In 2024, Neos Kosmos marked a year of achievements, challenges, and growth for the Greek Australian Diaspora. From standout moments in sports and political battles to scientific triumphs and the weight of loss, 2024 underscored our community’s significant impact on Australia as well as on Greece. We celebrate the rise of new leaders, the academic successes of our young people, and the exciting creativity that shape our identity, while also recognising the struggles that have tested us and our two nations, Australia and Greece. Join us as we look back on the stories that have defined this year for our community, as told through the pages of Neos Kosmos.

December highlights:

Teen cricket prodigy Sam Konstas made headlines with a spectacular Boxing Day Test debut, scoring 60 off 65 balls at the MCG against India. His performance helped Australia secure a thrilling victory in the fourth test, signaling a sterling future for this prodige.

Neos Kosmos‘ final print edition of 2024 featured the appointment of Nick Staikos as Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs and Local Government.

Staikos reflected on his immigrant roots, noting, “When my family arrived at Princess Pier in the 1960s, they could never have imagined this

moment,” as he continues his rise in Victorian politics.

Greek Australian students excelled in the 2024 ATAR rankings, with top achievers including Alyssa Vais (99.6), Aidan Psomas (99.8), and Dimitri Gasis (98.9). Their successes continue to inspire Greek Australian youth, showcasing the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving academic excellence.

November highlights:

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) recently held an Extraordinary Special Meeting to vote on reunification with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA). Although 61 per cent of members voted in favour of the motion, it failed to meet the 75 per cent threshold needed for approval. GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos remains optimistic, reaffirming their commitment to unity despite the outcome.

The Oakleigh Glendi Festival in Melbourne returned in full force, offering a weekend of traditional Greek food, dance, and live performances. It was a celebration that not only honored Greek heritage but also welcomed the broader community to experience and embrace Greek culture.

October highlights:

The Australian visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was a momentous occasion for the Greek Orthodox community. During a divine liturgy held at Margaret Court Arena, the Patriarch celebrated the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised the enduring strength and contributions of the Greek Orthodox community in Australia. The highlight of the visit was the grand parade at KIA Arena, which included the presence of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The Patriarch’s words reinforced the importance of unity and resilience among diaspora communities.

In the field of science, Greek Australian Professor Athanasios Christopoulos made significant advancements in the treatment of schizophrenia. His ground-breaking research led to the development of Cobenfy, a new antipsychotic drug. This potential treatment targets a different brain chemical, offering hope to patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

September highlights:

The local council elections in New South Wales and Victoria saw a record number of Greek Australian candidates, with over 60 vying for positions. Notable candidates included AFL legend Anthony Koutoufides, who ran for Lord Mayor of Melbourne, and Helen Politis, who secured a seat in Merri-bek. These elections marked a significant moment in Greek Australian political representation.

In sad news, Melbourne’s beloved pastry shop, International Cakes, closed its doors after 55 years. A fixture in the Greek community, the family-owned

business was known for its delicious Greek pastries and sweets, and its closure left a void in the hearts of many loyal customers.

The passing of actor Lex Marinos after a long battle with leukemia also saddened the arts community. Marinos, known for his work on Australian television and in theatre, was celebrated for his contributions to the arts and his support of cultural diversity.

August highlights:

The devastating fires in Greece, which have affected thousands of lives, were a focal point of Neos Kosmos‘ coverage in August. The fires in Attica have led to the destruction of 10,000 hectares of land and more than 100 homes. Many Greek Australians shared their heartbreak and concern, with some pointing to illegal construction and climate change as major contributing factors to the disaster.

The Greek Australian community has rallied to support relief efforts, sending donations and aid to those affected.

Dr. Steven Petratos, a Greek Australian scientist, made international headlines for his pioneering work in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. His clinical trial of a new drug has shown great promise in halting MS progression, providing hope to patients suffering from this debilitating disease.

July highlights:

Greek Australians marked the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus with a series of commemoration events, protests, and reflections on the ongoing division of the island. The anniversary sparked renewed calls for justice and for the reunification of Cyprus.

In sports, Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected to be a flag bearer for Greece at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, alongside Olympic gold medallist Antigoni Drisbioti. Their selection highlighted Greece’s strong sporting tradition and the pride felt by Greek Australians who look up to these athletes as symbols of achievement and national pride.

June highlights:

In June, Olympiacos made history by becoming the first Greek football club to win a European title. Their triumph over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final was a proud moment for Greek sports fans and an affirmation of the rising prominence of Greek football on the European stage.

Another significant moment in modern Greek history was the identification of 18 victims of Nazi executions in Crete, 83 years after their deaths. DNA analysis helped identify the victims, whose remains were uncovered during an archaeological project. A ceremony held on June 2 in their honour was attended by descendants of the victims, who expressed deep gratitude for the recognition of their ancestors’ sacrifice.

May highlights:

A major story in May focused on the Greek voting rights issue in Australia. The 2019 voting law, which requires Greek citizens living abroad to register in person at consulates, led to fewer than 200 Greek Australians registering to vote in Greece’s elections. Critics argue that this law is restrictive and prevents many Greek Australians from having a say in their country’s political future.

In a notable profile, Nicholas Pappas AM, a Sydney-based lawyer and polymath, was recognized for his work in reshaping the narrative of Australia’s Greek Diaspora. Pappas, who has been a key figure in supporting the South Sydney Rabbitohs and The Hellenic Initiative Australia, discussed how his career straddles law, sports, and philanthropy, making a lasting impact on both Greek and Australian communities.

April highlights:

Greek National Day on March 25, commemorating the 1821 Greek War of Independence, was celebrated in Canberra with speeches from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos. The celebrations were an opportunity for the Greek community to reflect on their contributions to Australia while also celebrating their rich cultural heritage.

Another significant event was the participation of the Greek Presidential Guard, the Evzones, in the Anzac Day services across Melbourne. The Evzones’ ceremonial presence highlighted the long-standing ties between Greece and Australia and paid tribute to the shared history of the two nations, particularly during the WWI Gallipoli campaign.

March highlights:

March 25 marked Greek National Day, and Neos Kosmos participated in a major celebration at Parliament House, where Australian parliamentary leaders came together to honour the history and culture of Greece.

Amid rising concerns over the decline of VCE Greek language enrolments, educational advocates called for a more unified approach to preserve Greek language education in Australia. The issue has prompted a broader debate about the importance of maintaining heritage languages within the diaspora community.

February highlights:

February saw a series of successful Greek cultural festivals take place across Australia. The Antipodes Festival in Melbourne, featuring bands like Xylourakia and the Smoking Figs, was one of the highlights of the month, showcasing the vibrancy of Greek music and culture.

Festival Hellenika in Adelaide also made waves with a production by the National Theatre of Greece, reinforcing the cultural exchange between Greece and Australia.

January highlights:

In January, thousands of Hellenes celebrated Theophania across Australia, with record-breaking attendance.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented a bill aimed at legalising same-sex marriage, challenging traditional cultural norms in Greece. This landmark legislation sparked debate both within Greece and among Greek communities worldwide.

In the Australia Day Honours, the contributions of the Greek community were recognised, with 14 individuals receiving prestigious awards for their service across various sectors, from education and medicine to community development and business.