40 young South Australians have received an ‘Excellence Award’ for their results in the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) this year. One of the recipients is an Australian student with Greek heritage – Stella Cozamanis.
According to Adelaide Now, “gifted artist” Stella took on the role of Boarding House Photographer at her school Navigator College, creating dozens of films, photo boards, news articles, and related media. Stella also worked with staff to develop professional skills in video editing.
After researching her family history, Stella discovered a rich tapestry of her Greek and Aboriginal origins, with ancestral links to England, Greece and the Ngarrindjeri from the Coorong and lower Murray River.
Stella is now looking to work overseas, perhaps in Greece and an African wildlife refuge.
More than 15,560 students completed their SACE in 2023, which represents a seven per cent increase on last year’s results. 95 per cent of all South Australians aged between 16 and 18 were estimated to have studied at least one SACE subject.
For the second time in a row, Greece’s economy has been ranked in top place by The Economist for its 2023 economic performance.
The Economist’s 2023 analysis is based on five economic and financial indicators (inflation, “inflation range,” GDP, jobs, and stock market performance).
According to Ekathimerini, Greece has achieved the highest marks in the economy among 35 primarily affluent countries this year.
For the second time in a row, Greece’s economy has been ranked in top place by The Economist for its 2023 economic performance.
The Economist noted “some surprising results” in Greece’s performance across the five indicators, including the 43.8 per cent increase in the stock market value of the Greek market.
The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) proudly marked the conclusion of another successful academic year with End-of-Year ceremonies for its Afternoon and Saturday Schools.
The enchanting events unfolded at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, Sydney on the evenings of Monday, December 11, Tuesday, December 12, and Thursday, December 14, commencing at 6 pm.
The festivities vibrated with the energy and enthusiasm of students from all participating schools, who took centre stage to showcase their talents.
From heartfelt poetry recitations to engaging sketches, theatrical plays, singing, and the vibrant rhythms of the traditional Greek Kalanta, the evenings were a testament to the rich cultural tapestry fostered by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
Distinguished guests honouring the occasion were Nia Karteris, Vice President of the GOCNSW, Artemis Theodoris, President of the GOCNSW Education Sub-Committee, and esteemed Members of the GOCNSW Board of Directors, including Con Spiropoulos, Manos Fountoulis and Andrew Smyrnis.
Each esteemed guest played a pivotal role in the ceremony by personally presenting End-of-Year certificates to all students, accompanied by a congratulatory gift bag in recognition of their exceptional efforts.
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the prestigious “Αιέν Αριστεύειν” Certificate of Excellence award by the Association Vorion Dimon Spartis “Orea Eleni” of NSW Inc. This distinguished honour, and a $100 gift voucher, was given to our top three performing students of the year:
Ariadne Makras – Year 4, Saturday Greek School (Like in Greece) – Maria Glekas presented the award.
Ariana Medanic – Year 5, Connells Point Public School – Dimitra Lendros presented the award.
Ellie Gartzonis – Year 5, Clemton Park Public School – Sofia Genovezou presented the award.
Ellie Gartzonis
Arianna Medanic
Ariadne Makras
Mrs Glekas, the esteemed President of the Schools, expressed profound pride in the students’ accomplishments and their unwavering dedication to the preservation of Greek heritage. The sentiment was echoed by Secretary Mrs Lendros and Treasurer Mrs Genovezou.
Guided by the expertise of Greek dance teacher Paroula Thurban, all students dazzled the audience with graceful performances of Greek traditional dances, infusing an extra layer of cultural richness into the festivities.
In a heart-warming ceremony, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) brought together students, families, educators, and a delegation of Board of Directors of the GCM to honour the graduating class of 2023 and celebrate the end of the year in a festive and cheerful atmosphere.
The evening was filled with pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication exhibited by the graduating students throughout their academic journey.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks by the Principal of the GCM Schools, Maria Bakalidou, who stated, “Successfully completing Greek school represents significant achievements that demand numerous hours, sacrifices, perseverance, patience, and a deliberate commitment.”
“Many of these students enrolled in our program starting from kindergarten and we have observed their development over all these years. Today, they stand before us as exemplary young individuals, serving as role models for our younger students, and a source of pride for us as parents and educators,” Mr Bakalidou added.
In her speech, Helene Hiotis, GCM board member, highlighted the importance of the event, “Education is not merely about facts and figures; it’s not about the score you will achieve; it’s about fostering a curious spirit that propels you forward. The lessons from Greek studies extend beyond the classroom, offering insights into critical thinking, communication, and cultural appreciation.”
The event was a testament to the power of education in shaping the lives of our young minds and fostering a strong sense of cultural pride within our community.
Against the backdrop of six campuses, 44 accomplished students have emerged, symbolising the collective dedication to excellence and inclusivity that defines GCM’s educational programs.
Anthi Tzani, VCE teacher, said, “As one of their educators, witnessing the growth, resilience, and admirable dedication of our students is truly inspiring. It’s a privilege to be part of their academic journey and to see them not only succeed academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals ready to embrace the challenges of the future.”
“Always bear in mind that the value of a person is not defined by numbers, no matter how impressive they may be,” Ms Tzani added.
Later in the evening, the students were awarded with graduation certificates along with a commemorative Olive Branch Award, meticulously crafted by a Greek artist specifically for this occasion.
Dr Nick Dallas, the GCM Head of Educational Programs, stated “witnessing the graduation of 44 students across our six campuses fills me with immense pride.”
“We wish our graduating VCE students every future success. Our students have not only excelled academically but have also embraced the values of community, leadership, and service,” Dr Dallas added.
“We are proud of their achievements and look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on the world. They are after all our ambassadors, our successors, our future educators, and community leaders.”
Following the Graduation Ceremony, the atmosphere shifted to one of pure celebration. Attendees immersed themselves in the enchanting tunes of live Greek music, creating a lively dance floor that brought everyone together.
The event was organised as part of the Christmas celebrations and the completion of their learning courses for 2023. This event had a special character as it aimed to reward their effort, honour their dedication and hard work, and praise their commendable development.
A delegation of the Board of Directors of the GCM was also present.
Dr Nick Dallas, the GCM Head of Educational Programs, said, “The get-together with the adult students had such a positive buzz. They all had different reasons for studying Greek, but the principal ones being they had some Greek background or were involved with Greek partners.”
One student who also participated in a summer camp mentioned that she’s grateful the GCM is an appealing, safe, and inviting space offering a diverse range of activities.
The awards were presented by Maria Bakalidou, the Principal of the GCM schools, who, expressing her heartfelt congratulations, stated, “Each student has a different, yet interesting story, a unique motivation that draws them to the Greek adult class every week, after a tiring day, to delve into the Greek language and discover aspects of Greek culture. Each person, in their way, serves as a wellspring of inspiration and sets a brilliant example for all of us.”
Some of the award recipients. Photo: Michael Profyris.
Key highlights of the evening included a sumptuous Greek cuisine buffet, featuring a delectable array of authentic dishes that pay homage to the flavours of Greece. The night was also infused with the spirit of Greece as attendees joyfully danced to the rhythm of traditional Greek songs.
Another highlight of the student cohort this year is that, for the first time, three adult students successfully took the ‘Certificate of Greek Language Attainment’ examinations conducted by the education office at the Greek Consulate of Melbourne. This globally recognised certificate shows that the student has reached a certain level of Greek language proficiency.
Alexandros Giannadakis, the GCM coordinator of ancient Greek courses & adult Greek courses, stated, “From mastering the intricacies of the Greek language to embracing the rich cultural heritage, the achievements of our students deserve to be applauded and honoured.”
“This night is a testament to their dedication and passion for embracing the Greek language and culture,” he added.
Registration for next year’s classes is now open, offering individuals the chance to embark on a journey of language and cultural exploration, either online or in the classroom at the Greek Centre.
On Sunday, December 17 the Panipirotiki Enosis of New South Wales held a commemoration event to mark the 220th anniversary of the Dance of Zalongo.
The Dance of Zalongo refers to the mass suicide of women and their children from Souli that occurred in the aftermath of the invasion of Ottoman troops on December 16, 1803.
About 60 women were trapped near the village of Zalongo in Epirus, who decided to turn towards the cliff’s edge and die with their infants and children rather than to submit to the Ottoman troops chasing them. According to tradition they did this one after the other while dancing and singing.
A member of the Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW committee, Evangeleah Plakias came up with the idea earlier this year to remember the heroic Souliotes and the tragic events that took place in December 1803. Evangeleah was told of the story of The Dance of Zalongo from a young age and it captured her attention for many years.
Earlier this year, Ms Plakias also had the privilege of going to Zalongo.
“To walk up the mountain these women climbed carrying their children, to see what they saw before giving up their lives, to imagine what they were feeling in that moment, to think of their last thoughts, to stand in the shadows of our ancestors, to understand the story and the sacrifices the women made, this location was much more emotional and meaningful,” she said.
“It’s not just a monument, it’s a symbol of freedom, courage and how they never gave up their lives to the Ottoman Turks, they chose when to die.”
With the help and support of the committee, Ms Plakias put together a very moving and impressive event on Sunday and was proud to share the story of the Souliotes.
Attending the event was the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris; President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony; President of the Athenian Association of NSW, Cathy Valis; Kalymnian Association of NSW representative, Irene Tsenkas; and all the Panipirotiki Enosis committee. Many members and guests also attended the event which was free for all.
Emcee for the event was George Tsitos, Assistant Secretary of the Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW.
On the day, Bishop Christodoulos read out a message on behalf of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. This was followed by a message from Mr Mallikourtis.
Ms Plakias spoke and shared the story of the Souliotes.
“For every mother in Souli, a code of honest and free life applies: ‘my child is a child of Souli and if Souli survives, my child will survive. If Souli is conquered, then let my child and me die.’ The choice for all the Souliotes was to be free. They died at their own hands rather than be captured, tortured, and enslaved by the Ottomans.”
Theodore Premetis shared his ancestor’s story, while a welcome speech was made from the Panipirotiki President Mr Nick Siakafas.
A short video was played showing what Souli and Zalongo looks like now and showing scenes from old movies of the Souliotes.
Ms Plakias choreographed a dance performance and practiced with the dancing group for weeks. The girls who performed were Mia and Zoe Karatasas, Alexandra Delis, Victoria and Eleni Lambousis, Katie Plakias, Kerrie Markantonakis, Rikki Bolafas, Christina Iwannidou, Kiki Mousiadou, Irene Tsenkas, and Ioanna Diamadis.
A theatrical piece was performed by Mary Vartzoumas, Stellios Mallikourtis, and Christina Iwannidou.
A special video tribute was also made in Greece by Kostantina Touni and Tryfon Anastasiou. The purpose of the song was to reproduce it and honour the Zalongo sacrifices. The moving piece captured everyone’s hearts and left people in tears.
The event was a huge success, and all the audience was deeply moved by the story and the performance.
Ms Plakias was proud to have been the one to bring the story of the Dance of Zalongo to life, and even more proud that the event was such a success.
“Ah, the Fourth Estate,” says Greek Consul General of Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, whenever he encounters Greek Australian journalists.
For the third year running, Mr Kakavelakis held an event to honour Melbourne-based media groups four days after the feast day of St Minas, known as the patron saint of journalists.
The Greek Herald, Australia’s only daily print diasporic publication and the oldest surviving newspaper in Melbourne newsagencies since 1926, could not be missing. Also present were journalists from the multitude of the city’s radio and media groups.
Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, deeply engrossed in a conversation with Andrea Demetriou. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis, joked on the day that the Community will soon open its own fimes.gr news site.
Humour aside, Mr Papastergiadis said Greek Australian media was robust despite local papers having suffered a blow due to the rise of social media.
“You [the media] take credit for this because you are doing it largely from a position of love. You are not doing it for financial gain as you are encountering significant difficulties in your current environment,” he said.
Mr Kakavelakis thanked the groups present, stating “you treat us more politely than you should” while adding, “it is important not to mince words but also not to ‘gauge each other’s eyes out’.”
Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis and Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Greek Consul of Melbourne.
Despite community media playing a unifying role, Mr Kakavelakis pointed to the importance of objectivity.
“Our local media doesn’t suffer from provincialism, an illness that harms many other diasporic outlets,” he said.
Later, he told The Greek Herald how much he reads and appreciates the professionalism of the newspaper and its leadership’s efforts to offer jobs and promote quality journalism.
3ZZZ morning radio presenters.Drinking and mingling with Consulate staff doubling up as bartenders for the night.
Mr Kakavelakis also touched upon the streamlining of the consulate’s operations, stating that Greek Vice Consul Georgia Botsiou is leaving her post to return to Thessaloniki with no plans to replace her. Ms Botsiou told The Greek Herald that she has nothing but pleasant memories from her eight years in Melbourne and time in New South Wales but she was eager to return to Thessaloniki to be with her son.
A social atmosphere as writers, journos and artists had a yarn and shared a story or twoGeorgia Botsiou, Vice Consul of Greece, is leaving for Thessaloniki after eight years in her role.
Andrea Demetriou, a keynote speaker of the evening, highlighted the artworks of her sister, the late Christella Demetriou, who lived in Melbourne following their family’s migration to the city as refugees from occupied Cyprus. Christella, an artistic polyglot, excelled as a painter, composer, bouzouki instrumentalist, poet and athlete. Her works are currently on display at the Greek Consulate of Melbourne.
Andrea Demetriou, spoke of her late sister Christella Demetriou’s work.
Mr Kakavelakis said he encountered Christella’s artworks at an event by Demokritos and they “spoke to him” and he hoped the display of the works at the Greek Consulate would speak to others also.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Steven Miles’ new-look cabinet has been sworn in at Queensland’s Government House today and among the new minister’s is an Australian with Greek heritage – Charis Mullen (née Naoumis)
Ms Mullen has been appointed the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Child Safety, Seniors, and Disability Services.
In a post on Facebook, Ms Mullen said she is looking forward to working closely with the new Premier “on issues that matter to our community.”
“I’m deeply honoured to be included as a Minister in the Miles Government and will work very hard for the people of Queensland,” she wrote.
Queensland premier, Steven Miles (left front), is seen with his new ministers outside Government House in Brisbane. Photo: Darren England/AAP.
Ms Mullen entered parliament as a member of Jordan in 2017, located 40 kilometres west of Brisbane. Her previous role was the Assistant Minister for Treasury.
Her father, Leonidas Naoumis is a well-known man in the Brisbane community, who is heavily involved in its Greek community and AHEPA.
Australian families have been reunited with their babies following the surrogacy clinic scandal that took place on the Greek island of Crete earlier in the year.
According to The Daily Telegraph, three couples and two single mothers brought their babies home from the General Hospital of Saint George in Chania, Crete. This was possible after the babies gained their Australian citizenship.
The General Hospital of Saint George in Chania, Crete. Photo: Greece Index.
“It is a blessed relief for the five families after a nightmare; these are innocent victims and, for people who are infertile, nothing could be worse than their dream of a family turned into a mirage,” family and fertility law specialist Stephen Page said.
“To have their child now in their arms must come as an indescribable feeling of lightness.”
This news comes after four months of the families desperately trying to get their babies home after the Cretan surrogacy clinic they used was accused of human trafficking.
The 24-year-old was charged over an incident that took place on December 17 last year, when he threw a bucket of sand at an A-League goalkeeper during a violent pitch invasion.
The goalkeeper, Tom Glover, was taken to hospital just after the soccer match between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City.
“Bucket man” Alex Agelopoulos. Photo: The Herald Sun / Nicki Connolly.
When launching an appeal to the Victorian County Court, Agelopoulos’ lawyers argued it was unfair he was the only one of the pitch invaders to receive a prison term.
His sentence was overturned on Friday, with Judge Mark Gamble finding that Agelopoulos’ actions were not so significantly different to his co-offenders to warrant a term of imprisonment.
Judge Gamble instead resentenced Agelopoulos to a 3½-year community corrections order, with 350 hours of unpaid work.
Agelopoulos will also have to undergo drug and alcohol testing and treatment, as well as participate in a men’s violence reduction program. He remains banned from football matches for five years.
