On Sunday, September 17, the Pontian Association of NSW “Pontoxeniteas” and the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW held a combined event at Depana Reserve in Dolls Point, Sydney.
The idea to host a joint event was first raised earlier this year in March at a concert held at the iconic Sydney Town Hall to commemorate Greek Independence Day. Both Associations’ dance groups were waiting backstage to perform; with some time to spare, the dance students and musicians casually started playing music and dancing, trying to learn one another’s traditional dances, forming a lasting connection.
Cretan and Pontian music was enjoyed by attendees at the picnic.
Cretan and Pontian dance groups before Greek Independence Day event in March 2023. Presidents Maria Anthony and Emmanuel Vitetzakis at Picnic in the Park.
Teachers Christina Iwannidou and Paul Spanoudakis from each Association, enjoying the moment, sent photos to their respective presidents (Emmanuel Vitetzakis of the Cretan Association and Maria Anthony of Pontoxeniteas) who were enjoying the concert inside. Both Presidents were moved by the bond being formed and set a tentative date for a combined event for all members, dance groups, parents and all generations to further collaborate.
The Picnic was a great success, with over 100 people in attendance to enjoy the sunny weather on the banks of Dolls Point Beach. There was plenty of food, drinks and traditional Pontian and Cretan music and dancing. Some attendees enjoyed a swim, some tried their luck at fishing and others spent the afternoon playing Tavli.
The Hellenic Initiative Australia has announced two new grants totalling$110,000, which have been awarded to Greek charities Boroume Saving Food Saving Lives and Emfasis Foundation.
These grants have been made possible through the generous support of Greek-Australian and Philhellene communities.
The grants to Boroume (AU$66,000) and Emfasis Foundation (AU$44,000) will address food insecurity, provide basic necessities and assistance with securing temporary and permanent accommodation and employment for many vulnerable and isolated people in Greece.
Boroume will continue to coordinate the collection of food by local and international volunteers at markets in Athens and Thessaloniki for donation to local charities and other beneficiaries through its Farmer’s Market Program.
In 12 months, August 2022 to July 2023, 199.2 tonnes of fresh produce were collected by Boroume and distributed to 39 charities in Athens and Thessaloniki.
THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill said in a statement, “This program is achieving more than just the saving and repurposing of fresh produce.
“We are contributing to more than 1 million kg of CO2 equivalent not being released into the atmosphere. That’s the equivalent of more than 18,000 trips from Athens to Thessaloniki by a conventional car or the positive impact of almost 6,000 adult trees.”
Since 2015, THI Australia’s support of the Farmer’s Market Program has resulted in the collection of 970 tonnes of fresh produce. Additionally, over 100 Australians have generously volunteered for this program while in Greece.
Volunteering for Boroume offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to relief efforts, gain a unique perspective on Greek life, and connect with both local Greeks and fellow volunteers.
Volunteering with Boroume September 2023.
Emfasis Foundationwill continue to support vulnerable individuals who are either homeless, at risk of homelessness, or facing severe survival challenges and social exclusion through their Mobile Support Unit (MSU). Most importantly, this grant will help to broaden its reach beyond the Attica region to include Patras, Thessaloniki, Volos, Crete and Rhodes.
‘We congratulate Emfasis for expanding its services beyond the Attica region and its willingness to share its expertise with local not for profit organisations in other parts of Greece’, said Mr Zamagias-Hill.
The MSU provides assistance to individuals in need by addressing their immediate material needs, eviction relief and help with utility bills. In addition, they offer counseling, training, and upskilling initiatives to empower and mobilise beneficiaries, guiding them through the necessary steps to improve their life conditions.
Emfasis Foundation was awarded a grant to support vulnerable and isolated people in Greece.
During the previous grant period of 2022-2023, THI Australia’s support of the MSU made a significant impact with a total of 2,708 vulnerable individuals benefitting from these services. This included 50 homeless individuals who were helped into temporary accommodation and 49 people who received assistance in securing temporary and permanent employment.
Despite improvements in Greece and reports of the successful tourism season, many more families are living on or near the poverty line in Greece and still need our support.
To make a donation to one of the partner charities, visit The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s secure online platform Shout For Good. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.
To volunteer with Boroume for the Farmer’s Market Program while in Greece, contact: info@thehellenicinitiative.com.au
Thanasi Kokkinakis earned Australia the victory with a 6-3, 7-5 win against Dominic Stricker in the 2023 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage on Saturday September 16 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
For the first win of the day, Kokkinakis triumphed with the singles win to lead the way for Australia, with Alex de Minaur not far behind.
Kokkinakis started the momentum with a solid 6-3, 7-5 victory against Dominic Stricker, while De Minaur sealed the deal with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 win against Marc-Andrea Huesler, reported ATP Tour.
Kokkinakis and De Minaur seal the deal for Australia in the 2023 Davis Cup finals group stage. Photo: Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Despite facing some challenges, Kokkinakis managed to fend off break points and capitalised on his own opportunities, displaying his resilience.
“We gave ourselves a great opportunity last year and the boys got a taste for it. We want to try and push a little bit harder and see if we can climb that mountain, and I feel like I’ve got the boys that are able to do that,” Aussie captain Lleyton Hewitt said in an interview after the match.
This victory justified his controversial selection by Hewitt, who had chosen him over a higher-ranked player, Jordan Thompson.
Kokkinakis admitted that the overwhelming emotion he felt after the win was simply “pure relief,” especially after his earlier loss against Britain.
Australia will head to Malaga in November. Photo: Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Australia, who finished runners-up last year, will return to Malaga in November with the aim to lift the title for the first time in 20 years since Hewitt led them to victory as a player.
This remarkable performance by the Australian players, with Kokkinakis victory, has guaranteed the country a top-two finish in Group B and a spot in the knockout rounds in Malaga.
For Greece, Stefanos Tsitsipas lost two matches in one day leading to Greece’s loss in the Davis Cup tie.
The water supply remains unsafe for drinking for the 13th consecutive day in the city of Volos from the effects of Storm Daniel in Greece.
Many neighbourhoods were still covered in mud in Volos, the capital of Magnesia, reportedamna.gr.
The mud has created problems with air quality as it dried, becoming a fine white dust that covered everything.
The shores of the Pagasetic Gulf remained covered in vast quantities of flotsam and jetsam, making it impossible for those wishing to swim to reach the sea.
Local authorities, along with various organisations, are working tirelessly to find alternative sources of clean water and implement temporary solutions until a long-term resolution can be achieved.
In a small glimmer of hope for the flood-stricken residents of Magnesia, the level of the water at Lake Karla appeared to be gradually subsiding on Sunday, eliminating fears of further flooding in villages close to the lake.
Water level at Lake Karla subsiding. Photo: The National Herald.
The amount of water being fed into the lake by the Pinios River had fallen, while an 11-kilometre tunnel that drains the water of the lake to the Pagasetic Gulf had opened.
Villagers remained vigilant, however, as the floods had raised the level of the lake higher than in 1962, when work to drain it began.
The Laskaridis Foundation has been asked to send the ship “Typhoon” to help clean the area’s beaches. The “Typhoon” has already operated in Pelio, clearing debris at Ai Giannis and Papa Nero.
Three members of the Greek humanitarian mission to Libya have lost their lives and two are missing, the Hellenic National Defence General staff announced late on Sunday, reported amna.gr.
The members were part of the Hellenic Armed Forces medical personnel sent to aid Libya, North Africa, which is also under siege by floods.
The Greek team were injured in a road accident on Sunday afternoon, when the coach transporting the members of the mission to Derna collided with an oncoming vehicle going the other way, the Hellenic National Defence General Staff announced.
Hellenic Armed Forces medical personnel. Photo: amna.gr.
Greece’s General National Defencee Staff (GEETHA) said in a statement on Sunday, “We announce that three members of the Greek humanitarian mission to Libya lost their lives and two are missing. An updated statement will follow.”
According to a diplomatic source, the Greek rescue team consisted of 16 members along with three interpreters. Othman Abduljaleel stated that fifteen members of the Greek rescue team sustained injuries, with seven in critical condition. Additionally, two members of the Libyan family were in critical condition as well.
Rescue teams assist in relief work in Libya’s eastern city of Derna on September 17. Photo: AFP.
The Consulate General of Greece in Benghazi, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, the United Nations, and the European Union, was prepared to offer assistance to the mission and facilitate their repatriation to facilitate their safe return home, according to amna.gr.
A further announcement is to be issued later, HNDGS said.
The death toll from Storm Daniel has tragically reached 17 in Thessaly, Greece. Police sources have confirmed through DNA laboratory tests that the two bodies discovered last week belong to the Austrian couple who had been missing since September 7 in Pelion.
The woman’s body was found in the sea area of Theotokos beach, located south of Pelion, while the man’s body was discovered in the sea area of Myrtia, Pelion, by the diligent efforts of the Coast Guard, according to amna.gr.
Man delivers medication to people in need as floods continue in Greece. Photo: VOA News.
The couple were said to be on their honey moon and died after torrential rains swept away the house they were staying in.
Next weekend, Stefanos Kasselakis and Efi Achtsioglou will compete in a run off for the leadership of the main opposition SYRIZA party, known for its left-wing stance.
Kasselakis leads with 45.47%, followed by Achtsioglou (36.21%), Nikos Pappas (8.64%), Euclid Tsakalotos (8.40%) and Stefanos Tzoumakas (1.28%).
35-year-old, Kasselakis, was virtually unknown until recently. The former CEO of a shipping company was an unconventional choice for candidacy having no prior political activity. He is also the first openly gay candidate toseek the leadership of a party and has been in a civil partnership with his partner since 2019.
The chairman of the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance party’s Central Electoral Committee, Yiannis Drosos, thanked and congratulated each of the five candidates and announced that the Electoral Committee has declared a second round of elections next Sunday between the two front runners, Achtsioglou and Kasselakis.
The high participation was “the voice of a society where the dismantling of every public institution, care and service has become a personal and family problem for many, if not all Greeks,” Mr Drosos said.
146,635 members of SYRIZA participated in the election for a new leader.
The results of the elections to elect a new leader for the main opposition party were as follows:
Stefanos Kasselakis received 45.47% and 51,615 votes
Effie Achtsioglou received 36.21% and 41,098 votes
A statue of the Greek God Triton has recently been discovered during excavations in Teynham, Kent.
Measuring at an impressive 2.3 feet in height and width, the statue was situated just 1.3 feet below ground level on a site which is currently being excavated for a ,.
According to Roman legend, the Triton was a figure of Greek and Roman mythology, with the god having the power to calm the waves by blowing on a conch shell. In Greek Mythology, Triton was the offspring of Poseidon and Amphitrite.
The statue of the Greco-Roman sea god, Triton. Photo: Canterbury Archaeological Trust
During excavations, the statue has been carefully lifted and removed from the site to be conserved, with the overall aim to research more about the statue and make the artefact more accessible for generations to come.
The senior curator of Roman Britain at the British Museum Dr Richard Hobbs, has said that the stunning sculpture has a great significance to our understanding of Roman Britain and it connection to mythological stories.
In the dynamic landscape of today’s workplace, success is not merely determined by qualifications – even if certain organisations’ put them as perquisites. The way we think and approach challenges influences our ability to thrive professionally.
This piece from Barry Nicolaou at The Mindset Gap consultancy www.themindsetgap.com, delves into the significance of mindset in the workplace and how cultivating the right mindset can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and personal growth.
Let’s uncover 5 hidden MINDSET gems for remote of office teams.
Soft skills
Soft skills are vital in today’s professional landscape. They complement technical expertise, fostering effective communication, collaboration, and leadership. Some soft skills are adaptability, empathy, and problem-solving as they enhance teamwork and customer interactions. Soft skills almost always contribute to career success by promoting productivity, resilience, and the ability to navigate diverse work environments.
The growth mindset
One of the most influential mindsets in the workplace is the growth mindset. Coined by psychologist Carol S. Dweck, the growth mindset emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn. Adopting a growth mindset fosters resilience, as setbacks are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Employees with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, seek feedback, and continuously improve themselves. They approach tasks with enthusiasm, actively seek new knowledge, and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
Overcoming challenges and embracing change
A positive mindset enables individuals to view challenges and change as opportunities rather than obstacles. In the fast-paced world of business, organizations are constantly evolving, and employees need to adapt accordingly. Those with a growth mindset see change as a chance to learn, innovate, and excel. They are open to new ideas, flexible in their approach, and more likely to step out of their comfort zones. By embracing change and overcoming challenges, these individuals contribute to the resilience and agility of their teams and organizations.
Enhancing collaboration and teamwork
Mindset plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and teamwork. An individual with a positive mindset understands the value of collective effort and is more inclined to share ideas, support colleagues, and promote a harmonious work environment. They appreciate diverse perspectives and encourage others to contribute, thus maximizing team potential. By maintaining a growth-oriented mindset, individuals are more likely to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and work towards common goals. This mindset strengthens bonds between team members, nurtures a culture of trust, and drives collective success.
Boosting productivity and innovation
Mindset profoundly impacts an individual’s productivity and ability to innovate. When employees possess a growth mindset, they are motivated to set ambitious goals, persevere through obstacles, and consistently improve their skills. They are not deterred by failures but view them as stepping stones toward success. This resilient mindset allows individuals to think creatively, take calculated risks, and generate innovative solutions. Moreover, a growth-oriented mindset promotes a proactive approach to problem-solving and encourages employees to seek out opportunities for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and sustained innovation within the workplace.
In today’s competitive work environment, the significance of mindset cannot be overstated. Cultivating a growth-oriented mindset empowers individuals to embrace challenges, adapt to change, collaborate effectively, and drive innovation. By recognising the power of mindset and consciously nurturing it, employees can unlock their full potential and create a positive impact on their careers and organisations.
Greece’s Sotheby’s International Realty has recorded an increase for demand in luxury property in Athens compared to Mykonos in 2023.
Previously, destinations such as Mykonos and Rhodes had been in high demand, but a recent shift has seen areas such as Attica and Lefkada gain in popularity.
A luxury home being sold in Athens. Photo: Sotheby’s International Realty
Currently, the price per square metre for prime properties in the centre of Athens has risen to 8,200 euros whilst on the beachfront it has exceeded 15,000 euros. This is compared to Mykonos where the average price for properties facing the beach is at 14,000 euros.
The Sotheby’s realty group has said that due to high demand and limited supply, prices are continuing to increase in these popular locations.
