Will Kostakis, an Australian author and journalist with Greek heritage, has slammed a Catholic school in Sydney after they asked him to “skip over” the queer sections of his book during a talk to students.
Staff at All Saints Catholic College in Liverpool in Sydney’s southwest, recently made the same request of Kostakis when booking him to talk to 1,200 Year 7 to 10 pupils in August.
The school’s request was disclosed in an email that read: “If it’s possible skip over the same sex components when discussing his story and books”.
Will Kostakis talks to students. Photo: Critter Critics.
In response, Kostakis wrote: “Being gay, much like being Greek, is a vital piece of who I am and it informs what I write. I find it deeply disrespectful… to be asked that I “skip over” [queer sections].”
A spokesperson from All Saints Catholic College told news.com.au the school was simply exercising its right to make a “reasonable request.”
“It is reasonable for a school to ask questions about content… no disrespect is in any way intended” the spokesperson said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet has approved a deal for a four-day ceasefire on Gaza in exchange for the release of 50 Hamas-held hostages.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the first to be released would be women and children. It said it would extend the lull by an additional day for every 10 hostages released.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, at the start of the Government meeting:
While this meeting is to discuss the return of our hostages, I would like to start with something that should be self-evident: We are at war – and will continue the war. pic.twitter.com/YaICV89yEU
According to Reuters, Hamas has agreed to the release of around 50 women and children hostages from Gaza. Hamas will release the hostages in exchange for 150 women and children from Israeli jails.
Ahead of Wednesday morning’s cabinet vote, Netanyahu said Israel would resume its offensive against Hamas after the ceasefire expires.
The NSW Government has confirmed the first 19 members of the NSW Faith Affairs Council and among the names is Father Christophoros Krikelis from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The Council has been established as a consultative mechanism to provide advice on priorities and emerging trends, the impacts of government policy on faith communities, and enhancing community harmony, security and well-being.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the NSW Faith Affairs Council aims to improve the Government’s understanding and competency in relation to religious communities and people of faith in the state.
Mr Kamper invited 12 of the largest religious affiliations in NSW to begin shaping the Council’s scope and forward agenda. The 12 candidates put forward by the largest religious affiliations needed to receive nominations from two other religious groups.
“The Faith Affairs Council provides us with a path forward through the challenging issues facing our multifaith communities,” Minister Kamper said.
“Formalising a way to collaborate and engage on faith-based matters shows the NSW Government’s commitment to listen to and deliver improved outcomes for all our religious communities.
“The NSW Faith Affairs Council will help us to identify opportunities and initiatives for enhanced collaboration and ongoing dialogue between the NSW Government and religious communities in NSW.”
Representatives from Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian and Catholic communities will sit on the Council. Photo: Seb Haggett / The Australian.
Representatives from Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jewish communities will sit alongside representatives from the main Christian denominations in driving the work of the Council.
Representatives were selected on their ability to not only represent their respective religious communities, but on their commitment to inter-faith cooperation and inclusion. They include:
Reverend Dr Michael Stead – Anglican
Associate Professor Gawaine Powell Davies – Buddhism
Mr Surinder Jain – Hinduism
Mr Darshan Singh Gill – Sikhism
Mr David Ossip – Judaism
Imam Shadi Alsuleiman – Islam
Father Christophoros Krikelis – Greek Orthodox
Reverend Dr Steve Bartlett – Baptist
Reverend Ralph Esthersby – Pentecostal
Reverend Dr Manas Gosh – Uniting
Reverend Dr Kamal Weerakoon – Presbyterian
Ms Monica Doumit – Catholicism
Previously, the Government had committed to four additional representatives being recruited through an open application process, however due to the calibre of the candidacy the Minister has decided to expand this number to seven.
These appointments include:
Mr Darren Bark – Better Balanced Futures
Rev Bill Crews AM – Ashfield Parish Mission
Mr Murray Norman – ICCOREIS
Rev Heather Topp – Buddhist Council of NSW & The Temple of New Seminary in New York
Ms Katherine Xavier – Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Mrs Monica Chahoud – Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania
Dr Ali Al Samail – Australian Ahl Al Bait Islamic Centre
The first meeting will take place on December 1. At this meeting a chairperson will be elected by the members of the Faith Affairs Council.
Mr Tsouhantaris is a well-known Greek Australian entrepreneur living in Melbourne, Victoria.
His probable candidacy represents New Democracy’s continued efforts to interact with the Greek population abroad and improve its representation in European institutions.
Thanasis Tsouhantaris with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Only a few months ago, Mr Tsouhantaris visited Maximos Mansion in Athens and held a meeting with Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
During the meeting, Mr Tsouhantaris and Mitsotakis discussed matters regarding the Greek diaspora in Australia.
Cyprus’ president, Nikos Christodoulides, has personally requested an unnamed “third country” send an experienced team of financial crime experts to assist with investigations into old and new allegations regarding Russian oligarchs evading international sanctions.
This comes after a global investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) released last week revealed how Russian influence in Cyprus has helped oligarchs and billionaires structure their wealth over the years in the lead up to the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
ICIJ Cyprus Confidential. Photo: ICIJ.
According to Ekathimerini, President Christodoulides told The Associated Press on Monday that “many” probes into alleged sanctions evasion are currently running but did not disclose details.
President Christodoulides stated that recruiting foreign experts will advise Cyprus on how to conduct their investigations more effectively.
“Our aim is exactly so that there are neither insinuations or any shadows cast over our country’s name,” President Christodoulides said.
Greece played an excellent second half to draw 2-2 with France in its final Euro 2024 qualifying match.
Antoine Griezmann went close to putting France ahead after 33 minutes when he got in front of Pantelis Hatzidiakos before firing a close range volley off the post.
France continued to push and found the breakthrough just before half time. Olivier Giroud found Randal Kolo Muani who was able to thump home a terrific effort from a tight angle past Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Greece came out for the second half much more proactive and on the front foot and after just 11 minutes they had an equaliser. The ball looped out to the edge of the box and Anastasios Bakasetas was there to thump it on the volley past Brice Samba.
Just five minutes later Greece completed the turnaround. Dimitrios Giannoulis did brilliantly down the right-hand side before firing a ball across to Fotis Ioannidis on the edge of the six-yard box who fired home to make it 2-1.
France found an equaliser 15 minutes from time. Youssouf Fofana received the ball and had enough time to set himself before belting a stunning effort from distance which flew past Vlachodimos and into the back of the net.
Greece will next face a playoff semi-final against Kazakhstan in March 2024 and should they progress to the final, will play the winner of Georgia or Luxembourg.
The periodical Logos was first created by the Hellenic Writers Association of Australia (HWAA) in 1992. Now in its 36th issue, the 31-year-old Association took the opportunity to pay tribute to John Sachinidis, who served as treasurer and assistant secretary of the Hellenic Writers Association.
Despite having a successful career as a Chemistry Professor and nuclear scientist at Austin Health, he also fell in love with Greek literature upon meeting his late wife, Vicki, a teacher of Modern Greek who introduced him to Cavafy, Seferis, and Ritsos.
This issue of the periodical is dedicated to John Sachinidis.The association hopes to gather more young members in the future.
“In the early days, I didn’t speak much and they (the other members) thought I was a serious guy and maybe even wise,” he said during the periodical’s launch at the Greek Centre over the weekend.
“But they didn’t know that the reason was because I couldn’t speak proper Greek and still can’t and I felt awe for their writing abilities as I had just started writing poetry, and in English.”
President Roma Siachos presents the award to John Sachinidis. As treasurer, I hope you didn’t spend too much money, he jokes.The Association’s new President, Roma Siachos, John Sachinidis and Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Greek Consul General to Melbourne.
While the spotlight was cast on John’s contribution, the youngest member of the audience, another John – or rather, Gianni – caught The Greek Herald’s attention as he sat patiently in one of the back rows.
Gianni Lambrou, 12, was with his dad, Konstantinos, to support his grandmother Georgia Lambrou whose writing is featured in the periodical.
Konstantinos Lambrou, his mother Georgia and young Gianni, who likes to write himself
“My yiayia wrote some poems, and she said I could come if I wanted to support her – so I did,” he said.
His rudimentary knowledge of the Greek language means that he cannot understand yiayia’s poems, but he acknowledges the sentiment and recognises some of the words.
“I write a bit too, like yiayia,” Gianni said.
To ensure its longevity, the Association is counting on Gianni to follow in his yiayia’s footsteps just like The Greek Herald’s Melbourne-based writer, Christine Filippidis is following in the footsteps of her mother, Anastasia Tousimi, who also has three poems published in the 31st edition of O Logos, and her godmother’s mother, Dionysia Mousoura, with the publication of “Wave back to me (forever)” in this issue of the periodical.
Christine Filippidis is glad to be published in the periodical.The latest issue of O Logos is dedicated to John Sachinidis, Chemistry Professor, Nuclear Scientist and writer.
Founding member, Mousoura, is proud of her daughter’s god daughter, still at the start of her career.
Beside her, Ioanna Liakakos, remembers her own early days, penning columns for The Greek Herald while also working as a librarian at Northcote Library. The association was Liakakos’ brainchild, borne from satisfying literary conversations with her friends.
The Association’s founding members Dionysia Mousoura and Ioanna Liakakos flank Nikos Piperis.
“Our initial goal was to gather as many Greeks as possible to see what they were doing, to help them publish their work, to write in newspapers,” she said.
When Liakakos met with ultramarathon runner Yiannis Kouros visiting Australia soon after the creation of the Association, he suggested that the periodical should satirise what was going on in Greece.
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, commended the group for keeping the language alive and heralded the journal as “a legacy for future generations” to keep the language alive. He shared the story of how he read through the older issues at the Consulate’s archives only to be amazed by the literature and poetry capturing the tale of Greek migration to Australia, from nostos, daily life and the development of the community.
Julia Charpantidou, John Sachinidis and Emmanuel Kakavelakis.
The Association’s new President, Roma Siachos, said, “Regardless of how many readers receive it, it trumpets its presence through the feelings, thoughts, nostalgia of Greeks and their lives here and there, in their two countries.”
Roma Siachou with National Bank of Greece Manager Katerina Pantopolis.
Writer/researcher Juliana Charpantidou had prepared a speech to address those present, but chose instead to read excerpts from the periodical to show the professional quality of the poetry and prose.
Julia Charpantidou encouraged more young people to write and read excerpts from the journal.Nick Piperis and Julia.
In a video, Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis, commended the Association for giving “opportunities to many members of the community to express themselves publicly,” while he pointed to more than 200 published books by members of the community writing about their “concerns, agonies and dreams”.
Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis, commended the Association for its workOdysseas and Roma
Emcee Odysseas Kripotos ensured there was a seamless flow throughout the event, but the real flow was that of words – Logos – as the works of older writers will be met by newer voices. Below is an excerpt by the Greek Herald’s own Christine, following in her mother Anastasia’s, and godmother’s mother, Dionysia’s footsteps:
Betty Athanasakis successfully rallied Melburnians to contribute $15,386.20 for the Smile of the Child Organisation during the annual dinner dance at the Pallaconian Club on Saturday, November 18.
This figure is expected to increase as post-event donations come in, edging closer to nearly $300,000 gathered for the Greek welfare group in total since the inaugural event in 2010.
Betty went around from table to table greeting her friends, family and donators. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Since Betty’s chance encounter with the organisation during a neighbourhood walk in Kareas, her family and friends have been doing as much as they can to organise the dinner dances. Very hands-on, they avoid outsourcing in the hope that a substantial portion of the donations directly benefit the children rather than be allocated to professional services.
Commerce student Peter Athanasakis, 19, spent Thursday setting up the tables and assisting in odd jobs like driving his grandmother, Betty, to the supermarket to get the meat, donated for the event.
Leo Athanasakis, Betty’s son, brought some friends who also donated to the cause.Behind the scenes with the lamb.
“I come every year for my yiayia,” he said, with Patricia, his girlfriend, by his side. “Yiayia really is a sweetheart and it puts a smile on her face knowing she has helped the children. That’s why we’re here to support her.”
Fotoula Tsoukalis and Sofie Mercoulia managed the front desk, diligently calculating donations.
Fotoula Tsoukalis and Sofie Mercoulia counting up the donations.
“I like helping people, especially children in need,” Fotoula, who has been supporting Betty for the last eight years, said.
Dessie Contis, another dedicated supporter, traversed from table-to-table selling raffle tickets as the aroma of juicy lamb, generously donated by Pierre Kairouz, permeated the room.
Dessie, Sofie and Fotoula were Betty’s helpers during the night.Time for raffle tickets.
The dinner, reminiscent of a hearty, homemade feast found in yiayia’s kitchen, featured pastitsio, baked lamb with patates tou fournou (oven-baked potatoes) and Greek salad along with spreads, like tarama.
Emcee Rena Frangioudakis, a veteran broadcaster at 3EA which evolved into today’s SBS radio, reflected on Betty’s significant efforts.
Betty Athanasakis and Rena Frangioudakis, two women with a soft spot for childrenBetty Athanasakis and Leo, her son.
“What Betty does is a tremendous effort and witnessing the progress of the Smile of the Child organization makes me proud, not only because of my immense love for children but also because I’ve experienced firsthand the needs of people when there is no welfare,” she shared, recalling her struggles as a single mother in the 1970s.
Addressing the crowd, Rena couldn’t contain her emotions, shedding a tear.
“Does she get so emotional every year?” I asked cameraman Platon Denezakis, filming beside me. He nodded, acknowledging that it’s a regular occurrence.
Platon thought he’s enjoy the evening with Betty on his name day.
Although it was Platon’s name day, a day traditionally celebrated with family, he chose to be at the event to capture footage.
“You can’t say no to Betty,” he smiled, illustrating the dedication of those involved.
I recalled calling Betty earlier in the day to bail out due to a sick child in my own family. She was flustered, exhausted yet resolute.
Guests filled the Pallaconian Club.Plenty of dining and wining.
“Pre-event nerves?” I asked.
“I have a last-minute table of 10 to accommodate. Where will I put them?” she asked.
“Better to have more than less,” I joked.
Betty had no time for jokes. She wanted a large turnout, substantial funds raised for the Smile of the Child, and everyone to have a good time with ample space for dancing.
Dancing tsifteteli.Young and old joined together on the dance floor.Doukissa and her band entertained the crowds.
By 8.30pm her wishes came true, as attendees danced joyfully to the tunes of Doukissa’s traditional Greek songs. Betty was surrounded by family, love, and the hope for children’s welfare. All the tiredness had gone.
It is not too late to offer funds to the Melbourne fundraising efforts, call Betty Athanasakis on 0411 568 818 or (03) 9381 1695 during office hours.
Affected by the floodwaters in September, the residents of the Greek farming village of Metamorfosi want to relocate their community to a safer area.
During Strom Daniel, the central Thessaly region was turned into an inland sea with sixteen people killed including a man and his mother who drowned in their homes.
For many residents the consistent change to the climate has left many terrified thinking that they will not be able to survive another dangerous flood.
Local farmer Vassilis Tsatsarelis who has seen the 1953, 1994 and 2023 floods has said that even though he grew up in Metamorfosi, he wants to settle somewhere where there wont be any struggles from the weather.
Part of the damage caused by Storm Daniel in September. Photo: EURACITV.com
To begin proceedings to move, residents held an informal vote on a proposal to erect new homes in the village of Palamas which is 8 kilometres away. The plan will see that the name of the area stays the same and that locals will be moved to a safer place.
In September, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told journalists that the government would consider relocating communities if locals wanted it to be done and only if enough evidence was given to prove that they cannot be protected from flooding events.
JAAKS Restaurant and Bar (Jaaks) and The Kyle Bay on Georges River (The Kyle Bay) have won two prestigious categories at the recent 2023 NSW Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
Jaaks was awarded ‘Best Greek Restaurant’ in Sydney for the second year in a row and The Kyle Bay was awarded ‘Best Wedding Caterer – Under 200 guests’ in Sydney.
Business owners and siblings, George Christodoulou and Diana Valsamis, said they are “honoured and humbled by this recognition.”
“It is a testament to our dedicated and hard-working team,” they added.
The JAAKS Restaurant and Bar (Jaaks) and The Kyle Bay on Georges River (The Kyle Bay) restaurant owners were humbled to receive the awards. Photo: Supplied.
George and Diana bring a lifetime of experience with them as their parents also ran various successful and award-winning hospitality venues.
With over 45 years industry experience, the siblings insist on each aspect and every detail being carefully considered ensuring each guests’ experience is perfect.
JAAKS Restaurant and Bar (Jaaks) and The Kyle Bay on Georges River (The Kyle Bay) have won two prestigious categories at the recent 2023 NSW Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
For their restaurant JAAKS, the name is an acronym for each of their respective children: Jordan, Alannah, Anya, Kosta and Sienna.
Executive Chef, Jason McCauley, said: “It is great recognition for our continuous strive for excellence.”
“At Jaaks we have created an ambitious degustation menu elevating Greek cuisine to a fine dining level,” Mr McCauley added.
“Each dish is meticulously presented to showcase a level of Greek gastronomy which is lacking in the Sydney dining scene.
“The same philosophy extends to The Kyle Bay events; all dishes are of the same high standard and the picturesque waterfront is a perfect backdrop for all occasions especially weddings.”
