asia.

The MCA emphasized that the Hellenistic period played a crucial role in shaping Greek civilization, influencing the Western world’s foundations. The exhibition showcases items from excavations of the Polyandrion of the Thebans and the Tumulus of the Macedonians, both burial sites. Some objects are displayed to the public for the first time.

Photo: Paris Tavitian © Museum of Cycladic Art

One of the exhibitions that stand out is that of a warrior from Igoumenitsa, displaying unique battle gear, a historical Macedonian shield with King Alexander’s name, golden staters (coins) issued by Philip, Alexander, and successors, as well as the bones of Sacred Band of Thebes soldiers.

The display also includes Andy Warhol’s ‘Alexander the Great’ portrait (1981) from the MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art, commissioned by Greek collector Alexandros Iolas.

Source: amna.gr

Thirty Greek antiquities repatriated to Greece from the US

The Greek Herald
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Thirty Greek antiquities repatriated to Greece from the US

Thirty Greek antiquities, worth a total of $3.7 million, are being returned to Greece from the United States, according to Ekathimerini.

The items being returned include:

  • Marble Aphrodite: Recovered from a storage unit that belonged to the convicted trafficker Robin Symes, where it had been hidden since at least 1999.
  • A 4,000-year-old Cycladic marble figure: Seized from a storage unit belonging to a New York-based private collector by the ATU earlier this year.
  • A bronze Corinthian helmet: Smuggled out of Greece, given false provenance in Germany, and put on consignment with the New York-based art dealer Michael Ward who pled guilty to Criminal Facilitation in the Fourth Degree and admitted to purchasing stolen antiquities on consignment through his gallery as part of money-laundering scheme allegedly orchestrated by Eugene Alexander.

Greece’s Consul General in New York, Konstantinos Konstantinou, Secretary General of Culture, Georgios Didaskalou, and US Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Thomas Acocella attended the repatriation ceremony.

Mr Konstantinou said he was “truly grateful” for the efforts of the Manhattan District Attorney Office.

“Their monetary value amounts to millions of dollars but their actual value goes far beyond that. They are priceless for the Greek people,” Konstantinou said.

Source: Ekathimerini

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