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Sarah Ramantanis on Gen Z cost of living pressures in Australia

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Sarah Ramantanis on Gen Z cost of living pressures in Australia

Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) co-chair Sarah Ramantanis, has seen many young people juggling multiple jobs due to increased cost of living pressures over the past five years.

Now, with the rise in living costs for employees – up 9.6 percent over the year to June – young people have been impacted both emotionally and financially and left with no choice but to seek out more work, Ms Ramantanis told ABC News in an interview.

The AYAC serves as the national voice for young people, advocating for their rights and addressing specific issues they face. In addition to her work as the co-chair of AYAC, Ms Ramantanis works in communications and marketing at Philanthropy Australia, is involved with Nexus Australia and Kids in Philanthropy, and is passionate about youth and social change.

Ms Ramantanis emphasises the multiple jobs trend started before the pandemic and “it’s only been progressing” with Gen Z Australians putting off career moves in exchange for taking on any kind of work to meet their financial responsibilities.

“They just need to find anything, anywhere to make an income,” she explains.

“It’s hard for young people to even have stable employment in just one role, so they’re always needing to seek more than one or two avenues of revenue so that they can live day-to-day lives.”

It has been widely reported that it is a challenging time for Australian consumers as they face the impact of inflation on their daily expenses.

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) highlights the significant increases in various sectors. Food and non-alcoholic beverages have risen by 8%, travel and accommodation by 25%, medical services by 6.7%, and electricity by a substantial 15.5%.

The ripple affect means young people between the age of 20 to 24 are not feeling that “strive and ambition” to go out and “follow their ambitions” instead opting for jobs, sometimes more than one, to stay on top of their bills.

Sarah Ramantanis has seen many young people juggling multiple jobs due to the rise in living costs in Australia.

Ms Ramantanis adds this has also cultivated resilience in the young generation to take on more work and “hustle”.

“They’re willing to do what they need to do to get to where they need to be,” Ms Ramantanis said. “They’re hungry to have a positive future, and they’ll do what they can to get there.”

In the past financial year, Australia’s mortgage interest bill doubled to $83bn, with one of the biggest causes of financial stress being housing affordability, reported The Australian.

As young people and students face unique challenges when it comes to employment and wages due to lower qualifications and limited work experience, living costs and stresses are heightened. Workers under 21 years are likely to receive lower wages and pay rates.

A senior economist at the Centre for Future Work, Eliza Littleton, explained, “Professions don’t necessarily offer as viable a career path as they once did [for the younger generation]; the pay is much lower.”

Ms Littleton added, “There’s less security in jobs – those things that workers might go and pursue a career for.”

Source: ABC News

Vlase Zanalis: A journey through art and Indigenous culture

The Greek Herald
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Vlase Zanalis: A journey through art and Indigenous culture

Vlase Zanalis, born on the Greek island of Kastellorizo in 1902, embarked on a life’s odyssey that transcended continents and cultures. His story unfolds as a testament to his profound artistic exploration and his lasting impact on the intersections of Greek heritage, Australian landscapes, and Indigenous themes.

In 1914, Zanalis migrated to Western Australia, marking the beginning of his creative voyage. While he achieved national recognition with “The Birth of a Nation” in 1934, it was his post-1948 work that would define his legacy, immersing him in the Australian landscape and its Indigenous narratives.

Vlase and Molly Zanalis in Sydney, 1946.

Zanalis’ artistic odyssey is closely intertwined with the tapestry of Greek culture in Australia. His brushstrokes left an indelible mark on Greek Orthodox churches across the nation. His iconic iconography adorned places of worship in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, etching his name into the hearts of Greek Australians. Beyond ecclesiastical works, his art captured the sweeping vistas of Australia’s natural splendour. His canvases revealed the contrasting red earth and pale trees of the Pilbara, the rugged majesty of Central Australia, and the enchanting character of the Kimberley.

A pivotal point emerged in his career when he immersed himself in Aboriginal culture. This transformative encounter, beginning with his visit to Forrest River Mission in the East Kimberley in 1949, ignited a 20-year fascination with Indigenous themes. He became a pioneer in valuing and portraying the depth of Indigenous Australian culture, a profound shift in the artistic landscape.

Zanalis’ artwork echoed the spirits of the land and its people. His depictions of the outback and Aboriginal subjects drew inspiration from his encounters with fringe life in Darwin, visits to Kimberley cattle stations, and his engagement with Western Australian missions. Baobab trees, ancient sentinels of the Kimberley, found their place in his art, weaving history and nature into his brushstrokes.

A remarkable aspect of Zanalis’ work lies in his understanding of Aboriginal spiritual iconography. He ventured into remote areas, uncovering the symbolic art adorning sheltered cliff walls. His paintings depict a sense of reverence and respect- a bridge between cultures and beliefs.

Zanalis’ lifework stands as a tribute to the dignified Indigenous Australians he portrayed. He merged elements of classical Greek culture with their portrayal, evoking the grace and strength reminiscent of ancient Olympian gods.

In 1967, Zanalis recorded his reflections on his Aboriginal Memorial Collection, a culmination of 88 paintings dedicated to preserving the life and customs of a fading way of life. His commitment and passion shone through, a testament to his enduring artistic journey.

With Zanalis’ passing in 1973, Australia lost a dedicated artist, a friend to the northern Aborigines, and a pioneer who bridged cultures through his canvas.

His legacy lives on through the research of historians like Dr John Yiannakis and Dr Neville Green, who unveiled his life’s narrative in “Vlase Zanalis: A Greek Australian Artist” (LaTrobe University, 2003). Professor George Kanarakis also paid homage to Zanalis in his book, “In the Wake of Odysseus: Portraits of Greek Settlers in Australia” (1997), reinforcing the enduring impact of his cultural and artistic work.

Zanalis’ art serves as a timeless bridge between Greek heritage, Australian landscapes, and Indigenous culture. For information into the life and works of this visionary artist, a treasure trove of knowledge awaits in the writings of these esteemed researchers.

For further insights into this remarkable artist, please reach out to Dr John Yiannakis OAM at his website https://www.drjohnyiannakis.com/ for contact details.

Information on Vlase Zanalis also appears on the GAAD (Greek Australian Artist Directory) https://gaclmelbourne.com/g/project/vlase-zanalis/  

Initiated by the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL), the GAAD was designed to celebrate Greek Australian artists, serving as a platform to showcase their exceptional artwork and contribution to the Australian arts landscape. By preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of Greek Australian artists, past and present, the GAAD ensures that their talents are duly acknowledged and cherished.

Interested artists can register their profiles by visiting www.gacl.com.au and clicking on the dedicated GAAD section.

For any inquiries related to the GAAD, please reach out to GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos at 0428 968 715 or GAAD Co-ordinator Vasy Petros 0412 242 557.

*Written by Vasy Petros. This is a Greek Australian Cultural League Initiative supported by The Greek Herald.

Jorja Kavellaris: How the VCE student’s mural ended up at George Calombaris’ restaurant

The Greek Herald
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Jorja Kavellaris: How the VCE student’s mural ended up at George Calombaris’ restaurant

By Mary Sinanidis

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as far as award-winning architect Billy Kavellaris’ talented daughter, Jorja Kavellaris, is concerned. 

Inspired by Greek culture and her ongoing project on Greek virtues, Jorja eagerly grabbed the opportunity to showcase her artistic skills by creating a stunning mural for George Calombaris’ newest venture, The Hellenic House Project. 

The artwork was commissioned by George Calombaris and consists of a two storey contemporary narration of Hellenic inspired themes that connects the ground floor and upper alfresco terrace. LinkedIn: Billy Kavellaris.

“I had known for a while that dad was working on the restaurant. Later they had commissioned artists to create contemporary line drawings for the walls. Knowing my interest in art and my ongoing project on Greek virtues for VCE, my dad asked me if I would give it a go,” Jorga explained. 

“I had already been experimenting with the subject matter, so I had done some prior research and started sketching different symbols and emblems.” 

Jorja Kavellaris fulfilling the brief to create a colourful and engaging artistic wayfinding element for patrons to navigate through the various spaces of the building. Photo: Billy Kavellaris.

With guidance from her architect father, she developed a monochromatic line work style that seamlessly connects the ground floor foyer to the first-floor restaurant. The artwork pays homage to Greek mythology and culture, incorporating Greek gods, traditional motifs, and a contemporary narration of the Greek taverna. 

Jorja’s skillful composition and passion for art shine through, leaving a lasting impression on this exciting collaboration.

“I wanted to create something that not only pleased my dad and George, but also resonated with my own artistic sensibilities. It was an opportunity to showcase my skills and prove to myself that I could excel in a challenging project,” she said, adding that she enjoyed the project and experience that opened her eyes to career possibilities. 

“It’s a career path I may consider exploring further.” 

When the architect presented the design options to the celebrity chef, he chose Jorja’s work as a design feature in the restaurant and was surprised to find out it was the work of Kavellaris’ own daughter. 

Jorja Kavellaris and George Calombaris. Photo: Billy Kavellaris.

Read more: Architect Billy Kavellaris embraces Greek kitsch and takes it from Reservoir to upmarket Toorak

New Greek School Scholarship announced in honour of the late Bill Gonis in SA

The Greek Herald
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New Greek School Scholarship announced in honour of the late Bill Gonis in SA

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s (GOCSA) Language Schools held its Annual Dance on Saturday, September 9, at Adelaide’s Olympic Hall, with over 300 people in attendance.

Among them were a number of special guests including, Member for Badcoe, Jayne Stinson, representing the Premier Peter Malinauskas; Deputy Leader of the SA Liberal Party, The Hon John Gardner MP and Community Languages Schools of SA (CLSSA) Executive Officer, Brett Shuttleworth.

Official guests.

This year the theme of the major event was ‘Greek Song and Dance’ to showcase the important role of community schools and how the Greek language and culture continue to contribute to the state’s multicultural character.

“For 93 years, our organisation has been teaching the new generations of children the Greek language,” said GOCSA President, Peter Gardiakos and thanked Schools Coordinator Ms Himo Tsakalos and her team for their hard work, the parents for their dedication and the sponsors and volunteers for their contribution.

There were over 300 people in attendance at the GOCSA Language Schools Annual Dance.

During his speech, Mr Gardiakos invited to the stage Vice President, Peter Gonis, to announce the new ‘Gonis Gardiakos Greek School Scholarship’ in honour of GOCSA’s late President Bill Gonis OAM, who passed away unexpectedly last year.

“I’m incredibly proud that the community, through the generosity of Mr Gardiakos, announced a Gonis Gardiakos Greek School Scholarship in honour of my late Father,” Vice President of GOCSA, Peter Gonis said.

“My two girls started learning Greek this year at one of our community language schools and as parents we always want what is best for our children; through this scholarship program it will help keep our heritage, culture and language alive,” he concluded.

The scholarship will support one Year 6 and one Year 7 students by paying their fees for five years, in order to encourage them to continue their Greek language Lessons into their high school years.

The announcement was followed by project awards to students Anastasia Giannarakis, Zahra and Manny Koufalas, Alexandra Kotzias, Ambrosia Sabapathy, Aidan and Kayia Koutrikas, presentations, and a performance by GOCSA’s Dance Academy, Greek music and dancing.

Greek dance performance.

Special guest, Ms Stinson said in her address “the Malinauskas Government acknowledges how important it is for children and young people in South Australia to remain connected to their community and culture and to be encouraged to celebrate and proudly share their heritage, language, and traditions with others. Community language schools, such as GOCSA’s, play a vital role in keeping foreign languages alive in our community”.

The Hon John Gardner MP explained that when it comes to investing in language programs there is no Labor or Liberal but bipartisan support, to ensure that the children are given an opportunity to learn and speak the language of their parents and grandparents.

Jayne Stinson, Member for Badcoe.
The Hon John Gardner MP

Panhellenic U20 athletics championship moved from Larissa to Patras due to floods

The Greek Herald
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Panhellenic U20 athletics championship moved from Larissa to Patras due to floods

The Board of Directors of the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) have decided to transfer the Panhellenic U20 championship from Larissa to Patras in Greece due to bad weather brought by storm Daniel.

The decision was reached to move the championship to Patras at an extraordinary meeting on Monday, September 11, which is set to take place on September 16 & 17.

Hellenic Athletics Federation President, Sofia Sakorafa.

Reflecting on the tragic events that occurred in Thessaly earlier this week, the difficulties and dangers that have arisen in the city of Larissa and with a sense of responsibility towards athletes, sportswomen and associations, members of the Federation decided to transfer the event from Larissa.

The Federation communicated with the local bodies of both cities (Larissa-Patra) before proceeding with the decision to move the large sporting event.

SEGAS has expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims lost in the widespread floods and its support to the citizens of Thessaly.

Iconic Greek grocer in Redlands QLD transformed by the next generation

The Greek Herald
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Iconic Greek grocer in Redlands QLD transformed by the next generation

Andrew & Leoni’s, an iconic family-owned Redlands grocers in Capalaba, Queensland will be transformed into a vintage-style, gourmet grocers and deli in October with a touch of Greek nostalgia.

The store, which will be renamed to The Capalaba Outpost” has been a beloved establishment since its opening in 2000 by previous owner Andrew Ioannou. In 2020, Andrew passed the business on to the next generation, his son and daughter-in-law, who are now transforming the grocer with their neighbours.

Carindale residents Natalie McLaughlin, John Ioannou, Mark and Tracy Brennan are building Redland’s newest go-to coffee spot located at 310 Mount Cotton Road.

The baton of a family owned Redland grocers has been passed on to the younger generation. Photo: The Courier.

The idea for this venture was born during the Covid pandemic when the new owners joked about their fantasy business idea through the fence. Now, they have turned that idea into reality, creating a new coffee spot for the Redlands community.

In an interview with the Courier, Mrs McLaughlin said about the business venture, “We kind of joked about becoming grocers during Covid, after Andrew put his business on the market.”

The new vintage-style gourmet grocers and deli will not only offer quality coffee but also pay tribute to Mr. Ioannou’s Greek heritage with a blend of Greek and “Aussie favourites” on their menu.

“We will have a sprinkling of Greek delights including tasty olives, dolmades, pink dip and more,” Mrs McLaughlin said.

With quality coffee and a relaxing seating area surrounded by nature, the newly renovated cafe will feature a native garden with a purpose.

The Capalaba Outpost is undergoing renovations and is set to open in late October.

“We have made the interior as cute as relaxing as possible, and in the garden our customers can sit down and take a breather before they have to leave and face the world again, we want them to enjoy,” she said.

“We hope this attracts native birds to the trees.”

Source: Courier

Traditional Cypriot recipes: Halloumi Ravioles

The Greek Herald
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Traditional Cypriot recipes: Halloumi Ravioles

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Halloumi Ravioles with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!

Ingredients: 

Dough:

  • 1 kg bread flour.
  • 2 – 2 1/4 cups water.
  • ¼ cup olive oil.

Filling:

  • 1 – 1.2 kg grated halloumi.
  • 3-4 eggs depending on the size of your eggs.
  • 1 heaped tbsp dried mint.
  • Extra grated halloumi for serving.

Method:

  1. In a bowl add your flour and oil – rub together, and slowly start adding your water till a soft dough forms. You can also do this in a stand mixer with dough hook.  Set aside to rest for ½ hour.  
  • Meanwhile, grate all the halloumi in a separate bowl, add your mint and 3 eggs.  Stir to combine to a smooth consistency but one that sticks together when you squeeze it. If the mixture falls apart when you squeeze it together, add another egg, and combine well again.  
Part of the mixture and the dough.
  • Divide your dough into 8-9 pieces and roll each one into a strip thin enough to pass through the thickest setting on your pasta machine. Take each piece from that and pass it again through your pasta machine at a lower thickness. If your machine has 7 settings, start at 7, then take it down to 5 the again down to 3. On my machine 3 is a good thickness.
Instrument used to help form the Ravioles
  • Once you have done a few sheets, lay them on a well-floured bench top and place a spoonful of the filling on one sheet, leaving approximately 3 cm between each one. At this stage, you have two options in how you place the top part. If you want the half-moon shape, you fold the top half of the pastry over the halloumi mixture and press down on the edges to release any trapped air and to seal the pastry together. If you want full circle ravioli, you will need another sheet to be placed on top of your existing one and again, release any air and press the seal the pastry together. See photos for details.
Half-moon shaped ravioli
  • Repeat process till all dough and filling is used. You may freeze the ravioli at this stage or if you want to use immediately, bring a big pot of water to boil and gently put ravioli in. I prefer to use freshly made chicken stock but you can cook it in plain water as well.  Cook for approximately 5 mins (usually they’re ready when they start to float on the top). Serve immediately with extra grated halloumi on top.
The final result.

Gangland-style shooting in Athens leaves six dead

The Greek Herald
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Gangland-style shooting in Athens leaves six dead

Six men have been killed in a violent shooting that occurred on Monday, September 11, in East Attica, Athens.

The incident is believed to be related to a territorial dispute between rival criminal organizations. The victims were found inside and near a car with German license plates. While it is suspected that they may have Albanian heritage, the police have not revealed any information about their identities.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots at round 6pm in the town of Artemida, located approximately 20 kilometers from Athens.

“We heard shots, a volley of many shots,” one resident said, while another said that he was “in the house and suddenly I heard gunshots. More than 100-150 shots,” one witness said.

The sound of rapid gunfire, resembling automatic weapons, continued for a significant period of time.

“At first I thought there was a wedding going on. I went outside, went to see what was going on and what I saw was really horrific. Four people in the car dead and two outside. I called the police, they came. That’s what I saw and that’s what I heard. At about 6 o’clock in the evening, quarter to 6,” another witness said.

The police have launched an investigation and are searching for a car and a motorcycle that may have been involved in the ambush.

Turkish Cypriot journalist sentenced in absentia for offending Erdogan

The Greek Herald
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Turkish Cypriot journalist sentenced in absentia for offending Erdogan

Journalist and editor-in-chief of the Turkish-Cypriot newspaper Avrupa, Sener Levent, has been sentenced in absentia to one year in prison in Turkey over an article titled ‘The Kurds and Us.’

According to Ekathimerini, the article was deemed offensive to the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This is the second time a lawsuit has been filed against the journalist.

In 2017, Levent was sentenced in absentia to one year in prison in Turkey for a cartoon published in the publication, Avrupa, based in Northern Cyprus.

In the recent file suit against the journalist, the courts instructed him to pay a fine for postage and notification fees of the prosecution. He has refused to pay and rejected the charges.  

“Because they did not get the outcome they wanted from our courts, they began prosecuting us in absentia in Ankara,” Levent explains, as to the sentencing in absentia to prison in Turkey for one year.

“They have dismantled a fair and independent judiciary in Turkey,” Levent said.

Sener Levent.

“They have nullified it. The courts are at the disposal of Tayyip Erdogan.”

Levent stated that there are thousands of similar cases against journalists in Turkey.

Source: Ekathimerini

Mitsotakis and Erdogan talks delayed due to floods in Greece

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis and Erdogan talks delayed due to floods in Greece

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will begin preparations for the meeting in New York which has been re-scheduled due to the extreme flooding emergency in Greece.

The meeting was meant to be held on September 18 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and will be scheduled for October, reported Ekathimerini.

On the agend, are climate discussions about the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in the neighbouring country. 

Most importantly, the leaders will discuss Athens and Ankara political dialogue with the goal of referring the delimitation of the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (R) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) during a meeting in Turkey in 2022. Photo: Turkish Presidency.

According to reports, the agenda of Mitsotakis and Erdogan will include the extension of the June 15 to September 15 moratorium in the Aegean, outlined in the Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum of 1987 until the end of the year.

For many years, NATO allies Greece and Turkey have been adversaries in bilateral disputes with one of the disputes involving the Aegean Sea borders. The two countries disagree over the border in the air, continental shelf, and territorial sea, over the status of islands in the Sea, and over the ownership of Aegean islets.

Read more: Mitsotakis and Erdogan to meet during UN General Assembly

Source: Ekathimerini

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