Mr Tsirekas was suspended four weeks ago by NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig but does not intend to quit. Mr Hoenig can fire him but is still determining his fate.
During a council meeting on Tuesday night, the motion calling for Mr Tsirekas’ resignation was put forward by Councillor Andrew Ferguson. It was voted down by other councillors, prompting insults from the public gallery.
According to ABC News, Councillor Michael Megna, who did not support the motion, successfully moved to amend the motion to instead write to Mr Hoenig asking him to expedite his decision, as councils can’t remove elected officials from civic office.
A spokesperson for Mr Hoenig said he couldn’t respond until receiving the correspondence from Mr Tsirekas’ solicitors.
Mr Tsirekas’ solicitors will lodge a review of ICAC’s findings in the Supreme Court this week and argue no further action should be taken until its judgement is handed down.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shared that Ankara is seeking to improve its relationship with Greece.
Ekathimerini shared that this announcement was made at a cabinet meeting yesterday (Wednesday) before his trip to Athens this Thursday.
Greece has prepared snipers, drones and 3,500 police officers for the upcoming visit of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday.
“We have had disagreements with Greece, and we will continue to have them tomorrow,” Erdogan said.
“This does not mean that we cannot find common ground as two countries that share the same seas.
“Our goal is to improve and strengthen our relations and cooperation with the countries of the region, starting with our neighbours to respect our mutual interests.”
Following this announcement, Turkish residents will also be allowed to be granted temporary visas for a limited time to visit the Greek islands.
This scheme, which is approved by the European Commision will aim to boost tourism between the two countries.
If you’ve ever wondered who the most recent musician to join The Wiggles is, let us introduce you to Nikos Filippatos.
Nikos is a musician who was born and raised in Kefalonia, Greece, and teamed up with The Wiggles in November 2022.
Although he is mostly known as being an all-rounder musician, he specialises in playing the bouzouki and is also a singer, songwriter, and scientist (who is in the middle of completing his master’s in medical science at the University of Adelaide, South Australia).
Nikos Filippatos plays for The Wiggles.
“I’ve been passionate about music for as long as I can remember,” Nikos told The Greek Herald.
“Ever since I was 12, I began playing various instruments and the bouzouki was the one that landed me the gig with The Wiggles. Now I play the bouzouki, the accordion, keyboard, guitar, and drums for them.
“After playing music and singing for many years, I became a professional musician and performed in many places around Greece and abroad, including hotels, nightclubs and restaurants.”
The now-38-year-old musician also creates videos on his own YouTube channel ‘Bouzouki Land,’ of him playing bouzouki and guitar.
Nikos said pursuing music had always been his dream.
“The dream of my life was actually to play music for kids, and now here I am, collaborating with The Wiggles,” he said.
But this dream wasn’t always so easy to make possible.
“Unfortunately, when I was in Greece, it [playing music for kids] was a very tough market to get into, and although we have kids, you don’t have the opportunity to do what you love,” Nikos said.
“So I said okay, I’m old enough, I won’t play music and then I decided to focus on my studies.
“It was when I decided to shift my focus that Anthony, the blue Wiggle, sent me a message on Instagram after discovering my YouTube channel and proposed to me the idea of playing a song with The Wiggles during one of their Melbourne shows.”
Nikos said Anthony had initially asked him for some advice about the bouzouki as his wife is Greek and loves Greek music, and he was learning bouzouki. He was also looking to bring something new to The Wiggles stage.
“I officially started working with The Wiggles on the 4th of November 2022, where we did a big show at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne,” he said.
“We didn’t have any rehearsals prior either because I was living in Adelaide, so I just did some video calls with Anthony to begin with, and then that’s how we started.”
The Greek musician said prior to the collaboration with The Wiggles, he had no idea who they were.
“When I first came to Australia in 2020, it was for my honeymoon with my wife. Then COVID-19 happened, and we got stuck here, so we decided to migrate to Australia,” Nikos said.
“Then two years later, when I received the message from Anthony, I had no idea know who the guy was. I thought he was a scammer at first, which was quite funny.
“He was wearing a bright blue skivvy and had so many followers. I then began asking around who he was, and everybody was amazed that I didn’t know who he was and then when I learnt, I felt so honoured to be acknowledged by him.”
Nikos said after working with The Wiggles for over a year, and having such a positive experience with them, they felt “like family” to him.
“They treat me with respect, they really appreciate my abilities and my knowledge, and they make me feel special,” he said.
“Although I’m not a Wiggle, and am just collaborating with them, they are so polite and nice and appreciative of me and what I do, which I love.
“Playing on stage with them is also just such a rewarding feeling for me. It’s not about the money, it’s about seeing the kids’ beautiful smiley faces, making music, and having fun in the process.”
Nikos Filippatos is now currently touring nationally with The Wiggles, as part of their Wiggly Big Day Out tour. It will continue until Saturday, December 23. To get tickets or find out more, visit www.thewiggles.com.
Miss Rontziokos has been recognised 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 investigation 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.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, Miss Rontziokos said she was “extremely humbled” to be recognised in the Awards for the investigation.
Pamela Rontziokos.
“I could not have received such a nomination without the support and guidance of my team at The Greek Herald,” the university student said.
“To be recognised by an established institution of investigative journalism is a highlight of the beginning of my journalism career.”
Miss Rontziokos said she hopes her nomination “brings more attention to the issue within our church community and calls for change.”
The 20-year-old has been named finalist in the Democracy Watchdog Awards among other students from Victoria and Queensland, including Rose Innes, Gwen Liu, and Jonathan Weitz-Freeman.
The awards recognise investigative journalism by students. The winner will be announced on December 8 and they will receive $1000 and a trophy. Finalists will receive highly commended certificates.
Denne passed away suddenly on Monday, November 6, leaving behind his loving wife and three young children. His death sent shockwaves through Sydney’s Greek community, with Denne’s Facebook page flooded with messages from friends and family mourning his loss.
Customers at Divinity Funerals have since reached out to The Greek Herald and made public statements online to voice their anger that funerals they had prepaid to the company have not been honoured.
Divinity Funerals director Denne Cruz passed away in November.
The Greek Herald understands Divinity Funerals was obliged to lodge a Funeral Bond policy on behalf of families with Funeral Plan Management (FPM), an independent and separate entity.
FPM said Funeral Bond policies distributed by Divinity Funerals will remain secure and protected, regardless of the distributor’s financial position.
Other families, who’s pre-paid funeral was not lodged by Divinity Funerals, are expected to lose the total cost of their prepaid funerals as Divinity Funerals is expected to enter into liquidation.
The Greek Herald has reached out to Divinity Funerals for further information on this issue. They were unable to comment at this stage.
Families who believe they have a current FPM policy are encouraged to call them on 1800 804 731. Those without a current policy are encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
Do you have a similar story? Please contact The Greek Herald at info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
The Cyprus Community of New South Wales has expressed its outrage after news emerged that Liberal Holsworthy MP Tina Ayyad attended a 40th celebration and commemoration anniversary for the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Cyprus remains divided by a UN-demilitarised buffer zone after the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974. There remains a strong Turkish military presence on the northern part of the island, which calls itself the TRNC.
Australia recognises the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus but not of the TRNC.
Ms Ayyad wrote it was “a privilege” to attend the event and said “it was a day of celebration and commemoration, with family‑friendly activities for everyone to enjoy including a jumping castle and face painting!”
Tina Ayyad MP.
In response, The Australian has reported that the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Antonis Sammoutis, will be writing to NSW Parliament, the Foreign Affairs Department and Ms Ayyad to demand an explanation.
The President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Andrew Costa, has also issued a statement condemning Ms Ayyad’s recent actions and calling on her to “immediately and publicly apologise to the Cypriot community of Australia.”
“The occupation and division of Cyprus is very much an open wound for all Cypriots. It is not a cause for celebration. It is an ongoing struggle for Cypriots and for all people of the world who want to see justice for the people of Cyprus,” Mr Costa said.
“Mrs Ayyad’s actions have not only caused harm to this goal but have poured salt into the open wound of the Cypriot people including the tens of thousands of refugees who lost their homes in the 1974 war and cannot return to the occupied north and the families who fifty years on still do not know where their missing loved ones are.”
In a statement to The Australian, Ms Ayyad said her attendance at and statement of support tabled to parliament for the community event should not be construed as “an endorsement of any foreign policy.”
“Multiculturalism is our strength, and I support and respect every community including Greek-Australian and Cypriot-Australian communities, and I would love to attend all events,” she said.
Following a raid on the firm last week by lenders, Magnis Energy Technologies lost possession of its main battery “gigafactory,” Imperium3 New York (iM3NY).
According to The Australian, Magnis chair Frank Poullas, as well as directors Claire Bibby and Giles Gunesekera, have been removed from the iM3NY board – which Magnis has been developing for over six years – by Atlas Credit Partners.
Magnis, which went public in 2005, has expanded since the influx of interest in alternative energy sources. The company promised to establish an empire of battery plants while providing investors a chance to engage in an integrated energy supply chain.
Magnis chair, Frank Poullas (R) with Magnis’ North American managing director, Hoshi Daruwalla in Sydney. Photo: The Australian.
The major technology company, which owns 73 per cent of iM3NY, has emphasised the potential of the battery facility, which Poullas earlier stated had a “potential worth” of $4 billion.
However, at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney last week, Magnis’ North American managing director, Hoshi Daruwalla noted that iM3NY was facing some “funding challenges.”
Documents filed by Charge CCCV LLC (C4V), an American lithium-ion battery technology company, claimed that iM3NY is rapidly running out of time to find funding to survive, as reported by The Australian.
The current battle over iM3NY comes as Magnis faces an inquiry by Australia’s Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which is closely monitoring the company’s market conduct and disclosures.
Andrew Jackomos — who has previously served as Victoria’s first Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People — is one of five Indigenous people who have been appointed as Treaty Authority members following a months-long recruitment process.
The Treaty Authority will be responsible for managing and facilitating state-to-Indigenous consultations, marking a major milestone in the process of reconciliation.
According to ABC News, Jackomos’ parents fought for Aboriginal civil rights alongside the legendary Yorta Yorta leader Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls. He has Greek and Aboriginal heritage.
Members of the First Peoples’ Assembly and Treaty Authority are preparing for negotiations to begin next year. Photo: ABC News / Danielle Bonica.
Jackomos said the challenge of his new job is “particularly humbling.”
“I’m humbled by the opportunities that I have that people back then were fighting for,” Jackomos stated to ABC News.
In relation to joining treaty talks with the Victorian state government, Jackomos asserted he will aim to ensure negotiations are being done in a way that respect necessary laws and the cultural safety of all parties and groups involved.
“I think the important thing is for everyone to understand that when you come to the treaty table, that we’re there as equals and it’s about promoting self-determination, empowerment,” Jackomos said.
The government of Greece has dispatched humanitarian aid to Cyprus in anticipation of a potential influx of refugees.
According to Ekathimerini, the immediacy of aid from Greece comes after Cyprus’ request for assistance due to current “developments in the Middle East”, an announcement from the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry stated on Tuesday.
Greece dispatches humanitarian aid to Cyprus. Photo: Amna.gr.
The Cypriot request was made through the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
Greece has already delivered various materials to assist with hosting refugees, including 200 tents and 800 sleeping bags to Cyprus since last week.
Passionate members and friends of The Athenian Association of New South Wales gathered at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney on Saturday, December 2 to celebrate its milestone 70th anniversary.
The atmosphere on the night was one of excitement and pride as people shared personal memories of one of the oldest Greek associations in Australia.
The Athenian Association of NSW was founded on March 8, 1953, under the leadership of Ilias Zarakostas as the first President and Dimitrios Dervos as General Secretary.
Mr Dervos’ daughter, Maria Sallos, was present at the anniversary ball and told The Greek Herald she could not be prouder her dad was a founding member of the Athenian Association.
Maria Sallos holding a photo of her father. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
“The first ball we had was at the Paddington Town Hall in 1953 and I was allowed to go because we didn’t have a babysitter then and it was a very successful dance. They had lovely Greek songs and mostly it was people who had migrated from Athens,” Maria explained.
Maria looked around her in amazement at how far the Athenian Association had come since then, and said she plans on donating her father’s vast book and poetry collection to the Athenian Association in his memory. She’s proud to be able to continue his legacy.
“It’s wonderful [to be a member] because I grew up and I was born in Athens and we practically go every year or every second year,” she said.
‘The spirit of Athens continues to shine brightly’:
Maria was one of many attendees present at the anniversary ball who enjoyed a three-course sit-down meal, with live Greek music by George Doukas and his band playing softly in the background.
Emcee and Committee Member Stella Sorotou began the official proceedings and welcomed distinguished guests on the night. This included Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis; the First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate of Greece in Sydney, Anastasia Christofilopoulou; the NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Harry Danalis; the Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris; and the President of the Athenian Association of NSW, Cathy Valis; among many other Greek community leaders and representatives.
Following a performance by young girls dressed in Athenian outfits and carrying ornaments and candles, there were a number of speeches by Bishop Iakovos, Ms Christofilopoulou, Mr Coure and Ms Valis.
Ms Valis thanked everyone for attending and for their support, before giving a brief history of the Athenian Association and its rich legacy.
“The President’s past and present have successfully preserved and perpetuated the spirit of Athens by ensuring the younger generation maintains its Greek identity and older generations can continue to thrive in their second homeland,” Ms Valis said.
“The Athenian Association of NSW stands as a testament to the power of preserving cultural heritage. The Association’s commitment to promoting Greek culture and traditions within the community ensures that the spirit of Athens continues to shine brightly in the Antipodes for generations to come.”
Ms Valis also thanked her Committee which includes Vice President Antigoni Hadzipanagiotou, Secretary Sotiria Plakias, Treasurer Maria Bolos, and Committee Members Mrs Sorotou, Panagiotis Tsintilas and Efrilli Kandilas.
In his address, Bishop Iakovos expressed the well wishes of Archbishop Makarios of Australia for the Association’s 70th anniversary, and also stressed the importance of the next generation to maintain the Athenian culture.
“I want to mention the work of the Association in cultivating and in instilling, not only in themselves but in their children, the high values of faith and country, the high values of Greek Orthodox civilisation,” the Bishop said.
“I pray and hope that each one of you and your friends and your siblings follow in the tradition of your parents and your grandparents and continue to nurture within yourselves and within your own families in time, the very same values.”
Ms Christofilopoulou had the audience in laughter on the night as she made a joke in her speech about Athenians.
“You know what they say in Greece? There’s no actual Athenian in Athens because all of them can be found in Sydney,” she said with a smile, before expressing her well wishes for the Association to enjoy the next “fruitful and prosperous” 70 years.
Mr Coure was last to speak, congratulating the Association on its 70th anniversary and thanking its members for their contributions to NSW.
“Since 1953, the Athenian Association serves as a testament to the significant strength of the Greek community here in NSW, playing such an important and vital role,” Mr Coure said.
“NSW is better off thanks to the work and efforts of organisations such as this one. Your dedication, your compassion and your commitment to your community and to the broader community is outstanding. I cannot thank you enough for being such a strong voice for the NSW Greek community.”
Following these official speeches, Ms Valis called on her Committee and past President Nick Vertzagias to cut the 70th anniversary cake and take a group photo.
The night ended with a dancing performance by women from the Joanna Papoulis Dance School, followed by raffle prizes. Guests later danced the night away to music by the live band.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
