Antigoni Drisbioti is in Australia as of today… The “golden” girl of Greek race walking has travelled without problems to Australia.
The experienced and top athlete won “bronze” a few months ago at the World Championships in Budapest in the 20 km race walk.
As in 2022, this year she will begin her training preparation in Australia. Guided by last year experience, she knows very well what she will encounter both at the Melbourne training ground and at the Canberra camps during her stay here and expects, as she did last year, to get the best possible results.
Antigoni Drisbioti at the World Championship in Budapest. Photo: Iroes.
Drisbioti will reside until March 30 in Australia. During this time, she will train in the group of her coach Brent Vallance along with the “silver” champions at the World Championships in Budapest Gemina Montag and at the same time she will have the opportunity to participate in competitions.
Drisbioti has 20km as her first goal of the year at the European Championships in Rome. An event that will take place on June 7 and in which the athlete will be called upon to give her best, two years after her victory in Munich.
Finally, the Paris Olympic Games are the great goal of the Greek woman. The athlete has been preparing for next year for three weeks now.
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has responded to frustration against his decision to cancel his meeting with Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday, November 27.
According to Yahoo News, Mr Sunak’s official spokesperson stated that the Greek government had issued “reassurances” that Mitsotakis would not utilise the visit as a “public platform to relitigate long settled matters”.
Visitors view the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, at the British Museum in London. Photo: CNN.
However, after Mitsotakis spoke to BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, declaring the marbles should be returned to Greece, Sunak’s decision to cancel was confirmed as he felt the meeting would not be productive in addressing other important matters of relevance.
Mr Sunak’s spokesman said Athens was “welcome” to make its position known on the marbles – but felt “those conversations are best had in private”.
A 10-year deal has been announced between Australian broadband wholesaler NBN and Greek industrial group Mytilineos.
As part of this arrangement, the Australian wholesaler will source green electricity from a 120- MW solar park in Queensland which is being built by the Mytilineos group.
The power purchase agreement will come into effect in December 2025, with the aim of the internet company achieving 100% renewable use by 2025.
The Munna Solar Farm which has previously been built by Mytilineos. Photo: Mytilineos.
Currently, the solar site is being built in Gympie and will be equipped with around 255,000 panels that will be capable of producing electricity for approximately 41,000 homes.
In addition to NBN, Australia’s telecom group Telstra is also looking at purchasing half of the output taken from the solar park.
I never in my life thought I would be in New York City celebrating Thanksgiving, but here I am.
For a young Greek Australian, the idea of Thanksgiving seemed foreign to me – a holiday I’d only ever see and heard about in the movies.
This year though, it became a reality. I celebrated my first Thanksgiving in America.
One of the biggest realisations I’ve come to while being here, is that there are other people like me.
They’re born in America (or Australia like me), they grew up speaking Greek, they regularly visit Greece in the summer, and even though they have adopted the traditions and customs of their birth country, their love and passion for their Greek culture and heritage remains alive and continues to grow.
Just the girls & I at the football tailgate before the game. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas.
On Thursday, November 23, my day began with watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, while preparing for my first Thanksgiving feast with family and friends. The displays were amazing, the performances were great to watch, and it still didn’t feel real to me that I went into that Macy’s in Times Square literally two weeks prior.
After the parade was over, I decided to make a spanakopita to bring to the feast. I made a quick call to my yiayia in Greece to get her recipe which was a family favourite, and a call to my mum back home in Australia to get her tzatziki recipe as that was also a must. I even made a tirokafteri. Even though it was an American holiday, it had a Greek twist.
Part of the delicious Thanksgiving feast. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas.I made a tirokafteri (spicy capsicum and feta dip) for Thanksgiving. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas.
At 4 pm, everyone gathered around the dining room table. Greek laika music played in the background as we indulged in turkey, spanakopita, pastitsio, lamb, beef brisket, pasta salad, crab salad, Greek salad, saganaki, pita bread, a charcuterie board… the list goes on.
Everything was delicious. We went around the table and said what we were thankful for, raised a glass of wine for the occasion, and then after, we enjoyed coffee and cake. There was pumpkin pie, cheesecake, apple pie and fruit. I was so full by the end of it all.
There was so much food to enjoy for my first Thanksgiving. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas.
Another culture shock I discovered while being here, is football culture and how big of a thing it is. Apparently every Thanksgiving, watching American football (NFL- which I still can’t understand for the life of me) is part of the traditions.
The day after Thanksgiving, I went to watch my first football game in New Jersey. The New York Jets went up against the Miami Dolphins. This was the first ever Black Friday football game in American history, and I got to be a part of it.
It was freezing cold, and I thought growing up in Canberra was bad!
I realised that going to a football game and watching one on tv is about more than just watching the sport here, its about connecting through a love of sport and eating, drinking and making good memories with family and friends. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas
Just before the game, we got to the stadium and I witnessed my first tailgate. This is an American tradition that takes place before a game, where people gather in the car park and eat, drink and get hyped up for the game.
We sat on fold out chairs, blasted Greek music and enjoyed leftover souvlakia, tzatziki and Greek sweets from Thanksgiving. There was ouzo, beers and seltzers as well.
I was shocked at how packed the car park was (or should I say parking lot now that I’m in the US?)
The game consisted of loud crowds cheering, people making bets, eating American hotdogs and pretzels, and drinking beers, and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and hot chocolates. The Dolphins ended up winning, also.
I watched the New York Jets VS the Miami Dolphins. Photo: Evelyn Karatzas.
This holiday experience was one I’ll never forget, and there was so much to enjoy. It’s so different being in New York City during this season, rather than in Australia.
I think it’s safe to say I prefer celebrating the holiday season here- you feel it more and it’s nice to be rugged up, look at Christmas displays, put up Christmas decorations and just explore this huge city, there’s just so much to do and see. Each day that goes by here, I meet new amazing people, I discover something new that I love, and another reason to want to stay. See you soon Australia… maybe!
Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) members, guests and sponsors gathered for the End of Year Rooftop Celebration held at Le Ciel Events in Cremorne on Thursday, November 23.
With a perfect warm evening, scrumptious food and flowing drinks, 100 guests wined, dined and socialised with a city skyline backdrop. Friends reconnected and new friendships and professional relationships were also formed.
A few short speeches on the night allowed for plenty of socialising. HMSA President Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris co-hosted the event with HMSA board member Dr Ben Filipopoulos.
The HMSA event was full of socialising and networking. Photo supplied.
The Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, impressed with a speech emphasising the Hellenic language and ethos on which medicine is based.
HMSA sponsors Mark Jake Suniga from Commonwealth Bank, Sandra Anderson from Dorevitch Pathology and Effie Papaioannou of MDA National also made short speeches.
A highlight was the announcement of the inaugural medical student scholarship, which was awarded to Christos Preovolos.
Mr Marinis Pirpiris said it was great to see people out and socialising again. Photo supplied.
Mr Preovolos shared his fruitful and enriching experiences of his medical elective in Greece with guests in an entertaining manner.
Associate Professor Pirpiris thanked the guests and was touched by the turn out on the night.
He highlighted that after the last couple of years that have been challenging in many ways from the COVID-19 pandemic and with current world events it was a welcomed feeling to see so many people being out and reconnecting again.
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The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis OAM, welcomed the Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, on his first visit to the Greek Centre.
A delegation of Board of Directors of the GCM, Anthea Sidiropoulos (Vice President), Michael Karamitos (Vice President), Nick Koukouvitakis (Secretary), Vicki Kyritsis (Assistant Secretary), Dr Spiridoula Demetriou and Christos Sikavitsas, were also present.
Mr Schinas was accompanied by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis and EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin.
Mr Schinas was taken on a tour of the Greek Centre and provided with an overview of the GCM’s cultural and educational activities.
Mr Papastergiadis OAM emphasised to Mr Schinas the importance of preserving and celebrating Greek heritage in the diaspora and the evolution of the GCM, which has become a vibrant hub for Greek cultural expression with over 100 events annually.
Mr Papastergiadis stated, “Melbourne is a truly cosmopolitan city and it is a leading example of how multiculturalism is supported so as to achieve societal outcomes. As part of your role in leading the “European Way of Living,” our work in Melbourne can and should be used as part of learnings on how different communities can come together and work cooperatively.”
“It’s a great honour to have Mr Schinas with us at the Greek Centre. We extend our heartfelt thanks for his commitment to strengthening EU-Australia cooperation,” Mr Papastergiadis added.
“His emphasis on promoting the European way of life aligns seamlessly with the values cherished by the Greek diaspora and the broader Australian community.”
Ms Sidiropoulos stated, “We appreciate Vice President Schinas’ vision and commitment to promote the European way of life globally and to focus on skill development, immigration and corporation.”
Mr Kakavelakis mentioned, “It’s a great honour that Mr Schinas has visited Melbourne, and he can reflect our culture in the high-profile meetings with the Australian officials.”
Mr Karamitos also expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr Schinas and thanked him for taking time to visit the Centre.
Mr Schinas had a short discussion with the author of the book, Mrs Charpantidou, and Mr Schinas stated that, “through those collective efforts we are underscoring the vital importance of safeguarding and celebrating Greek heritage within the diaspora, and we can move forward.”
Mr Schinas thanked Mr Papastergiadis and the Board members for their warm hospitality, and he was deeply impressed with the GCM’s 15 storey building, noting how it was a landmark globally for all Hellenes.
“Greeks in Melbourne have a deep and important presence. What you have achieved is significant and it is equally important that your work is supported by the Australian Government,” Mr Schinas said.
The purpose of Mr Schinas’ official visit in Australia is to strengthen EU-Australia cooperation and the central to his mission is the promotion of the European way of life and the exploration of collaborative opportunities in areas such as cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and talent migration.
Drawing inspiration from the successes of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, Mr Schinas aims to foster a dynamic labour market within the European Union through what he terms the “EU talent pool.”
“The United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are ‘very powerful competitors who have straightforward avenues for third country nationals’ to immigrate and take up skilled professions, enriching their economies,” Mr Schinas noted.
In the following days, Mr. Schinas will participate in a series of events and discussions with members of the Australian government and institutional representatives, as well as engagements with members of the European-Australian Business Council to enhance skills and talent mobility, and members of the Greek diaspora in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
At least 12 members of the Inner West Council’s 14-member Multicultural Advisory Committee have resigned after a Greens motion calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was rejected at a recent Council meeting on Tuesday, November 21.
The motion, which was put forward by Greens Councillor Dylan Griffiths, called on the Federal Government to “urge for a ceasefire and peace negotiations” and to help “end the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.”
About 11 people had registered to speak on the night in support of the motion, including Multicultural Advisory Committee member and Palestinian Australian Wa’el Sabri.
Other Committee members – who range in ethnicity from Greek to Italian, Indian and other multicultural backgrounds – were also present and witnessed as Wa’el called on the Council to support a ceasefire that she believed could help save the lives of the nearly 2 million Palestinian men, women and children currently living in Gaza.
Photo from inside the meeting. Photo supplied.
After arguments “for” and “against” were heard, the motion was rejected by a majority of eight Labor Councillors. Instead, Council voted in favour of a resolution put forward by Councillor Mark Drury.
According to a press release by the Inner West Council, this resolution condemned the killing of civilians on all sides, as well as recognised that foreign policy is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. The resolution also acknowledged a recent statement by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong which “called for steps towards a ceasefire.”
‘Box ticking measure’:
Following the Council meeting, local Inner West residents and members of the Multicultural Advisory Committee raised concerns with The Greek Herald, saying the resolution did not go far enough in supporting a full ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
For Italian Australian Rosanna Barbero, the Inner West Council’s position saw her resign from the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
“They [Council] rejected what we feel was a very basic, humane and human rights-based motion to stop the mass slaughter of children and civilians in Gaza. Because our communities are also affected by that – whether you come from an Aboriginal background or a Tamil background or any background that has had trauma or state conflict, people are affected by a televised genocide,” Ms Barbero said.
“I cannot support something tokenistic. This Council will never really put in place anything that will support anti-racism.”
Greek Australian Yiana Roumeliotis agreed with Ms Barbero and also tendered her resignation from the Multicultural Advisory Committee. She said that whilst the Committee was working on an anti-racism strategy with the Inner West Council, its recent stance on the Hamas-Israel conflict was the final straw that led to the mass resignations.
Members of the Inner West Council’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. Photo supplied.
“I think we all were just already feeling a loss of trust with Council and that we were just becoming a bit of a box-ticking measure,” Ms Roumeliotis said.
“So yes, you have this Multicultural Advisory Committee but what’s the point of us coming if you’re not valuing who we are and our experiences and our expertise? And then once the vote happened, it just felt all too much.
“We had been fighting tooth and nail to really make sure the work Council was doing was meaningful and impactful to multicultural communities and then the cherry on top was that they voted no to a ceasefire and essentially were saying that there was nothing they could do or wanted to do for communities that were really suffering.”
‘We are the birthplace of multiculturalism’:
In response to questions from The Greek Herald about its stance on anti-racism, an Inner West Council spokesperson said they are very proud of the region’s multiculturalism.
They added that the Council is the only one in NSW to have initiated an anti-racism strategy which it “will implement in full.”
“The Inner West is the birthplace of multiculturalism in Australia, a heritage we are proud of and continue to build upon. The official renaming of the Little Greece and Little Vietnam precincts in Marrickville as well as Little Portugal and Little Italy in Petersham and Leichhardt are examples of how we are continuing to promote multiculturalism,” the spokesperson said.
When asked about the Council’s resolution on the ceasefire, the spokesperson said “Council has resolved to support the ceasefire in Gaza and issued a statement welcoming it.”
“We also acknowledge that foreign policy is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government and that many local citizens want Council to focus on local affairs not foreign affairs,” they said.
“Council will consider the concerns of some members of the multicultural advisory committee at the next Council meeting.”
The ‘In Conversation’ with Minister Kerameus will touch on a range of important issues, including her priorities in her current portfolio, the recent changes to the diaspora vote and the announcement of reforms to the public service sector which will benefit all visiting and doing business in Greece in the years to come.
Minister Kerameus will also share her views on the not-for-profit landscape in Greece, her pioneering involvement with the inspirational charity Desmos and how the Greek Diaspora can continue to support Greece.
THI Australia’s webinar event poster.
Minister Kerameus has been a member of Parliament with New Democracy since January 2015 and served as Minister for Education and Religious Affairs between 2015 and 2023. During this time, she oversaw significant changes to the education portfolio, including the education curriculum, introduction of digital platforms and the much-needed boost to the education budget.
She also led the way for reforms to the higher education system in Greece and new partnerships with higher education institutions in the USA, such as Yale, Harvard, Columbia, and others.
Minister Kerameus is a lawyer with over 15 years of professional experience and a member of the Athens and New York Bar Associations, having studied in France (Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas) and the United States (Harvard Law School).
More than 600 of Australia’s business, political, sporting and community leaders have joined forces and signed a statement to reject hatred and discrimination in the face of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Among the 600 signatories are at least six Australians of Greek heritage, including Andrew Demetriou, Pat Stragalinos AM, the Hon. Philip Dalidakis, Managing Partner, Orizontas Group; George Donikian, Donikian Media; Constantine Frantzeskos, Founder, Non Executive Director; and Peter Mastos, Partner, Sayers Group.
“Over the last seven weeks, a 482 per cent rise in antisemitic incidents has swept Australia’s shores,” the statement reads.
“We have been alarmed at the offensive language, vandalism and harassment occurring on our streets, university campuses and outside public Australian landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Flinders Street Station and parliament.
“We are unequivocal in our resolve that racism in all its forms is deplorable and abhorrent. Whether directed towards Jewish Australians, Muslim Australians, Asian Australians, Indigenous Australians or any other minority, we will not tolerate such conduct in our workplaces and firmly reject it in our communities.”
Members of the Jewish community say the rise in anti-Semitism, which coincided with Israel’s harsh response to the Hamas terror attacks, is by far the worst they have witnessed in their lifetimes.
Beta Events has been named one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable hotspots to visit in the world for a drink.
Named amongst 26 other hospitality venues, Prestige Online ranked the Castlereagh Street venue in sixth place.
The venues are ranked based on their visual appeal, as well as their quality and overall service they offer.
Each hotspot is selected for its Instagrammable décor, artistic designs, and themes. It’s also got to have a fine selection of drinks and be set in unique locations.
Beta Events is located across two floors at 238 Castlereagh Street in Sydney. The Gallery on Level 1 and The Grand on Level 2 and for a different feel and space there is the option to book the entire Alpha on Ground Floor, together with a private and semi-private dining area.
It is most known for its exposed brick walls and grand archways which create the perfect Instagram aesthetic.
The venue is known for fine dining, hosting anything from classy events to weddings. The Bar also pays a subtle homage to the building’s long and rich history.
Here you can get unique Greek-inspired cocktails and enjoy a fine selection of drinks. The Greek cuisine draws inspiration from Alpha’s menu which has been masterfully crafted by Head Executive Chef, Peter Conistis.
