Search
Home Blog Page 942

Arthur Diakos PSM appointed on new board of Sydney’s Metropolitan Memorial Parks

The Greek Herald
-
0
Arthur Diakos PSM appointed on new board of Sydney’s Metropolitan Memorial Parks

The Minns Government has taken the next step towards fixing the cemeteries mess created by the indecision and infighting of the former Coalition Government.

The appointment of a new professional board will help lead the delivery of new burial supply in Sydney and address the challenges the cemeteries sector currently faces.

The appointment of the board brings an end to two-and-a-half-years of Administrator management of the now merged organisation and is part of the Government’s strategy to ensure Sydney has well run operators and the ability to focus on sufficient supplies of burial space and the challenges of the future.

Through the work of Administrator Ken Morrison, it has been established that Metropolitan Memorial Parks (MMP) is now able to be self-sufficient.

Through increased investments in perpetual care funds, managing expenses (including through streamlining the executive leadership team), and re-assessing future needs, the long-term future of MMP has been secured, resulting in operating finances now $3 million ahead of budget and a fully-funded perpetual maintenance fund, reversing a shortfall estimated to be $241 million in 2019.

Over the past six months the NSW Government and MMP, led by Administrator Ken Morrison, have been undertaking a significant change process to prepare for the establishment of the new board. This includes:

  • Successfully merging the three former cemetery land managers into a single new entity under a new brand of MMP.
  • Strengthening and streamlining the executive leadership team.
  • Completing further analysis on the issue of limited burial space and options to bring new supply online.
  • Developing a transitional business plan to guide operations pending the board’s commencement.
  • Establishing new contemporary risk, compliance and probity frameworks and governance processes, addressing previous weaknesses identified by an independent health check.

An extensive open recruitment process was undertaken to source qualified candidates for the board of MMP.

The board, initially consisting of six members including a chair, has been appointed for three-years to control the affairs and govern the strategic direction and financial management of MMP, which provides a vital service to the community and manages eight Crown cemetery sites in Sydney and Newcastle.

The skills-based board brings a diverse mix of experienced directors from various backgrounds including in financial management, governance and risk management, organisational performance, stakeholder management, commercial strategy, and legal skills.

One of the new board’s first items will be to consider potential CEO candidates to run MMP. A shortlist of candidates has been prepared on the basis of an extensive market search process, with a view to finalising the appointment as the first act of the inaugural board before the end of the year.

“The appointment of this new board is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to fix Sydney’s Crown cemetery sector, including ensuring we have enough burial space for future needs and that respectful and affordable burial and cremation services are available for all,” the NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said.

Board members of the Metropolitan Memorial Parks

  • Ken Morrison (Chairperson) – Mr Morrison has shown exceptional leadership and in-depth knowledge as the appointed Administrator for Metropolitan Memorial Parks. He is an experienced chief executive with key strengths in leadership, property development, stakeholder engagement and governance. Ken was previously the Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia.
  • Kathy Jones – Ms Jones is a highly experienced senior executive with strengths in business, commercial enterprise, property, stakeholder engagement, risk management and human resources. Her current board memberships include Karitane, the Women’s Advisory Committee of the NUW Alliance in Western Sydney and the Property Council of NSW’s Precincts Committee.
  • Alice Spizzo – Ms Spizzo has an impressive legal and professional services background with experience across the property, planning, environment, and housing sectors with strong technical skills in legal, governance and risk frameworks. She is currently a board member for Homes Tasmania Board, Sydney Regional Planning Panel and Women’s Housing Company.
  • Professor Roberta Ryan – Professor Ryan has a strong social planning background and experience as a board member and chair providing strategic input on social and community outcomes. She also has experience with NSW government committees. Roberta is a Professor of Local and Regional Governance, Executive Director of Institute for Regional Futures and Director of Hunter Research Foundation Centre at the University of Newcastle.
  • Arthur Diakos PSM – Mr Diakos has extensive finance and governance experience. His commercial and business acumen has contributed to financial outcomes, growth, and success through strategic financial planning in previous executive and board roles. Arthur has held senior executive roles across several government agencies including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), NSW Department of Justice and Transport for NSW.
  • Mark Bloom – Mr Bloom has a strong financial services background and has demonstrated financial and commercial expertise to deliver positive results, growth, and revenue uplift as a board director. Mark has held senior executive roles at organisations including Westfield and Scentre Group. He is currently a board member for ASX listed companies AGL Energy, Pacific Smiles Group, EBOS Group and Abacus Storage King.

Boxing legend George Kambosos Jr brings ‘A Touch Of Kindness’ to Sydney

The Greek Herald
-
0
Boxing legend George Kambosos Jr brings ‘A Touch Of Kindness’ to Sydney

Boxing legend, George Kambosos Jr took to the streets of Sydney’s CBD on Wednesday alongside charity A Touch Of Kindness, giving a helping hand to those in need.

The Australian boxer with Greek heritage praised the charity founder, Con Theocharides on social media, sharing that A Touch Of Kindness is an “absolute great cause” with a “great man” behind it who “does it all from his heart.”

“[Con] doesn’t want anything in return but to help those in need,” Kambosos wrote on social media.

Kambosos went on to add how the support of Nick Karagiannis and his Crash Claim crew, who donated a van earlier this year to assist A Touch Of Kindness, only helped further on the day with caring for those less fortunate.

“This is what it’s all about, giving back and helping those less fortunate,” Kambosos wrote.

Kon Kardaras angered amid ongoing Melbourne North East Link construction noise

The Greek Herald
-
0
Kon Kardaras angered amid ongoing Melbourne North East Link construction noise

Bulleen resident, Kon Kardaras is one of many who have been impacted by construction noises coming from works on the $16 billion Melbourne North East Link.

According to ABC News, residents in Melbourne’s north-east say they are subjected to “unbearable” noise, light, and dust from round-the-clock construction activity, with the builder only agreeing to implement mitigation measures if they sign a non-disclosure agreement.

“The din, the noise is really unsettling,” Kardaras said in an interview with ABC News, as he looked over his back fence at the giant construction works.

“Going to bed with that happening, I have to quarantine myself at the top of the house.”

Construction on the North East Link tunnels began in late 2022, with the road expected to open in 2028.( ABC News: Kyle Harley ).
Construction on the North East Link tunnels began in late 2022, with the road expected to open in 2028. Photo: ABC News / Kyle Harley.

Kardaras’ four-bedroom property has been in his family for 45 years, and he claims he can only live in two front rooms owing to noise and light.

In relation to the overall North East Link project, Kardaras told ABC News he was not opposed to it, in fact, he hailed its virtues, stressing that all he wants is for the builder to show greater concern for residents.

Kardaras said he would like the project to double-glaze his windows and while project staff had checked in on him, their response to the noise was to provide him with earplugs.

Source: ABC News

Leaders of Greece and Turkey agree to mend ties after years of friction

The Greek Herald
-
0
Leaders of Greece and Turkey agree to mend ties after years of friction

Greece and Turkey on Thursday agreed to reboot their relations, establishing a roadmap designed to usher in a new era of closer ties after years of friction between the two NATO allies.

This news comes after Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan made a landmark visit to Greece and met with a number of diplomats including Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

During his meeting with Mitsotakis, both leaders agreed to focus on pursuing good neighbourly relations, keep open channels of communication, seek military confidence-building measures to eliminate sources of tension, boost trade volumes and work on issues which have kept them apart, notably in the Aegean Sea.

According to Ekathimerini, the meeting of Mitsotakis and Erdogan went on longer than anticipated. Erdogan said he expected to receive Mitsotakis in Ankara.

“There is no issue between us that is unsolvable. So long as we focus on the big picture and don’t end up being like those who cross the sea and drown in the river,” Erdogan said after his meeting with Greece’s PM.

The Turkish leader added, “We want to turn the Aegean into a sea of peace. Through the joint steps we will take as Turkey and Greece, we want to be an example to the world.”

For his part, Mitsotakis said, “Greece and Turkey have to live in peace, find solutions [to their problems], and those that cannot be resolved, they should not lead to crises.”

“I feel a historical debt to bring the two countries close,” he continued.

The visit included the signing of the ‘Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good-Neighborliness’ and 15 other agreements to work on issues which have caused tensions, mainly in the Aegean Sea.

Mitsotakis also confirmed that Greece will revive a plan offering Turkish citizens seven-day visas to visit 10 Greek islands near Turkey and said that talks between the two sides will continue in numerous areas such as economic and cultural cooperation.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.

Waratah Florist in Sydney celebrates 50 years of its floral journey

Evelyn Karatzas
-
0
Waratah Florist in Sydney celebrates 50 years of its floral journey

A Sydney family business, Waratah Florist celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.

Ever since Paul and Pauline Bertuzzi opened the florist shop in 1973, it has been an iconic spot and community favourite in Earlwood for everything flower-related.

Pauline and Paul’s daughter, Anne Andrades said she took over the shop eight years ago, however had been working there for close to 40 years as she helped her parents out when she was still in school.

waratah florist
Paul prior to opening his own shop when he worked in his uncle’s florist in Paddington. Photo supplied.
waratah florist
Paul in the late 80’s at Earlwood in the current shop.

“We’re a family business,” Anne told The Greek Herald.

“My mum still works with me behind the scenes and my husband now also works in the business, ever since my father passed away.”

Waratah Florist are located at 4/322 Homer Street in Earlwood, Sydney and specialise in floral arrangements for many hotels, weddings, engagements, graduations, funerals and more.

Anne said although she never imagined becoming a florist, it was a part of her upbringing.

Waratah Florist.
Anne (second from left) always knew she’d work at Waratah Florist.

“We sort of knew that was what we’re going to do and over time, I grew closer to customers, and I developed a love and passion for it,” she said.

“I also love the interaction with the customers, and I love the fact that the Greek community as a whole supports us so much.”

The Sydney florist said it was very exciting to hit 50 years with her family business.

Waratah Florist.
The business turned 50 this year.

“All I want to do is thank all the staff, past and present, because without them we wouldn’t be here,” Anne said.

“We have had a lot of people come and go and help us through the years and some of them have even stayed for 30 years with us, so we’re very grateful. Our staff are our family.”

Anne said the 50-year journey was one full of hard work, determination, and constant support.

“It’s all about having good customer service, and being fair and not greedy,” she said.

“I think that it’s also very important to give people value for their money.”

waratah florist
Waratah Florist team.

The florist further shared that this achievement also made her mother, Pauline really proud.

“Waratah Florist, to me, is a lifetime of hard work,” Pauline said.

“It feels unreal actually [that the business hit 50 years]. I can’t believe that many years have passed, but they have. It wasn’t easy, it was hours and hours of hard work.”

Anne said Pauline took a lot of pride in the business and everything they have achieved over the years.

“She is feeling the same as I am,” Anne said.

“She’s mentioned over the last few weeks to different people, that her proudest moment was doing the flowers for the Sheraton Wentworth hotel in the city when Lady Diana came to Sydney.

“It was quite a memorable moment for her and a memory she treasures to this day.”

waratah florist
waratah florist
Pauline at Waratah Florists.

Pauline shared what she loved about having the floristry in Earlwood.

“The people here are beautiful,” Pauline said.

“They are very, very supportive of me, and I always try to be supportive of them in every way possible.

“That’s the way we’ve kept in business, by helping each other.”

Anne said although the staff played a big role in holding the family business together, the customers also need to be thanked for their success.  

“I am also very thankful for our customers, we’ve had such an amazing and overwhelming response from them,” Anne said.

waratah florist
Anne, Pauline, Anne’s son and husband.

“They’ve been coming in and congratulating us, and it just makes me feel so proud. There are not many florists that have lasted so many years with that continuous support and loyalty.

“We value the smiles on our customers faces, the laughter, the joy and the memories we have made together and we are beyond grateful to have created long lasting friendships throughout our journey.”

Anne said she has two kids who are quite young, and despite not knowing whether they will carry on the family business in the future, she said, “I’ve still got enough energy to continue, not for another 50 years, but at least another 20.”

Waratah Florist is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6:30pm, Saturday 8 am to 5 pm and Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. You can find it at 4/322 Homer Street in Earlwood, Sydney.

Hellenic Community of Western Australia celebrates 100 years since its inception

The Greek Herald
-
0
Hellenic Community of Western Australia celebrates 100 years since its inception

The Hellenic Community of Western Australia celebrated its 100th anniversary on November 23.

Many distinguished guests, parents, families and friends enjoyed the celebrations at the amphitheatre of Saint Andrew’s Grammar in WA.

School students dressed in Greek dancing costumes and theatrical costumes on the night, and performed for everyone in attendance.

The anniversary event was also an opportunity for St Andrew’s Grammar to unveil its exciting future campus developments, which are set to commence in 2024.

“A wonderful time was had by everyone who attended and from all of us here at St Andrew’s Grammar,” the school wrote on Facebook. 

“We would like to once again send a big heart felt congratulations to The Hellenic Community of WA for reaching such a milestone and also say thank you for building our very foundation and supporting our continual growth.”

Zoe Terakes named 2023 GQ Actor of the Year

The Greek Herald
-
0
Zoe Terakes named 2023 GQ Actor of the Year

The star of ‘Talk To Me,’ Zoe Terakes, has been named the 2023 GQ magazine Actor of the Year.

The 23-year-old, non-binary, trans-masculine actor accepted her award on Wednesday in Bondi, Sydney, wearing a classic black suit.

Zoe thanked trailblazers from the trans and wider LGBTQIA+ community which helped define and build their career.

Zoe Terakes plays Hayley in Talk to Me. Photo: Maslow.

“We are forever indebted to the trans people of colour who fought like hell for the future of their community,” they said.

“They walked down the street through heckling, and violence, and abuse, and erasure, so we could run.”

Source: GQ.

South Australian seafood king Michael Angelakis pays tribute to late brother

The Greek Herald
-
0
South Australian seafood king Michael Angelakis pays tribute to late brother

South Australia’s infamous seafood king Michael Angelakis has opened up about his 68-year-old brother Nick passing away.

The head of the popular seafood hotspot in Adelaide ‘Angelakis Bros. seafood company’ shared with The Advertiser that his younger brother had died last month due to complications during surgery.

Nick was on oxygen 24/7 and was on a register for a lung transplant. As soon as one came in, he rushed from Adelaide to Melbourne for the operation but did not survive the surgery.

michael angelakis
South Australian seafood king Michael Angelakis pays tribute to late brother.

Michael is now calling on people to consider organ donation.

“(Nick) was incredibly brave, all he thought about was other people and he’d encourage other people to be organ donors and just how important it is to be donors,” he said.

“It’s always tough losing the youngest sibling… but you don’t want anyone to suffer.”

Source: The Advertiser.

Reception hosted for Greece’s Ambassador in Australia at Melbourne’s Greek Centre 

The Greek Herald
-
0
Reception hosted for Greece’s Ambassador in Australia at Melbourne’s Greek Centre 

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), in collaboration with The Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne, hosted a reception on Wednesday, December 6, in honour of Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, George Papacostas, at the Greek Centre.

The event was attended by community leaders, parliamentary members, and representatives from the Greek media, fostering a vibrant ambiance of cultural interchange and diplomatic fellowship.

It underscored the strength derived from a united community and the shared commitment to preserving and promoting Greek traditions in the multicultural landscape of Melbourne. 

Greek-Centre-event
Photo by: Michael Profyris.
Greek centre event
Mr George Papacostas’ visit “is a recognition of the importance of cultural diplomacy”. Photo: Michael Profyris.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Anthea Sidiropoulos, GCM Vice President, highlighting the significance of the Ambassador’s contributions to the bilateral relationship.

“Ambassador Papacostas’ visit is not merely a diplomatic formality; it is a recognition of the importance of cultural diplomacy,” Ms Sidiropoulos said.

“As we engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and celebrate our commonalities, we reinforce the bridges that connect Greek & Australian societies.”

The President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, emphasised the importance of the diaspora in Australia, particularly in Melbourne.

He highlighted the enduring impact of the Greek community, when the initial Greek families arrived in Australia, and continuing to the present day.

Bill Papastergiadis
Bill Papastergiadis. Photo: Michael Profyris.

Mr Papastergiadis OAM stated, “Melbourne stands as a dynamic cosmopolitan metropolis, serving as a prime illustration of effective support for multiculturalism in order to attain positive societal outcomes.”

“This model of multiculturalism in Melbourne should be part of learnings on how diverse communities can unite and collaborate harmoniously,” he added.

“The narrative of this multicultural city is not a fixed tale but a dynamic journey. It’s a voyage characterised by change and progress. What awaits us is not merely a city, but a vision—a vision of sustainable growth, and a flourishing community.” 

Mr Papastergiadis also referred to a series of issues raised in Greece during his meetings with the Prime Minister, governors and other government officials including the double taxation agreement, expanding the relationships between Greek and Australian universities fostering educational opportunities and cultural exchange programs for students, the facilitation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) in the Greek Centre, and the return of Parthenon Marbles to their homeland. 

Greek Centre event
His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta also attended the event. Photo: Michael Profyris.

Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta stated that, “It’s a great honour to have Mr Papacostas with us. He has played a pivotal role in fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening the cultural ties between Greece and Australia. Our souls are bound in unity.”

“This moment marks a modest stepping stone for the forthcoming generations,” the Bishop said.

Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, mentioned, “Melbourne, apart from the fact that it is a city with the third largest Greek population in the world, has a highly respectable Greek Community, which has done tremendous work in recent years.”

Emmanuel Kakavelakis, George Papacostas and Bill Papastergiadis. Photo: Michael Profyris.

“Beyond the accomplishments, there is a rightful sense of optimism when looking towards the future. The foundations are robust and provide a solid basis for future endeavours,” the Consul General added.

In his speech, Mr Papacostas reflected on the relationship between Greece and Australia.

“The ties between the two nations are resilient and constantly evolving. The diaspora acts as a bridging connection with our homeland,” Mr Papacostas said.

Mr Papacostas expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, as he also expressed his admiration for the replica marbles adorning the GCM building and the role the Community plays.

A community plaque was presented to the Ambassador, as a recognition and appreciation for his visit and noteworthy contributions to the Greek diaspora in Australia.

As community members interacted with Ambassador Papacostas, there was a palpable sense of mutual respect and appreciation, underscoring the event’s success in fostering cultural understanding and diplomatic goodwill.

Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas confirmed in Australian Open main draw

The Greek Herald
-
0
Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas confirmed in Australian Open main draw

The Australian Open has revealed its main draw entry list for 2024, with two Greek tennis stars set to hit the court.

Competing in the women’s tournament is Greece’s Maria Sakkari, who is one of the highest-ranked Greek female tennis players in history.

For the men’s competition, world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas will return to the courts and is sure to draw in Greek Australian supporters. Last year, Tsitsipas was runner up to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open men’s final.

Nick Kyrgios was a notable absentee as the Australian Open unveiled its main draw entry list for the men’s and women’s singles.

Kyrgios has long been hoping to make his return at his home grand slam after a lengthy absence due to multiple injuries, but appears no certainty to make an appearance at Melbourne Park in January.

The Australian Open 2024 will take place at Melbourne Park from January 14-28. To purchase tickets and find out more, visit auspopen.com.

1...941942943...2,040Page 942 of 2,040

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.