Identical twins, Gillianne Gogas and Nicole Patrikakos, birthed baby boys on the same day, August 22, at Epworth Freemasons hospital in Melbourne.
The 36-year-old sisters, who were born together, shared the maternity experience, both welcoming sons on the same day, at the same hosptial. Gillianne’s son, Alexander, arrived at 1.20pm and sister Nicole welcomed baby boy, William, five hours later.
The sisters had the same due date however found it “unbelievable” giving birth to their sons hours apart, delivered by the same obstetrician, Dr Joseph Sgroi.
The healthy newborns also shared the same birth weight of 3.5 kilograms.
In an interview with Nine, Gillianne said, “The timing, you just can’t plan something like that. So yeah, disbelief, shock, excitement, all of those emotions.”
Gillianne Gogas and Nicole Patrikakos birth healthy sons on the same day. Photo: Mark Stewart.
“[We were] very close growing up. We have always done everything together so this is just another example of that,” Nicole told Nine.
Gillianne and Nicole said there would be “an extra big celebration” every year for the newborn cousins.
The sisters, who have shared so much together throughout their lives, said having their sons on the same day, in the same hospital, takes “twinning to a new level.”
“Hopefully they will be as close as we are because it really is a special bond that we have,” Nicole shared.
The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia issued a statement to oppose the suspension of Kat Theophanous MP from a sub-faction of the Victorian Labor Party.
Earlier this month, Northcote MP, Kat Theophanous, was suspended after giving a speech in Victorian Parliament on the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which triggered conflict within the party.
In her statement, the Member for Northcote stressed that it has been 49 years since Turkey invaded Cyprus “illegally occupying 36 per cent of the island, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.”
The comments made during the address infuriated Senior minister Natalie Suleyman and sparked rage among the ALP’s large Turkish base.
A motion to suspend Ms Theophanous was moved by minister Melissa Horne.
In the letter, The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia are calling for the suspension of Kat Theophanous MP to be revoked in the interest of due democratic process, and to uphold human rights principles.
Full Open Letter below:
The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia writes this statement in response to the recent suspension of the Honourable Kat Theophanous MP from her sub-faction of the Victorian Labor Party.
We understand that the suspension occurred after a speech she gave calling out the inhumane events which lead to devastation, loss of life, land and displacement in Cyprus. We note that her comments relate to what we consider to be recent world history and in line with what is right and necessary to highlight serious human rights transgressions.
Our Federation consists of people who are the direct ancestors of Pontian Hellenic refugees who lost family members, homes and the opportunities a peaceful life affords at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.
Given this shared experience, we stand with all Cypriots and those who seek justice for Cyprus, in condemning the suspension of the Honourable Kat Theophanous MP.
It is our firm belief that truth telling is essential to healing and serves to keep the memory of our ancestors alive, even if we can not change the devastation of tragic past events. We know that speaking out about the events which occurred in Cyprus can be very difficult and touches powerful local and geo-political interests but we have a moral and inter-generational responsibility to tell the truth.
Whether one agrees with the comments made by the Honourable Kat Theophanous MP as an accurate record of history or not, the one thing we MUST all agree on, is that everyone has a right to free speech in this democratic nation we are all lucky to call home.
We call on those with the power to do so, to have this suspension revoked in the interest of due democratic process and to uphold human rights principles!
In solidarity
Executive Committee Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia
The Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW elected new executive, youth and audit committees during its annual elections on Friday, August 25 at Ashbury Senior Citizen’s Centre.
In the Executive Committee, Emmanuel Vitetzakis remains as President of the Association.
Mr Vitetzakis will be supported by Vice President, Angelo Siganakis; Secretary, Nectaria Frayne; Treasurer, Terry Saviolakis; and Public Relations Officer, Maria Lagoudakis.
On the day, a number of other Executive Committee positions were also filled. They were: Assistant Secretary, Amanda Salmon; Assistant Treasurer, Nina Saisanas-Giannoulis; Youth Liason, Ari Paraskakis; and Committee Members, Maria Vitetzakis-Townsend, Dimitra Bourel and Vicky Vitetzakis.
Cretan Youth Association of Sydney & NSW AGM, chaired by Terry Saviolakis.
The new Executive Committee stated it will continue to hold various cultural events over the next year for the benefit of its members and the wider community. The committee will also continue to work towards the larger plan of finding a more permanent location or headquarters for the Cretan Association.
A new Youth Committee was also elected at the annual elections with Alexander Mountakis appointed President.
Mr Mountakis is joined on the Youth Committee board by: Vice President, Angelique Belivanis; Secretary, Christopher Townsend; Assistant Secretary, Michaela Margiankakos; Treasurer, Danny Venizelou; Assistant Treasurer, George Siganakis and Public Relations Officer, Irene Vitetzakis.
On the new Audit Committee is President, Frances Siganakis; Vice President, Eleni Venizelou, and Secretary, Despina Parliaros.
In light of admissions of shortcomings in the British Museum’s investigation into the theft of its collection items in 2021, the museum’s director has announced his immediate resignation.
Hartwig Fischer, a German art historian originally set to depart next year, acknowledged the museum’s inadequate response to warnings of potential theft by an employee and acknowledged that the responsibility for these failures ultimately lies with him.
According to AP News, in a detailed statement, Fischer expressed, “In recent days, I have conducted an in-depth review of the events surrounding the thefts from the British Museum and the subsequent investigation. It is clear that the museum’s response was not as thorough as it should have been.”
Renowned globally and cherished as one of London’s premier tourist destinations, the British Museum recently reported the dismissal of a staff member due to missing, stolen, or damaged items.
Among these items were gold jewelry and gems dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.
British Museum director Hartwig Fischer has resigned. Photo: John Davis.
Fischer’s resignation was accepted by the museum’s board of trustees, led by former British finance minister George Osborne.
Osborne asserted, “Let me be unequivocal: we are committed to rectifying these errors. The museum carries a legacy that extends across generations. We will learn, rebuild trust, and once again earn the admiration we deserve.”
The terminated staff member has been identified by the British media as Peter Higgs, a senior curator who dedicated three decades to the institution.
The British Museum, home to the Parthenon Sculptures, remains under the scrutiny of Greece, which has consistently advocated for the sculptures’ permanent repatriation. These sculptures were initially removed from the Acropolis in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin during his tenure as the ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.
In response to recent developments at the British Museum, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni affirmed that her ministry is closely monitoring the situation.
The ongoing effort of firefighters is directed towards managing flare-ups along the firelines in Parnitha, Evros, and Boeotia, reported Amna.gr.
Firefighters were battling 105 wildfires on Sunday, 46 of which broke out between Saturday evening and Sunday evening, according to the latest reports by the Fire Service announcement on Sunday.
The Fire Department’s assessment indicates a noticeable and commendable improvement, particularly with the most active fronts now concentrated in the broader vicinity of Leptokarya, Evros.
Diligent actions are being undertaken by the Fire Brigade to prevent any resurgence across all fire fronts.
In the southwest region of Mount Parnitha, firefighters are actively addressing isolated outbreaks. A substantial force of 260 firefighters is engaged, comprising 13 ground teams, 77 vehicles, in coordination with 4 aircraft and 4 helicopters.
Fires continue to blaze throughout Greece with reports of 150 fires. Photo: InTime.
In Rodopi, the fire brigade is grappling with isolated incidents. Residents of Kassitera in Rodopi were advised to evacuate due to a fire threat.
Moreover, a fire has ignited near the Gallikos river, adjacent to the Thessaloniki-Kilkis national highway. The area is being attended to by twenty firefighters.
In Grammatiko, a fire originated earlier during the day.
A positive outlook is evident in the fire scenario within Boeotia.
On the island of Andros, two fires emerged in the regions of Vitali and near the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. A precautionary evacuation message was issued to the residents of the village of Gides.
In addition, a fire started in the Gatza region of Larymna, Fthiotida shortly after midday. Driven by robust winds in the area, the fire spread rapidly; however, its distance from residential areas offers reassurance.
In the case of the illegal adoptions and baby trafficking that transpired in Crete, a total of nine infants were involved. Through the utilization of DNA testing for positive identification, four out of these nine babies have now been returned to their biological parents.
According to Ekathimerini, these babies were originally born to surrogate mothers at Hania Hospital. With the consent of a prosecutor, an Italian couple has been granted custody of their twins, and similarly, two couples from Australia have been united with their respective infants.
For the remaining four babies – two sets of twins and two individual infants – outcomes are still pending. This is due to an Italian couple, a British couple, and a Greek couple stepping forward and furnishing DNA samples to establish their biological connections.
Chania Hospital, Crete. Photo: 9News.
The allegations revolve around individuals associated with a fertility clinic, who stand accused of orchestrating an illicit organization engaged in human trafficking. Their activities encompass acting as intermediaries in the unlawful adoption of minors, violating laws related to medically assisted reproduction, forgery, disruption of family order, fraud, bodily harm, and violations of narcotics legislation.
As per reports, the group allegedly trafficked over 160 women from countries including Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, Bulgaria, and Georgia. These women were used as egg donors and surrogate mothers.
In addition to these activities, the group is believed to have facilitated illegal adoptions and provided counterfeit IVF treatments to unsuspecting patients. Their illicit operations reportedly yielded profits ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 euros per baby.
It’s worth noting that Greece stands as one of the limited countries where commercial surrogacy remains legal for international clients.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, held a meeting on Thursday, August 24, with the newly appointed Director of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens, Professor Tamar Hodos, at the premises of the Consulate General. Ms. Hodos was accompanied by the Institute’s Engagement and Outreach Officer, Ms. Theodora Minas Gianniotis.
Ms. Hodos had the opportunity to outline her vision and priorities for the Institute, having assumed her duties a few weeks ago. She and the Consul General had a very interesting and constructive discussion, in the framework of which the continuous cooperation between the Institute and the Consulate General was also raised. Both parties reaffirmed their willingness to strengthen their cooperation towards the shared goal of promoting Greek culture and enhancing ties between Greece and Australia.
Ms. Hodos warmly thanked Mr. Mallikourtis and the Public Diplomacy personnel for the welcome. For his part, the Consul General wished the new Director all the best in her new endeavour and underlined the importance of the Institute being one of the most renowned institutions promoting Greek culture in Australia.
The Greek national basketball team premiered in Manilla with a victory against Jordan 71-92.
Giannoulis Larentzakis led the way with 19 points, while Thomas Walkup scored 13 points in the first half but stopped there. Ioannis Papapetrou also contributed 13 points, while Nikos Rogkavopoulos finished in double digits with 10 points.
Greece managed to close the first period leading by five (19-14) and got a double-digit lead (46-32) after two threes by Thomas Walkup before going to the locker rooms with a 13-point advantage (46-33).
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 26, 2023
Jordan didn’t back down and, at the start of the second half, made it a 7-point game (54-47) after back-to-back threes by Sami Bzai. The pressure was on for the Greek side, with Jordan cutting the lead to three (61-58) with a sweet hook by Zane Alnajdawi.
The answer was five straight points by Larentzakis (58-66), but Freddy Ibrahim was fouled at the buzzer on a three-point attempt, made two free throws and the score at the end of the third period was 66-60.
Greece got back a double-digit lead (74-62) with six minutes left and even significantly widened the gap in the final moments since Jordan couldn’t cope with Dimitris Itoudis’ squad any longer.
Next up for Greece, the toughest challenge there is – a match against Team USA in Round 2 of the World Cup (28/8). Jordan will face New Zealand.
Through decades of dedicated swabbing and sampling, Mary Pananicolaou and her husband George are recognised for the development of the cervical screening test known as the Pap test.
The daughter of a colonel in the Greek army, Mary had always been seen as a cultured and educated women, with her husband George working by her side when she became a laboratory technician at Cornell Medical College.
During their time at the laboratory, they helped lead a project investigating how alcohol damaged the chromosomes of guinea pig offspring. To achieve this, both used a small speculum to take tiny samples of guinea pig vaginal fluid, smearing them on slides and examining them under a microscope.
Mary with her husband George. Photo: LaRepublica.pe
The next step was to begin testing on humans, with Mary and some of her friends willingly donating vaginal fluid every day to track their cellular changes from their reproductive years through to menopause.
According to Deborah Batesons from the Daffodil Centre, the research conducted by both Mary and George was a massive breakthrough for science as it indicated how pre-cancerous cells can change and develop over time.
In 1969, the American Cancer Society awarded Mary with a special citation, with many seeing her as a woman who sacrificed herself to have a career in science.
Viky and Dennis are a Greek-Australian couple in their fifties, enjoying one of their many visits to Greece.
“I’ve been 6 times,” Viky says, while Dennis quips, “I’ve come to Greece so many times, I can hardly remember – let’s say ten.”
The couple from Sydney are both previously divorced with similarly aged children – in their twenties – from their prior marriages. Like themselves, their children – born and bred in Australia – have also visited Greece on holidays.
Dennis and Vicky enjoying dinner with friends.
Dennis and Viky tell me that their four children consider themselves Greek Australian rather than Australian, preferring to identify with their families’ cultural heritage, which became even more pronounced after visiting Greece.
From their many visits to Greece, interspersed with life in Australia, Viky and Dennis keenly share their observations. Both agree that they love Greece in terms of the more sociable, everyday lifestyle, but Dennis voiced that “happiness is about people not money,” referencing his and Viky’s decision to continue to live in Australia due to their children.
Dennis and Viky in Greece.
Viky, an employment consultant, confessed that if it wasn’t for her children, she would forego the better pay in Australia and move to Greece to enjoy a “simple lifestyle; a block of land and house and grow vegetables and keep animals.”
To this, Dennis, an IT professional, looks towards the sea (where we’re enjoying our souvlakia and local wine) and stretches his arms out, voicing: “See this is it. We’re sitting right on the beach at a simple restaurant having our simple yet delicious food with friends at 11pm and we know we’re not going to get ripped off. Nor will the manager, or whoever, tell us that the kitchen closes at 9pm (if you’re lucky in Australia), or last drinks. Here they’ll politely really put the customer first and stay on through all hours – because of the Greek hospitality and generosity of spirit.”
The couple tell me they’ve encountered the same open heartedness in Athens as in their parents’ places of origin such as Kiato for Viky, and Kefalonia for Dennis, for example.
At one point in our conversation, Dennis tries to explain where a particular part of Kefalonia is located, but realises there’s an easier way: showing rather than telling! He pulls up his t-shirt sleeve and points to his tattooed map of the island, and continues our conversation regarding the beauty of Fiskardo and Assos and beyond.
Dennis shows his tattoo of Kafalonia.
When we come to the topic of football and rugby, Dennis’ other sleeve goes up to expose his rugby league team tattoo. These tattoo choices symbolise to me, an iconic melding of being a Greek Australian; part of and proud of both of our cultural identities’ influences, shaping who we are.
Dennis shows his rugby league team tattoo.
Viky also comments on the lifestyle of Greece as being more relaxed and less orientated around work as it is in Australia, but subsequently expresses surprise at “where do Greeks get the money to go out and shop for clothes, etc. in what seems like all the time?”
On further discussion, we observe that Greeks in Greece tend to ‘sit’ on a coffee or drink for a long time, as this coincides with the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle pace, rather than feeling pressure or just impatience to order ‘more, more’ as perhaps is the case in other Western cultures such as Australia.
Furthermore, many Greeks don’t have the significant, added expense of a mortgage, due to their parents, grandparents and preceding ancestors accruing property which they pass down to future generations, unlike Australia which is a newer country without as much generational capital.
Viky and Dennis on one of their 6 trips to Greece.
Dennis comments on Australia having changed very much “from 2010” predominantly, whereby the cost of living is difficult.
“Wages might be seen as good, but buying power has diminished, though the petrol’s still pretty decent compared to you guys here in Greece,” he states, noticing its increased price in Greece.
Viky adds that although Australia used to pride itself on being ‘the lucky country,’ middle class people find it hard to make ends meet, let alone younger people paying off a house, “like our parents used to.” I comment that there’s a great welfare system in Australia compared to Greece, yet Viky soon brings me back to reality, telling me the figures on rent assistance and Jobseeker payments.
“At least the ridiculously high road toll isn’t what it is here in Greece,” I add, with Dennis and Viky agreeing, and us shaking our heads in disbelief at the “slackness” of the Greek police when it comes to policing dangerous driving.
The couple then proffer that “Australia goes to the other extreme, to the point of being a granny state,” attributing the COVID-19 era to introducing ‘dobbing in’ on people ‘breaking’ the law, and hence negating a sense of community.
“And speaking of community” she continues, “why don’t they play Greek music here? We come to Greece for the culture, for its strong identity and sense of community, and all we hear is non-Greek music being played in cafes, and bars. It’s disappointing.” Dennis nods in agreement.
On a final note, the couple resonate unequivocally in their ethos of “don’t lose your identity.”
