AEK was defeated and eliminated by Antwerp at the OPAP Arena in Athens with 1-2, but the European journey continues in the Europa League groups.
The Belgians took the lead with Kerk in the 73rd minute, Araujo equalized in the 90th minute to send the match to extra time. In extra time, Balikwisha took advantage bringing the score to 1-2.
AEK will compete in the Europa League groups, while Antwerp will continue their amazing run.
Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a major upset in the second round on Wednesday at the US Open as he crashed out to Swiss qualifier Dominic Stricker.
The seventh seed served for the match in the fourth set but went on to lose to qualifier Dominic Stricker. The world No 128 came through 7-5 6-7(2) 6-7(5) 7-6(6) 6-3 to earn the biggest victory of his young career.
Tsitsipas suffered another early exit at the US Open as Stricker picked up his first top 10 win. The 21-year-old Swiss player had come through qualifying to make his US Open main draw debut, beating world No 41 Alexei Popyrin in the first round.
Stricker took the first set against Tsitsipas in their second-round match before the two-time Grand Slam finalist came storming back, winning the next two sets. The 25-year-old served for the match at 5-3 in the fourth set but the qualifier held his nerve and managed to break at a crucial moment, forcing a tiebreak.
The seventh seed was two points from the victory at 5-4 in the breaker but Stricker stole it 8-6 and got the early break in the fifth and final set which proved crucial, serving out the biggest win of his career after four hours and four minutes.
Stricker will now face either Christopher Eubanks or Benjamin Bonzi on Friday. Tsitsipas is the latest seed to crash out in the bottom half of the draw following world No 4 Holger Rune. And it opens up Novak Djokovic’s path to the final with world No 5 Casper Ruud the highest seed left behind Djokovic in that section.
Greece over thralled New Zealand, 83-74, to claim the last ticket to the Second Round from Group C in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, played at the Mall of Asia Arena, Phillipines, on Wednesday night.
The intense battle between Greece and the ‘Tall Blacks’ New Zealand, bought the final score to 83-74 (15-20, 17-23, 18-11, 33-20) but it was not without a fight.
New Zealand played the first half well, up by 11 points in the first 20 minutes of the game, reported Basket News.
Greece struggled to keep up with the pace of New Zealand, however this drastically changed in the second half.
Ioannis Papapetrou and Giannoulis Larentzakis delivered taking on the offensive load while New Zealand’s offence stagnated.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo provided the necessary spark, as the Greek team climbed out of a 15-point deficit to victory.
Greek fans came in numbers to witness an outstanding effort from both teams.
Coach Itoudis said in an interview with FIBA media, “We’re not a team that’s going to have a lot of isolations, we need to dig deep into the shot clock, running that ball, and we have seen in the friendly games that we can play team ball, that we can share the ball, we have had 23 assists, 19 assists.”
“This is who we are. And our identity on the defensive end, it gives us a lot. You get a boost from a good defensive stop.”
The outstanding performance by Greece, brings them to second place in the group behind Team USA.
Source: FIBA and Basket News
Melbourne-based artist Joy McDonald is gearing up to unveil her latest artistic ventures—a captivating series of abstract prints and an upcoming historical fiction novel. With a rich artistic background that spans puppetry, painting, ceramics, printmaking, digital imagery, and traditional icon painting, Joy’s work consistently pushes the boundaries of conventional artistry.
Joy’s artistic journey commenced during her time at Sydney University in the 1970s and culminated in her graduation from the Australian National University in Visual Arts in 1997. Throughout her career, she has delved deeply into the intricate patterns, rhythms, and marks found in nature, which she skillfully captures using her unique fusion of painting and printmaking techniques.
At the core of Joy’s artistic philosophy lies her exceptional ability to deconstruct and reconstruct imagery. By skillfully repeating marks and strokes, she produces captivating surfaces that evoke the essence of energy fields, wave systems, and other intricate natural patterns.
Joy’s artistic achievements are numerous and impressive. She was recognised as a finalist in the Fleurieu Biennale SA and received the Rosalie Gascoigne Award from the Capital Arts Patrons Organization (CAPO). Her Greek heritage and connection to the Dodecanese islands have also significantly influenced her creative endeavours, inspiring her to write her first novel due for publication soon.
In her early artistic career, Joy joined Peter Scriven’s Marionette Theatre, as a puppeteer touring Australia’s country towns. Here she worked alongside Michael Salmon, the well-known Melbourne children’s author. Notably, her own puppet stage production and children’s book The Very Sad Fishlady, performed at The Street Theatre, showcasing the extent of her creative talent.
With a portfolio of over 60 exhibitions to her name, Joy’s work has found place in international collections, including notable institutions like the Canberra Museum and Gallery, and in various corporate art collections.
Joy’s recent collection features a series of compelling prints, inspired by coffee grounds, resulting in intricate designs of vibrant colour and remarkable depth. These distinctive prints will soon be available for purchase as high-quality cotton tea towels, priced at $30 each. Art enthusiasts interested in acquiring, can place their request by contacting Joy McDonald via email: joyism8@gmail.com
Joy is amongst many Greek Australian artists who have registered their profiles in the GAAD (The Greek Australian Artist Directory). An initiative by the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL), the Directory celebrates Greek Australian visual and performing artists by showcasing their work and contributions to the Australian arts landscape. By preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of Greek Australian artists, the Directory ensures that their talents are duly acknowledged and cherished, cementing their place in Australia’s artistic narrative.
For more details about Joy as well as other GAAD artists, visit https://gaclmelbourne.com/g/project/joy-mcdonald/ 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 infogaclm@gmail.com or GAAD Co-ordinator Vasy Petros at 0412 242 557.
*Written by Vasy Petros. This is a Greek Australian Cultural League Initiative supported by The Greek Herald.
The Cyprus Community of NSW held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, August 27 at the Cyprus Club in Stanmore, Sydney. There were approximately 150 members present.
President of the Cyprus Community, Andrew Costa, opened the meeting with a minute’s silence for all the members that had passed away over the last year.
Next, there was a request to members to confirm minutes from the 2022 AGM. The meeting minutes were not accepted by members as there was a discrepancy found by former Secretary, Roula Christodoulides.
The minutes distributed in the 2022 Annual Report stated that five members were a part of the election committee, however there were six, according to Ms Christodoulides’ handwritten notes taken at the time.
Mr Costa and the Board explained to members that the sixth person was not physically present at the AGM when the committee was appointed, which contradicted the constitution and therefore could not form part of the election committee.
After much heated debate, a motion was put forward and members voted to not accept the minutes in the 2022 report. The board accepted an amendment to include the sixth name, as Ms Christodoulides had noted.
Mr Costa then presented the President’s Report that detailed several matters including the significant increase in value of the Stanmore site after being rezoned in May, the challenges the club faces, essential repairs and upgrades required, continuing to support SEKA, language and dance schools, numerous upcoming events, the promotion of culture, the Inner West Hawks soccer club and a proposed Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held later this year.
Mr Costa presented details of a recent appraisal of the Stanmore site that was valued between $65 and $80 million after being rezoned. He informed members that a series of information nights will be held in the lead up the EGM, in order for members to best decide on the future plans of the Inner West site.
Mr Costa went on to say that the Cyprus Community was in the process of planning their Food and Wine Festival, which hosted close to 5000 people last year. He announced that the NSW government had granted $15,000 toward the festival this year.
Next, Terry Bieri presented the Treasurer’s Report that raised a number of historic and current financial challenges faced by the Community. Mr Bieri explained that the poor trading of the club, the need for repairs and upgrades that included Fire Certification, as well as the default interest rate on their current loan, had put enormous financial pressure on the Community.
He estimated the club’s losses were between $2000-$6000 per week. Mr Bieri said that without the help of members raising funds for Cyprus Capital Ltd, the club would not be able to operate. He reassured members that the Community’s assets had significantly increased in value and still held licenses for 60 gaming machines – 33 of which are operational.
The Auditor’s Report was prepared by Gary William Day, who was present on the day but could not present the report because he excused himself early due to time constraints.
The Audit Committee Report was then presented by Argie Argyrou. Mr Argyrou was unable to complete his presentation as some members became increasingly irate and began to shout that the Audit Committee members were unknown until the AGM.
As previously reported in The Greek Herald, some members were concerned that two members of the Audit Committee resigned to take up positions on the Board.
Mr Costa explained that the remaining member of the Audit Committee was able to appoint two new committee members as per legal advice obtained.
Mr Argyrou made a decision to invite fellow committee member, Panagioti Joseph, to the podium to complete the presentation.
A vote was called to nominate and elect a new Audit Committee from members that were present at the AGM. The new Audit Committee is Andrew Antoniou, Roula Christodoulides and Pantelli Antoniou.
General matters were then opened with Mr Costa answering questions from members that had been submitted prior to the meeting. By this stage, the meeting had carried on for almost three and a half hours, members had begun to leave and tensions had increased, with members becoming more combative.
One concerned member raised a question relating to the Platino development proposal which was unable to be answered as it was revealed that the matter was now due before court.
After a heated argument between Board members and some concerned members, a motion was moved to close the meeting abruptly. The verbal slurs and yelling quickly turned into a physical altercation that saw one elderly member pushed into the podium and dragged by his shirt. Security that was present intervened to break up the scrimmage and escorted members out of the auditorium. It is unclear if the grapple resulted in any injuries.
In a recent meeting involving President, Bill Papastergiadis, and Governor Patoulis it was agreed GCM and Attica Prefecture would jointly facilitate a cultural and educational tour next September in the Attica region for students from Australia.
It would be an initiative in addition to the current tour hosted in July jointly by GCM and Ministry of Foreign of Affairs which takes place in Macedonia.
In his discussion with Governor Patoulis, Mr Papastergiadis highlighted the importance of these tours in the seminal development of young Greek Australians.
“The success of these joint initiatives with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demonstrated the need for more engagement of our students with Greece. Such engagement is important in developing a broad understanding of Greece beyond the well-known tourist spots of Mykonos and Santorini,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
He noted the comments of a recent attendee Helena Kayalikos of the July tour where she remarked: “Thessaloniki is a living breathing historical artefact. Throughout the summer camp, we visited dozens of museums, archaeological sites and ancient ruins, each enriched with their own history.
“I struggled to wrap my head around the fact that I was seeing sites that were over 300 years old… Being surrounded by the culture of my ancestors, hearing their language and eating their food, I immediately felt like I had found my home away from home”.
It is precisely these experiences that GCM seeks to develop in students who hopefully become future leaders of our community.
Governor Patoulis was enthusiastic about Attica now offering a tour that differs from that put forward in Macedonia by the Ministry of Foreign affairs.
“I have a long-standing relationship with GCM where we have successfully collaborated on a number of initiatives. Most recently, we were successful in achieving, with Professor Pirpiris, the execution of an MOU between the medical faculties of Athens, Patras and Athens. We want to have more of these conversations and relationships with students from Australia,” Governor Patoulis said.
Mr Papastergiadis noted that “the tours are available to all Greek Australians from all parts of the country hence bringing all of us closer together”.
Noting, this is the last term of Governor Patoulis, GCM have also spoken to Deputy Minister Hardalias who is the New Democracy candidate for late this year for the Governorship of Attica.
Deputy Minister Hardalias expressed his full support for this project and committed to ensuring its success.
GCM has also written to the candidates of Pasok, Yiannis Sgouros and Syriza, Giorgos Ioakeimidis.
Entrepreneur Jon Adgemis has partnered with owner and chef, Toby Wilson, with an announcement Ricos Tacos will be taking over The Norfolk hotel in Redfern, the Public Hospitality Group’s Cleveland street pub.
Last month, Ricos Tacos announced it was closing up at its Chippendale spot. The taco restaurant will be revamped in the new location at The Norfolk.
Mr Adgemis said in a statement, Ricos Tacos will “complete the precinct” by moving to The Norfolk.
“Redfern is an important location for us to invest in further as we have with the success of La Salut” Adgemis said, adding his confidence in partnering with Ricos Tacos.
Mr Adgemis, Public Chief Executive of the Public Hospitality Group, is on a mission to transform Sydney city’s hospitality and dining experiences and the relocation of Ricos Tacos to The Norfolk, adds to the public groups unfolding portfolio.
The group has also recently partnered with the likes of big-deal chefs and restaurants, recently signing with Automata’s Clayton Wells as creative culinary director and Melbourne’s Guy Grossi for the brand’s first Victorian venue, Puttanesca.
READ MORE: Jon Adgemis purchases Bondi pub for $68 million
In February, chef Wilson was approached by the expanding hospitality group Public, agreeing to work together within a couple of days of meeting.
“It just made sense for both of us,” Mr Wilson tells The Sydney Morning Herald in an interview.
The Norfolk’s upstairs bar will become Club Ricos, a lounge inspired by Mexican sports bars of the 1960s and is set to open in September this year.
Ricos will be taking over both floors of the pub, with downstairs being a bigger and more expansive version of the classic Ricos Tacos experience and upstairs being home to the new “Club Ricos”, the Ricos website reads.
The Ricos menu will remain true to what customers know it to be with the usual tacos and weekly favourites.
Mr Wilson tells Broadsheet in an interview, “It’s all about championing the things that we’ve always done, that represent us well.”
Source: Broadsheet
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Voice referendum will be held on October 14 this year, The Australian has reported.
A crowd of around 400 people gathered in Adelaide to hear Mr Albanese announce the date for the referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament.
The Prime Minister said in his speech, “On that day every Australian will have a once-in-a-generation chance to bring our country together and to change it for the better.”
“To vote for recognition, listening and better results. And I ask all Australians to vote Yes,” he says.
Mr Albanese notes referendums come around much less than elections and this will be the first one this century.
“They’re very different (to elections), because on October 14 you are not being asked to vote for a political party or for a person. You’re being asked to vote for an idea. To say Yes to an idea whose time has come,” he says.
Read more: Yes or No: Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum pamphlets released
After an absence of so many years it was a delight to see Mimis Sophocleous, former head of the Greek program at RMIT in the 1990s, enthral the audience at the Greek Centre in Melbourne on Sunday, August 27.
A diverse crowd gathered in the Community’s mezzanine level, comprising of Mr Sophocleous former students, former colleagues and collaborators, members of the Cypriot Community and many others that remained spellbound during the event.
The focus of the event was the legendary composer, activist, and public figure, Mikis Theodorakis, and his links with Cyprus.
Mr Sophocleous who is presently the Academic Director of Patticheion Municipal Museum & Limassol Historical Archives has just recently released a book entitled – Mikis Theodorakis: The Meaning of the Muses – A Unique, International Cultural Phenomenon”. All proceeds from book sales are being donated to the purchase of musical instruments for the Marios Tokas Music School in Lemesos.
The event was opened by GCM Board Director, Nick Dallas, the consul general Manolis Kakavelakis was on hand to convey his greetings, and this was followed by educator Yiannis Milides who provided an overview of the topic.
Mr Sophocleous then went through his presentation highlighting important landmarks in Theodorakis’s artistic development and his global impact. From Theodorakis’s first visit to Cyprus in 1964 until his recent death, the composer was closely linked to the island, always promoting, and trying to bring international attention to its plight for independence and justice.
The Cypriot state has bestowed upon him many honours for his continuous efforts and solidarity.
The event ended with a moving musical performance by Mr Sophocleous, his son Orestes, musician Christos Themistocleous and teenage clarinet player Loukas Vakalopoulos.
Bearing in mind that the year 2025 represents the centenary year since Theodorakis’s birth, no doubt there will be further collaboration between Mr Sophocleous and the Greek Community of Melbourne.
Business leaders, students, staff and dignitaries came together for Oakleigh Grammar’s annual Business Breakfast on Thursday August 24, where Principal Mark Robertson announced plans to build a community pool just metres from the school campus.
Mr Robertson said in his announcement, “This is an exciting development for our school. An indoor swimming pool will add to our sporting and recreation facilities and provide students with an opportunity to develop and strengthen water safety and swimming skills.
The broader community will also benefit by having a ‘learn to swim’ school located in the multicultural and vibrant precinct in which our school is located.”
Oakleigh Grammar engaged architects Studio 4 to develop the plans for the 25m indoor pool which will be used for swimming lessons by students and the general community.
A tender process is currently being developed with construction anticipated to commence in 2024. Invitations are now being sought for naming rights sponsorship for this exciting new facility.
Through sponsorships and ticket sales the Business Breakfast raised $18,000 which will be used for equipment directly benefitting students.
Oakleigh Grammar Business Network Convenor, Vic Rajah, also announced the funds will be directed toward establishing an Oakleigh Grammar Hall of Fame, to which exceptional alumni will be inducted in 2024.
The annual Oakleigh Grammar Business Breakfast was attended by 150 business leaders, staff and students, and dignitaries including Federal Member for Chisholm, Dr Carina Garland MP; Councillor for Oakleigh ward in the City of Monash and alumnus of Oakleigh Grammar, Theo Zographos; Chairman of the Victorian Greek National Day, Tony Tsourdalakis; and Former Federal Member for Higgins, Dr Katie Allen.
Keynote speakers Sarah Davies AM, CEO of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, and Andrew Cornwall, CEO of Ventura Buses provided inspirational insights on their respective roles including challenges and successes.