Cove Bar & Grill at Sharks at Kareela in Sydney have claimed a third consecutive regional win in the Clubs NSW Perfect Plate awards thanks to its well-known Greek dish, Prawn Saganaki.
Club diners were the judges of the awards over five weeks, giving a score out of five for a special competition dish.
The restaurant has served its popular Prawn Saganaki since it’s opening in 2017. It’s been created by head chef Anita Lisson.
Sharks at Kareela contract-caterer, Gina Louloudakis, said the dish is an old favourite and the restaurant served at least 20 to 30 portions a day.
“At one stage we were thinking of taking it off the menu to change things up, and there was an uproar. It turned out it was a favourite dish for many of our customers, so by popular demand has remained on the menu,” Ms Louloudakis said.
Ms Louloudakis added that the team was “thrilled” to win for three consecutive years.
NSW Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos will not be renominating for the role at the union’s upcoming elections this year, the CBD has reported.
According to the report, Gavrielatos has anointed deputy president Henry Rajendra as his replacement, and Amber Flohm and Natasha Watt as deputy and senior vice president.
Public school teachers in NSW have been calling for fair pay.
The ballot for the elections open on August 16 and close on September 20, with others expected to nominate themselves as well.
Gavrielatos’ decision to stand down comes after he played a significant role in education politics at state and federal level for 20 years.
Most recently, the Greek Australian was hoping to strike a deal with the NSW Government over a promised pay rise for teachers, but these negotiations fell through last month.
A total of 17 Croatian nationals were apprehended across three different locations in Greece on Tuesday due to their alleged involvement in violent clashes between fans of AEK Athens and Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb on Monday.
A 29-year-old Greek fan was killed in the clashes, while eight fans were injured.
Amateur video of the incident showed chaotic scenes, with fans hurling flares and petrol bombs and clashing with wooden bats.
Greek police said on Tuesday they had made 88 arrests, mostly of Croatian supporters. Seven Greek police officers were also suspended pending an internal investigation, government officials said. A senior public prosecutor launched an official inquiry into the deadly clashes.
The scene of the crime. Photo: AMNA.
Fans gathered at the site of the fan’s death- on Tuesday, leaving flowers, church candles and black-and-yellow AEK soccer scarves at the makeshift roadside shrine. Players from AEK, which won the Greek league last season, also visited the site.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic called his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis to express his condemnation of the violence, with the Croatian government describing the clashes as “horrific.”
In response to the clashes, European football governing body UEFA also decided to postpone a Champions League qualifying game between AEK Athens and Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
UEFA deplores in the strongest possible terms the appalling incidents that took place in Athens last night and resulted in the loss of a life.
Tonight's match between AEK Athens FC and GNK Dinamo will be postponed.
“UEFA deplores in the strongest possible terms the appalling incidents that took place in Athens last night and resulted in the loss of a life,” it said in a statement.
UEFA said what was going to be the second leg in Zagreb next Wednesday will now be the first leg. The second leg will be held in Athens on Friday 18th or Saturday 19th.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip or getting ready to head off on your own adventure, you’ve come to the right place.
Yeah sure, you’ve heard of Mykonos and Santorini, but if you’re looking for something a little more authentic for your next trip to Greece, four Greeks of the diaspora tell The Greek Herald all about their favourite and perhaps lesser-known spots around the country.
Angelo Tsarouchas – Comedian:
Canadian-born comedian Angelo has been back to Greece many times for gigs and for personal pleasure. He even hosted his own ‘World Dafni Day 2019’ in his father’s hometown just outside of Sparta.
Having visited Sparta so frequently, he now likes to “pick one or two new places every time” he returns.
Angelo and his daughter.
“If I’m not doing shows I go to Athens. I love Athens. I have a theia that lives in Drapetsona, just by Piraeus. Lately Thessaloniki has become my new vice because it’s a bit more ‘undiscovered’,” he says.
“But can you go wrong anywhere in Greece? I always tell people everyone should go to Greece once in their life.”
Angelo makes a point of staying in Athens for at least three or four days each time he heads back to Greece, explaining that often the city is misunderstood by tourists.
Angelo performing in Santorini.
“I think Athens gets a bad rap. They tend to compare the city with the Greek islands. It’s two different experiences. When you really get to know the neighbourhoods in Athens, it’s a cool city. You can head to Kifisia and Kolonaki. Recently I stayed in Omonia where they fixed up the hotel by the Marriot and the old school psistaria. We went there for dinner too, the food was incredible,” he explains.
Above all, Greece has a special place in Angelo’s heart and in his own words, all Greeks of the diaspora are “ambassadors of Greece.”
“Canada is my birthplace, but when I go to Greece it’s a different euphoria, it’s like home,” he says.
Elena Diamantopoulos – DJ:
Memories of Greece are incredibly fresh in Elena’s mind, having just passed through on her European travels. The Melbourne based deejay, known as Syrup-E, detailed her new discoveries from her hotel in Amsterdam.
“Up until recently my nonna was living in Galatas which is across from the island of Poros. Last time I came I stayed with her, which was amazing. It was on the less touristy side and you’d take a minute’s boat ride across,” Elena says.
Elena in Greece.
“This year we went to Karpathos. I have a friend who lives there now and she drove us around the whole island. There’s a lot of very secluded beaches. It’s definitely an island with more terrain, where you need a car to get around but it’s beautiful.”
When on foot, Elena was able to dig deeper into the little towns, enamoured by the people and surroundings.
“Olympos was an interesting little town, it’s near the north part of the island. Everyone is still dressed in traditional clothes, it’s very colourful, it’s like you’ve been brought back however many years,” she remembers.
Calypso Gorge.
If, however, you’ve had enough of beaches, Elena suggests one of the most magical hikes you can go on located just outside of Larissa.
“You start by Kokkino Nero, and if you keep walking up the mountain there are a lot of different spots. We went to the Calypso Gorge and that was one of the most beautiful trails I’ve ever walked in Greece. I’ve done Meteora and Mount Olympus but this was something unique,” she says.
“You’re almost walking through a creepy looking forest space and all of a sudden you come into this area with massive waterfalls, colourful dragonflies and crystal clear water. It looks like it’s out of a fairytale.”
Eleni Veros – Architect:
Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, Californian architect Eleni had been going to Greece every year for the summer.
“I always go to Mytilene. My dad was born in Kalloni, Lesvos, and we have a little house just outside of the town of Parakoila,” Eleni says.
Eleni Veros and her dad.Olive groves on Lesvos.
“Even though I go back every year, I will always find a beach, a town or place that’s new. You’ll find that little restaurant with that one shirtless old man sitting there, and you’ll show up, no one else will be around. And he’ll just go back and tell his wife to start cooking and she will make the most incredible spread.”
One of Eleni’s top recommendations is just by the coast, offering everything from history to humble eats and luxury travel.
“You have to visit Molyvos and catch the sunset up by the castle that sits at the top of the mountain there,” she says.
“There’s also this incredible beach called Melinda. It’s one of those spots where almost no one’s ever seen. It’s so pretty and has this giant rock that you can jump off of in the middle of the water, similar to the other more popular parts of the island like Eressos, but it’s just a little quieter.”
Elias Kosmidis – Podcaster & Filmmaker:
The Great Greeks Podcast host tries to go back to Greece as much as possible. Based in South Australia, Elias also has a penchant for Athens but has been trekking other regions.
“I visit Crete, specifically Chania and Rethymno, as I have family there. But also, Macedonia near a town called Giannitsa. Both places are different in many ways but Cretan hospitality, their passionate emotions and the Macedonian food are most unique,” Elias says.
Elias in Athens.
In between catching a couple of shows at the theatre and visiting the museums, Elias also participates in one of the most common Greek pastimes: people watching.
“This may sound a little strange but I love to observe the locals, how they interact with each other, how they spend their time and most importantly how they enjoy themselves. I find Greeks fascinating to watch. But I also enjoy the food and music so I try to immerse myself in those two things as much as possible,” he says.
Elias in Crete.
Much like Angelo, he has his own personal and special connection to his family’s origins.
“When I’m there I feel a sense of belonging. I feel as though I am where I am supposed to be, with my people, walking on the soil of my ancestors who fought for that land,” Elias concludes.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has decided to bring in Mark Philippoussis to replace his father as head coach, just months after parting ways with the Greek Australian.
Philippoussis is taking the lead on coaching the Greek, while the 24-year-old’s father, Apostolos, is taking a break.
“My father right now, I gave him some time off. He hasn’t had time off since I’m 12 years old,” Tsitsipas said in his pre-tournament press conference at the Toronto Masters on Monday.
“I think for him, it’s very healthy to take some time away from the court and feel refreshed again.
“I love him and I want him to be part of that journey that we have built together, and he’s not going anywhere. He’s still with us, and he’s still there following our path and journey.”
Mark Philippoussis (left) has replaced Apostolos Tsitsipas (right) as coach of his son Stefanos (centre). Photo: AP Photo.
Philippousis, a former Wimbledon and US Open finalist, initially joined Tsitsipas’ coaches’ box in the second half of last season. Tsitsipas had been in career-best form with Philippoussis in his box, including making the final the Australian Open in January.
Philippousis was also with Tsitsipas in Los Cabos last week when the 24-year-old beat Australian star Alex de Minaur in the final to claim his 10th ATP Tour title.
“Mark is a parent himself,” Tsitsipas said when asked about his head coach decision.
“He’s not my father, but he’s been through a lot of moments in his own personal career that he can identify and capture better in certain ways… he’s a big addition to our team.”
The Greek Language Institute of the Centre for Research and Innovation “TIMENOS” of the University of Western Macedonia, the Education Office of the Greek Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Modern Greek Studies Programme of the Department of MCCALL (Media, Communication, Creative Arts, Language and Literature) of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, are co-organising the second Online Conference on: “Modern practices in the teaching of Greek as a second/foreign language.”
The Conference will take place online on the 27 and 28 of January 2024, to coincide with the celebration of World Greek Language Day.
The Conference is an event for academics, PhD candidates and post-graduate students in a research area related to the topics of the Conference, for graduates of the Departments of Education and Greek Philology, and generally, for all those who are involved in the teaching of Greek as a second/foreign language.
It also targets teachers of the Greek language as a second/foreign language who teach abroad, Greek-speaking schools and teachers who teach the Greek language to students who are culturally diverse (from migrant and refugee backgrounds) within Greece.
More information (regarding the submission of abstracts and the key topics) can be found on the conference website: https://languageconference.web.uowm.gr
Eleni Griva, Professor of Applied Linguistics from the Pedagogical Department of Primary Education and Director of the Institute of the Greek Language of the UOWM, stated that language teaching is a continuously evolving process, in line with the radically changing educational conditions and is adapted to the modern needs of students and teachers.
Presentations will focus on issues and challenges regarding Greek language teaching within Greece and in the diaspora and modern pedagogical approaches and teaching practises.
Flyer for the second Online Conference on: “Modern practices in the teaching of Greek as a second/foreign language.”
The two-day conference is another innovative partnership between the University of Western Macedonia, the Education Office of Johannesburg and the Modern Greek Studies Program of Macquarie University, signalling the ear of future constructive collaborations with Dr Georgios Vlachos and Dr Patricia Koromvokis.
The Education Coordinator of the Greek Consulate in Johannesburg, Dr Georgios Vlachos, stated that the conference will focus, inter alia, on the development of research in current practices and approaches of teaching Greek as a second/foreign language. Educational material and digital media will also be presented which, through their adoption and implementation, will contribute to the better teaching quality of Greek as a second/foreign language.
The collaboration between the Education Office in Johannesburg and the two universities, the University of Western Macedonia with Professor Eleni Griva and Macquarie University with Dr Patricia Koromvokis, in addition to the presence of academics as keynote speakers and to the presentations of Greek language educators, will result in the greatest possible benefits for the teaching of Modern Greek as second/foreign language.
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer and Director of the Program of Modern Greek Studies at Macquarie University, stated that the international collaboration with Professor Eleni Griva and Dr Georgios Vlachos will play a key role in the effective reform and modernisation of the learning and teaching of Greek language in the diaspora of Australia, always aligned with the contemporary language needs of students and the urgent need for professional development of the teachers.
On this day in 1963, legendary English rock band, The Beatles, sang The Honeymoon Song – a piece of music written by Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.
The Honeymoon Song was initially written by Theodorakis and William Sansom for the 1959 Spanish film, Honeymoon (Luna de Miel). The theme song was performed by Marino Marini and his quartet.
A few years later in 1963, Paul McCartney from The Beatles heard Marini’s performance, liked it and suggested the band record Theodorakis’ song for the BBC radio show Pop Go The Beatles.
The song was recorded at the BBC studios in London, the United Kingdom on July 16, 1963 and featured: McCartney on the vocals and bass, John Lennon and George Harrison on the guitar, and Ringo Starr playing the drums.
The Beatles’ version of the song was later broadcast on the airwaves on August 8 that year and remained on the BBC shelves until November 30, 1994, when it was included on the album ‘The Beatles: Live at the BBC.’
Sam Klementou is the owner of Sammy’s Fish and Chippery in Collinswood, South Australia, and he told The Advertiserhe is at his wit’s end after receiving dozens of “nasty” prank calls every day for the past three years.
Mr Klementou said he has lost more than $20,000 to fake food orders after receiving up to 60 prank phone calls a day from teenagers. Accepting payment over the phone does not work either, he said.
“It’s impossible to run a business and getting those fake calls,” Mr Klementou told The Advertiser.
Sammy’s Fish and Chippery.
The shop owner said in “90 per cent” of instances he was forced to throw the food away, while the other 10 per cent was donated to the local homeless people.
SA Police said it had investigated the nuisance calls last year, however, “no suspects have been identified.”
“If the victim or anyone has further information or any suspects in relation to any of these incidents, they are encouraged to contact police,” a SA Police spokeswoman said.
Mr Klementou is now looking at developing an app to bypass phone calls altogether.
Transgender actress Zoe Terakes has spoken out after their breakout Australian horror film Talk To Me was banned in Kuwait because of their gender identity.
Terakes, who identifies as non-binary and trans masculine, plays a student hosting a seance in the film.
“This isn’t the first film Kuwait has banned. If there are queer or trans themes in your film, it’s probably not going to make it to the Gulf,” Terakes said.
“But, our film doesn’t have queer themes, (it) doesn’t ever mention my transness or queerness. I am a trans actor who happened to get the role. I’m not a theme. I’m a person.”
Terakes said the banning, due to their identity alone, was “a first” for the Middle Eastern nation and set an alarming precedent.
“My heart breaks for the trans people and queer people of Kuwait who have so few places to look,” they said.
The banning is only the latest in a string of high-profile films to be refused release in the Middle East, where LGBTQ rights are often curtailed.
