The termination of our publication after 40 years marks the end of an era. While it is undoubtedly a sombre moment, it is essential to recognize the profound impact our publication has had on readers throughout its existence. The changing media landscape, declining readership, and financial constraints have collectively contributed to this decision. As we bid farewell to our publication, we must embrace the lessons learned, be grateful for the organisations and their members we met along this journey and treasure the friends and people we connected with during our struggles and wins.
I want to seize this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to our sponsors and unwavering supporters, St. Basils Nursing Homes NSW and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW. I am immensely grateful to Mr. James Jordan and Mr. Harry Danalis, along with their esteemed Board of Directors, for their invaluable contributions.
Your unwavering support towards our publication holds immense significance and has played a vital role in ensuring that our beloved elderly community members had access to our newspaper every single week. Your generosity has made a profound impact, allowing us to keep our elderly community connected and informed.
After 13 years as the publisher, I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with extraordinary journalists, connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and foster meaningful relationships that have enriched my life.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise those, past and present, who have contributed and enriched this publication.
George Messaris
Anna Arsenis
Gregory Chronopoulos – deceased
George Athanasiadis – deceased
Chris Belerhas
George Mpliokas with the last copy of Kosmos newspaper. “The end of the Kosmos has been described as our community pruning one of its branches. In its final years, it was sickly and a shadow of itself, but with every season came the hope of renewal and rebirth. The end is an uprooting, leaving a hole in the earth, an essence without roots to keep its form,” he said. Photo: Supplied
I would like to extend a heartfelt and distinguished thank you to our esteemed former Chief editor, George Hatzivassilis, who has recently retired. This remarkable individual embodies the true essence of a gentleman, leaving an indelible mark on all those who have had the privilege of knowing him. George’s unwavering journalistic integrity has earned the respect and admiration of ecclesiastical hierarchs, politicians, and numerous esteemed community leaders. As one of the founding members of this publication, he has been a steadfast pillar of strength and a source of inspiration for our entire staff, including myself.
Furthermore, we would like to express our deep gratitude and recognition to Spiro Mantzoukis for his unwavering dedication and patience in the face of our ongoing challenges. Spiro’s commitment to meeting deadlines with unwavering diligence is truly commendable. However, it is his unwavering loyalty and unwavering commitment to our publication that truly sets him apart. We are immensely grateful for his invaluable contributions and steadfast support.
Last but not least – I would like to dedicate this last edition to Yianni Dramitinos, as a special tribute to him as our esteemed Chief Editor and dear friend to me.
For more than a decade, Yianni has poured his heart and soul into this publication, becoming an integral part of O KOSMOS. His unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, his sharp critical thinking, and his unique writing style have elevated both himself and the newspaper above all others.
Yianni’s unwavering loyalty to this publication has made him a true symbol of strength and inspiration, not only to me but to all who have had the privilege of working alongside him. His dedication and passion have been unwavering, and his friendship has been invaluable.
I am fully aware of the sacrifices Yianni has made and the challenges he has faced throughout his journey. Yet, he has always risen above them with the utmost grace and the highest virtues of journalistic integrity. His unwavering commitment to delivering the truth and providing a platform for meaningful discourse has been truly remarkable.
It is impossible to quantify the value of Yianni’s loyalty and friendship. He has been a guiding light, a mentor, and a source of unwavering support. As we bid farewell to this chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to Yiannis Dramitinos for his immeasurable contributions to O KOSMOS and for leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
Thank you, Yianni, for your unwavering dedication, your exceptional talent, and your unwavering friendship. Your legacy will forever be cherished within the pages of O KOSMOS.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my heartfelt well wishes to everyone and express my gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared together. The friendships that have been forged along the way are truly invaluable, and I am grateful for each and every one of them.
As I reflect on this journey, I can honestly say that I have NO REGRETS. Instead, my heart is filled with beautiful memories, adorned with the faces of remarkable individuals who have touched my life. Even those who may have been angered by a particular stance we took on an issue, I want to express my gratitude to you as well. Though we may have seen different sides of the coin, we were united by a shared cause. Your presence and perspectives have become an integral part of my journey and the memories I hold dear from my time with the paper.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible adventure. Your support, criticism, and camaraderie have shaped this publication and made it what it is today. As we part ways, I wish each and every one of you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.
May our paths cross again, and may the memories we have created together continue to inspire and uplift us. Farewell, and thank you for being a part of this remarkable chapter in our lives.
