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Victims of former Labor MP Milton Orkopoulos reveal impact of abuse in court

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Victims of former Labor MP Milton Orkopoulos reveal impact of abuse in court

Milton Orkopoulos, a disgraced former Labor MP and convicted paedophile has been confronted with the words of his victims as he awaits sentencing.

Orkopoulos was found guilty on 26 charges of sexual offending against four underage boys and supplying them with drugs between 1993 and 2003.

Three victim impact statements were read by a victim support staff member to the NSW District Court on Friday. The statements detailed the continuing impact of the 26 offences Orkopoulos committed.

A man abused as an 11-year-old, when Orkopoulous was 35, told of how his life changed forever and how he did not think he could get through life at times due to the abuse.

“I felt confused, I thought no one believed me,” he said. “I blamed myself and I hated myself.”

Another victim, who was between 12 to 13 years old at the time of the offending, detailed the long list of issues he had suffered as a result of Orkopoulos’s actions, including having suicidal thoughts and relationship breakdowns with family and friends.

“My family didn’t understand why I had changed because I did not confide in them,” he said in his statement.

“I was alone with my trauma and basically tore my family apart and ruined my own life.”

A third victim, told of how that fateful encounter resulted in a life of drug abuse and years in prison.

Milton Orkopoulos is a former Labor MP and convicted paedophile.

Orkopoulos served as Aboriginal affairs minister in NSW under former premier Morris Iemma. He was dismissed in 2006 after he was charged with a first round of offences, including child prostitution, sexual assault and using taxpayer money to pay a teenage boy for sex.

He was sentenced to 13 years and 11 months in jail in 2008 after being convicted of 28 offences relating to sexual assault of a minor, indecent assault and supplying heroin and cannabis.

He will be sentenced on November 17.

Source: AAP

Excavations at the Sanctuary of Helike unearths new artefacts

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Excavations at the Sanctuary of Helike unearths new artefacts

Found on the ancient Greek sanctuary of Poseidon at Helike, archaeologists have unearthed new artefacts which have shed light on the history of the once thriving city and its inhabitants.

It is believed that the sanctuary had once been dedicated to the ancient Greek god Poseidon, with the site being lost after a tsunami had wiped out the area more than 2,300 years ago.

In recent excavations, taking place from May 2 to June 23, experts have found the ruins of two additional buildings and have located artefacts which date further back in time.

Several sculptures, statues, iron weapons and part of a golden necklace have been unearthed. With all yielding more information related to the religious and mythological beliefs of the Helikeans.

According to the Cultural Ministry of Greece, the recent discoveries at the sanctuary have provided an invaluable opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage that once thrived there.  

With continuing excavations, archaeologists aim to uncover the secrets of the site and to gain a deeper understanding of history.

Source: Argophilia

Melbourne seminar to focus on the demise of tobacco tycoon Peter Michelides

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Melbourne seminar to focus on the demise of tobacco tycoon Peter Michelides

Dr John Yiannakis will give a lecture titled ‘Peter Michelides: Globalisation and the Demise of the Tobacco Tycoon’ on Thursday, August 31 as part of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Greek History and Culture Seminars. This is an online only free event.

Peter Michelides, having arrived in Western Australia in 1904, helped to pioneer the state’s tobacco industry. Joined by his younger brother Michael, they were soon selling handmade cigarettes from Perth street corners.

From these humble beginnings Michelides established a large vertically integrated tobacco enterprise, which would become the third largest tobacco company in Australia. At the same time, he was a very influential member of the local Greek community, becoming the longest serving president of the Hellenic Community of WA.

However, as trade restrictions were lifted during the 1950s multinational corporations impacted on his business, bringing it and the WA tobacco industry to an end. Was this inevitable? Does this example serve as a precursor to what has happened to many Australian companies over the last 40 years?

About Dr John Yiannakis

Dr John N. Yiannakis OAM was born and educated in Perth, Western Australia. For many years he lectured in Modern and Ancient History at Tuart College. Dr Yiannakis then worked as a Research Fellow at Curtin and Murdoch Universities for several years. More recently he was employed at the University of WA and Australian Catholic University and was an Adjunct Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University.

Dr John N. Yiannakis OAM

While he has a wide range of historical interests, Dr Yiannakis has published extensively in the field of Greek migration, settlement and adaptation to Western Australia. He has written books and numerous articles pertaining to the development and structure of Perth’s Greek community, including Greek Pioneers in Western Australia; Odysseus in the Golden West and Vlase Zanalis: Greek Australian Artist.

More recently he had published a co-authored monograph Black Night, White Day: Greek women in Australia, a longitudinal study, and edited and contributed to both volumes of Perspectives on the Hellenic Diaspora. In 2022, Dr Yiannakis co-authored the Cazzie Connection.

How to participate

This is an online-only event, so please join us on YouTube or Facebook.

You don’t need an account with either of these services to watch, but you do need one if you want to participate in the Live Q&A, where you get the opportunity to submit your written questions to the speaker.

We look forward to your participation and your insightful questions.

Multicultural media celebrated by the NSW Premier at annual communications awards

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Multicultural media celebrated by the NSW Premier at annual communications awards

The winners of the 2023 Premier’s Multicultural Media and Communications Awards have been named, recognising the important contributions they make to supporting NSW’s diverse communities.

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper announced the winners at a special ceremony on Thursday, August 24.

“These awards acknowledge that diversity and I commend everyone who entered because providing information in community language is what keeps our society strong.” Mr Minns Said.

“NSW is proud of its record as one of the most successful multicultural states in the world.” 

More than 130 entries were submitted for the awards, with winners and finalists decided across 12 categories. 

Harry Crethar Chris Minns
Harry Crethar receiving his award.

Among the winners was Kytherian, Haralambos Anargyrou Kritharis, better known as Harry Crethar, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Harry celebrated his 40 year milestone, earlier this year, as a member of Radio KAA.

Suhayla Zahira Sharif was the winner of The Alan Knight Student Award and India Link’s Pawan Luthra and Rajni Anand Luthra won Publication of the Year.

The Greek Herald was a finalist in the ‘Publication of the Year’ category for the third consecutive year, whilst The Greek Herald digital editor, Andriana Simos, was also shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Young Journalist of the Year’ for the second consecutive year.

The Greek Herald was a finalist in the ‘Publication of the Year’ category for the third consecutive year.

Media Awards:

Best Audio-Visual Report: Sharon Offenberger and Ghousoon Bisharat, Plus61J Media 

Best Audio Report: Stephanie Corsetti, Claire Slattery, Marcus Megalokonomos and Hannah Kwon, SBS 

Best Text Report: Dr Salih Yucel, AMUST 

Young Journalist of the Year: Olivia Yuan, SBS Mandarin 

Publication of the Year: Pawan Luthra and Rajni Anand Luthra, Indian Link Media Group 

Alan Knight Student Award: Suhayla Zahira Sharif 

Public Interest Award: Addison Road Community Organisation 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Haralambos Anargyrou Kritharis, known as Harry Crethar 

Marketing Awards:

Agency Campaign of the Year: Think HQ and Cultureverse for the Australian Human Rights Commission

Business Campaign of the Year: Savings Finder Campaign, Department of Customer Service 

Community Campaign of the Year: Moving Forward Together, Stop Racism Now 

Best Use of Digital or Social Media: Western Sydney Wanderers 


Greek and Cypriot Community condemn suspension of Kat Theophanous MP in letter to Premier of Victoria

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Greek and Cypriot Community condemn suspension of Kat Theophanous MP in letter to Premier of Victoria

Greek and Cypriot Communities of Melbourne have sent a letter to the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, to oppose the suspension of Kat Theophanous MP from a sub-faction of the Victorian Labor Party.

Northcote MP, Kat Theophanous, was suspended after giving a speech in Victorian Parliament on the Turkish invasion of Cyprus earlier this month, which triggered conflict within the party. 

“It has been 49 years since Turkey invaded Cyprus, illegally seizing and violently occupying 36 per cent of the island, displacing hundreds of thousands of people,” she said.

“I am proudly Cypriot Australian, and this year, along with eight other Hellenic Australian parliamentarians, we passed a resolution at the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association’s general assembly.”

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, 20 Greek and Cypriot Communities of Melbourne are calling for the reversal of the suspension of Ms Theophanous. The letter also includes an appeal to the Premier to confirm the long-standing position of the Victorian Labor Party government in support of Australia’s official position on Cyprus.  

Full Open Letter below:

Dear Premier,

We write to you as numerous Greek and Cypriot Communities of Melbourne to express our deep concern and strong opposition to the reported suspension of Kat Theophanous MP from a significant faction of the Labor Party. 

It is unacceptable for Ms Theophanous to be suspended as punishment for her speech in Parliament on the 49th Anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of 37% of Cyprus. 

The speech was entirely in keeping with United Nations resolutions that call for the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops and a peaceful, just, and viable Cyprus settlement negotiated through United Nations processes. 

The Greek and Cypriot communities form an integral part of Australia with a combined population of more than 500,000, and these matters are deeply felt. 

Ms Theophanous description of the atrocities committed in her mother’s hometown of Asha by Turkish troops are personally felt and are fully documented. She had every right to speak of this in Parliament without being punished for so doing.

It is also worth noting Premier that Ms Theophanous in her speech stated that both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have suffered and that to this day Nicosia tragically remains the world’s last divided capital.

Given what has occurred we call on you Premier to:

  • Confirm the long-standing position of your government in support of Australia’s official position on Cyprus.  
  • Call for the reversal of the suspension of Ms Theophanous. 

Premier, in a modern multicultural nation, it is imperative that citizens and Members of Parliament can speak of generational trauma and deeply felt injustice without being punished for speaking the truth.

We therefore call on you to reaffirm your government’s commitment to freedom of expression and against racial discrimination. We also seek an urgent meeting with you and a delegation of the below signatories to discuss these matters.

Your Sincerely,  

John Christou 

President 

The Community of Cypriots of Northern Suburbs of Melbourne 

On behalf of all organisations and communities listed below:

1. Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria  

2. Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne  

3. SEKA Victoria – Justice for Cyprus

4. Cyprus Greek Community “Apostolos Andreas” Sunshine

5. Greek Cypriot Parent and Youth Club, Sunshine

6. National Union of Greek-Australian Students  

7. Thessaloniki Association “The White Tower”  

8. Zenon Education Centre  

9. Greek-Australian Cultural League of Melbourne 

10. Panarcadian Federation of Victoria 

11. The Greek Community of Oakleigh & Districts  

12. Australian Hellenic Council Federation of Pontian Association of Australia

13. Food for Thought Network Inc 

14. Panepirotic Federation of Australia 

15. Central Pontian Assoc of Melbourne and Victoria (Pontiaki Estia) 

16. The Pontian Community of Melbourne

17. The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commence and Industry (Vic) Inc

18. Creta Brotherhood of Melbourne & Victoria

19. The Hellenic Orthodox Community of Geelong

20. The Greek Elderly Club of Geelong

Paul Nicolaou opposes changes to Sydney’s iconic NYE fireworks

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Paul Nicolaou opposes changes to Sydney’s iconic NYE fireworks

Greek Australian, Business Sydney Executive Director, Paul Nicolaou, says Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks should “be left alone”, as City of Sydney councillors vote to scale back on the show for environmental reasons.

City of Sydney councillors have advocated for changes to the fireworks as they search for environmentally friendly solutions in the war on carbon emissions, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

Mr Nicolaou has discouraged changes to the famous event, as the fireworks bring in “millions to the city and NSW from tourists interstate and around the world.”

Paul Nicolaou opposes changes to Sydney’s iconic NYE fireworks.

A mix of responses from critics and Sydney business owners, have also debated whether the NYE show in Sydney, and Australia, should be should be altered.

“It’s an iconic event for Sydney and Australia. Our fireworks are shown on TV screens across the world,” Mr Nicolaou said.

“This is the one night in Sydney everyone looks forward to. Why do we need to look at alternatives and try to destroy everything we’ve got?

Sydney’s iconic NYE fireworks.

“We’re talking about half an hour at 9pm and 12am once a year,” Mr Nicolaou explains.

Sydney’s Deputy Mayor, Sylvie Ellsmore, said the council has suggested launching a campaign for “creative ideas competition” into the public’s input into reducing the fireworks carbon footprint.

A spokeswoman said the council are “constantly tracking” how the they can improve in “technology to ensure light shows, lasers and drones are considered.”

Thaao Penghlis launching podcast on archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann

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Thaao Penghlis launching podcast on archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann

Well known for his performance on the hit drama Days of Our Lives, Greek Australian Thaao Penghlis is launching a podcast looking at the life of archaeologists Heinrich Schliemann.

The podcast titled ‘Lost Treasures’ is inspired by Schliemann’s documents and diaries, with a clear focus on how the German archaeologist discovered some of the greatest Greek palaces mentioned in Homers The Iliad.

From a young age, Thaao was inspired to unlock the secrets of his Greek ancestors by taking a journey to magnificent sites in Athens, Mycenae, and Troy.

In an interview, Thaao says that his purpose in telling the stories of these lost treasures is to romance my audience and to allow listeners the opportunity to walk in the land of my ancestors.  

Released on September 5, the podcast will include four story chapters, with the first three looking at long hidden documents and diaries, whilst the last is a reading from Penghlis explaining why he wrote the story and what inspired him to do so.  

Source: Digital Journal

Acropolis Museum refutes reports of coin theft at excavation site

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Acropolis Museum refutes reports of coin theft at excavation site

The Acropolis Museum has refuted reports that coins were removed from its excavation site along Dionysiou Areopagitou street in Athens, on Tuesday, August 22, reported Ekathimerini.

Reports suggested five young women visiting the Acropolis Museum, stole coins from the museum’s excavation site, on Tuesday evening.

During this time, a security guard at the Acropolis Museum reportedly observed five young women, including two minors, encroaching upon a museum excavation zone. Allegedly, they removed an undisclosed quantity of coins originating from various countries.

The Acropolis Museum refutes reports coins were stolen from the excavation site in Athens.

The museum administration has rejected the allegations, asserting the security personnel promptly alerted the police and took appropriate legal measures in response to the situation.

A statement issued by the Acropolis Museum conveyed its regret over the propagation of erroneous information, emphasizing the unwarranted amplification of the incident that has led to the creation of inaccurate perceptions.

Source: Ekathimerini

GCM and HMSA express gratitude for community welfare organizations in Melbourne

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GCM and HMSA express gratitude for community welfare organizations in Melbourne

President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, and President of the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia, Marinis Pirpiris, were delighted to host members from Pronia and Fronditha Care at the Greek Centre in Melbourne to present both organizations with a donation.

In a wonderful event hosted last year by the Greek Community of Melbourne and the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia, a Gala fundraising ball was held, as part of the Hellenic Medical Conference, in order to support these two important Hellenic organisations.

Fronditha Care is an award-winning provider in the aged care community and residential care in older Australians with a Greek cultural background and Pronia provides a comprehensive series of ethnospecific support services enabling every member of the community to live their lives in the
way they would like.

Marinis Pirpiris (HMSA), praised both organisations for their dedication to innovations and continuous improvement in their services. He highlighted that Pronia and Fronditha Care play a crucial role in an inclusive sector that values community traditions, cultural practices and personal beliefs.

Ms Elpis Korosidis, President of the Board of Pronia and Ms Tina Douvos Stathopoulos CEO of Pronia accepted the donation on behalf of Pronia. Mr Kosta Livadaras treasurer of Fronditha Care and Faye Spiteri CEO of Fronditha Care accepted donations from the Greek Community of Melbourne and the
Hellenic Medical Society of Australia.

Greek Community of Melbourne and Hellenic Medical Society of Australia host members from Pronia and Fronditha
Care.

The Greek Community of Melbourne expressed gratitude for the vital services provided by these organisations, which address the need for culturally aligned services. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the importance of these organisations in a culturally and linguistically diverse community, the passion and commitment of all present in providing innovative solutions to the many obstacles facing people at different times of their lives was clear.

Mr Papastergiadis noted the value of collaborative events like this one, which promote a shared understanding of issues, needs and potential solutions within the community. Collaborations like this enhance the ability to support and uplift the community as a whole.

The Greek Community of Melbourne are dedicated to continuously supporting Hellenic Welfare Organisations with plans to fundraise for Agapi Care in the early new year.

Wildfires continue as Greece cracks down on arsonists

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Wildfires continue as Greece cracks down on arsonists

Firefighters continue to battle the flames throughout Greece, as Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Minister, Vassilis Kikilias announces on Thursday, acts of arson have added to the devastation in different areas of the country.

For the sixth day, the Alexandroupoli region wildfires have spread throughout homes and forests, causing evacuations of villages and of the city’s hospital.

According to Ekathimerini, the wildfires reached the city of Alexandroupolis in the northeast, in the northwestern fringe of Athens and into Parnitha national park.

The death toll rose to 20 people this week as the fires burn out of control for the second time this summer in Greece.

Greece’s Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Kikilias, said in a televised statement, arsonists are setting fires and are responsible for some of the blazes near Athens.

“Some … arsonists are endangering forests, property and above all human lives,” Mr Kikilias said.

“What is happening is not just unacceptable but despicable and criminal.”

Vassilis Kikilias. Photo: Enimerosi.

Nine fires had been set on Thursday morning in the area of Avlona, in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha, the minister informed the public.

“You are committing a crime against the country,” Kikilias warned. “We will find you. You will be held accountable to justice.”

A 45-year-old man was arrested on Thursday by police on suspicion of arson for allegedly setting fires in the Avlona area, reported Ekathimerini.

Brave farmer determined to bring the animals to safety. Photo: EPA.

Supreme Court Prosecutor of Greece, Georgia Adeilini, launched a combined preliminary inquiry led by the prosecutor of first instance in Alexandroupoli. The investigation will probe the fires in the northeastern Evros region and reported instances of racially motivated violence against migrants.

These incidents have come to light following the tragic demise of 18 individuals in the Dadia forest.

According to Ekathimerini, Greek fire department spokesman, Ioannis Artopios, said in a statement there are 260 firefighters fighting the flames.

EU countries have also stepped in to aid Greece, with firefighters from Bulgaria, Albania, Romania and Czech helping with the Alexandroupoli fires.

Source: Ekathimerini

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