OPA! Magazine - Issue 2

HIS ONLY AUS INTERVIEW!

INTRODUCING OUR

‘FASHIONISTA’ THE SOUNDS OF THE MUSE AT THE HELLENIC MUSEUM

PAUL LEKAKIS STILL WANTS TO

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www.bardot.com.au

MANY CULTURES. ONE LANGUAGE. THE AFL MULTICULTURAL PROGRAM HELPS MIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES ACCESS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL. ITS AIM IS TO INFLUENCE MAINSTREAM AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL CLUBS TO EMBRACE MULTICULTURAL DIVERSITY. www.afl.com.au

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> ISSUE 02 PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

Steve Agi

CHRIS BINOS Chris Binos is proud to call himself a Greek. “You can say that I’m proud to call myself a Greek. Born and raised in Melbourne, you would think that thongs and beer was my thing, but having real Greek parents, with traditional values, a million cousins with the same first name and a strong love for tzatziki, I was brought up the typical Greek way, eating everything on my plate and putting on skivvy’s in 40 degree heat.”

editor@opamagazine.com.au

FEATURES EDITOR

Chris Binos

chris@opamagazine.com.au

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mike Sweet

mike@opamagazine.com.au

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING

Dean Georgio

DEAN GEORGIO With a strong background in marketing and sales, Dean knows what it takes to create those special relationships with clients. “I am an individual who is driven by passion, I like to inspire and to be inspired, I joined OPA! to be part of something that is rewarding where I can re-connect with my heritage and to re-indentify myself. I believe OPA! magazine offers us the chance to document the past and influence the future.

dean@opamagazine.com.au

DESIGN + PRODUCTION

WeMakeMagazines

www.wemakemagazines.com.au

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Christopher Meyer

production@opamagazine.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY Ching Foong (cover)

NICK HATZOGLOU Nick Hatzoglou is an Australian with Greek heritage who has a passion for a Multicultural Australia that embraces and gives opportunities to all people from all cultural backgrounds. As the Multicultural Coordinator for the

Raymond Korn Paul Osta Panos Photography John Raptis Ephrem Zarris

Australian Football League and AFL Victoria, Nick brings Australian football closer to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

CONTRIBUTORS Betty, Eleni & Samantha Bakopoulos, Chris Binos, Dean Georgio, Mr. Joshua, Ange T. Kenos, Theo Kostoglou, The Honourable Nick Kotsiras, DJ Krazy Kon, Chris Macheras, Niko Mavro, Nick Mylonas, John Pandazopoulos, Bill Papastergiadis, Jaqui Preketes, Dean Psaros, James Razos, John Sakellaris,

MIKE SWEET Mike Sweet was born in Wales and raised in the UK. A widely published journalist and television documentary producer, Mike has

Mike Sweet, Penelope Tsaldari

MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 406 ALBERT PARK VIC 3206

worked for the BBC, the ABC, the Age, The Australian, Neos Kosmos and written for Greece’s leading English language titles. Mike’s passion for Greece, its history, traditions and culture are the perfect combination for his role as OPA! Magazine’s Contributing Editor.

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PENELOPE TSALDARI P. Tsaldari & Gabriella are there to provide a great food service tutorial as well as service training and coaching. “We inspire positive aspects of serving food and beverages, by promoting and fostering an “Atticus Finch” code of work ethics. Meaning, work right! Our blog is meant to “stir things up” and get the creative juices flowing.” It is this sort of passion and attention to detail that she brings with her to OPA! Magazine.

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ARTICLES All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

COPYRIGHT Opa! Magazine is owned and published by Caffiend Enterprises. All material in OPA! Magazine is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher.

The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Caffiend Enterprises will not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in OPA! Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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WELCOME

BABYLONIA Greece is only a gift away with this beautifully hand crafted collection.

Designed around a series of signs and symbols, each BABYLONIA piece is designed to be given, received and worn with good intention.

What’s your Symbol?

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IA SAS once again and thank you. Obviously you have heard the voice, the call, the need to join this united expression of a new generation. This is only step one; there is so much more to do, so much work ahead, but I’m sure together we will make it happen.

Let me firstly say a big thank you and a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, to all of you!

Not only for delivering a world class event last month at the ANTIPODES FESTIVAL that was reported around the country and around the world, but for showing us all that Greeks do it better and when they want to, they can have a united voice.

Give yourselves a pat on the back. You are all beautiful people and the reason why Australia, this multicultural paradise we call home, is such an amazing place, so unique and special.

On a personal note I must thank the entire GOCMV board, the Antipodes committee and specifically president Bill Papastergiadis who has embraced the OPA! concept and our vision of creating a new voice through the magazine.

We have only just begun. This is the beginning of a new journey, which I promise you will include and be representative of every single one of you.

I encourage you to keep up the feedback and your letters. Send me your thoughts, requests and suggestions at editor@opamagazine.com.au I urge you one and all to support the community and what it represents.

Membership should be your first priority to become a part of something which we can all be proud of and which leaves a rich legacy for generations to come. For more information go to: www.greekcommunity.com.au It makes me proud to look at the content in this second issue of OPA! Magazine. It’s great to engage with organisations like FRONDITHA, NUGAS and HACCI. It’s amazing to have the exclusive story, photos and interview with Thanos Petrelis during his recent Australian tour, as well as to be able to report on so much exciting news, like the GOCMV’s push to open the new Cultural Centre and the new multi-purpose hall at Alphington Grammar such an generous gift given by Mr Nick Andrianakos.

Issue 2 sees Mike Sweet, just returned from living in Greece, join us as Contributing Editor. Mike will be writing regularly for OPA! and bringing his extensive experience as a journalist in Greece and Australia to help realise OPA! Magazine’s vision. We also welcome Greek American singer Paul Lekakis, the team at RAKIS on Collins, the eclectic crew at Bardot and the AFL to our pages.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; OPA! Magazine is your magazine. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Live it. It’s all about delivering a publication that we can all be proud of, a world class magazine that is the voice of a new generation.

CONTENTS FEATURES

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ANTIPODES 2011

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THANOS PETRELIS

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SOUNDS OF THE MUSE

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TRIBUTE TRAGICS

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PAUL LEKAKIS

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JOHNNY SORRENTO’S

ESTELLE MICHAELIDIS

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CONTENTS REGULARS

12 PRAGMATA/STUFF

70 ODIGOS/CARS

14 NEA/NEWS – ANTIPODES 2011

73 NUGAS

19 KINOTITA/COMMUNITY Alphington

74 KULTURA/CULTURE George Tzikas

20 CINEMANIA with Mr Joshua

76 KULTURA/CULTURE Tom Petsinis’ mezedes and memories

22 MUSIKI with DJ KRAZY KON 24 THANOS PETRELIS 30 IN THE KOUZINA with Theo

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

32 KALI OREXI/EATS Stalactites – A Melbourne Icon

79 FASHIONISTA/FASHION Gia Sas Ginaikes 80 TRIBUTE TRAGICS 83 TREND UPDATE by Bardot 88 MODA/STYLE Hattrick

37 SERVE ME WELL

90 ABOUT TOWN WITH OPA!

38 MY KAFE/COFFEE BREAK SBS goes Aspro Ble

92 KULTURA/CULTURE Boom Boom Boom with Paul Lekakis

41 KALI OREXI/EATS Johnny Sorrento’s doin’ the twist.

95 IN THE CLUB WITH OPA!

44 TAXIDI/TRAVEL Dubai 48 SOUNDS OF THE MUSE at the Hellenic Museum 51 HACCI It’s time to GO GREEK!

98 IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME The final word

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ALEXANDER’S OATH

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TREND UPDATE

52 POLITIKI/POLITICS Multiculturalism in Australia 53 ISTORIA/HISTORY Alexander’s OATH 56 EKLISIA/FAITH The Lenten Journey 58 EKLISIA/FAITH Cracking the Easter Egg 60 KINOTITA/COMMUNITY The new Cultural Centre – A tower of Strength 62 KINOTITA/COMMUNITY Fronditha Care 64 ATHLITICA/GAME ON The colors of the AFL’s rainbow…

66 ATHLITICA/GAME ON The Hawthorn Spartans 68 PSARAS/FISHING Bardot designers bring you the hottest looks and trends every month

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

THE INSPIRATION

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PRAGMATA STUFF

POWER BALANCE BANDS

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Power Balance™. Created by athletes for athletes. www.powerbalance.com

MATT CLARK – THE PRODUCE CHEF

BOBBLE WATER BOTTLE

We all love drinking bottled water, in fact we seem to be obsessed by the convenience of it, but unfortunately this doesn’t lead to a sustainable future.

Bobble makes water better.

A revolutionary product that takes care of the planet, keeps your body hydrated, your wallet fat and your taste buds satisfied, all while looking good doing it. www.waterbobble.com

Matt Clark is a passionate Queensland based chef whose experience has been gained working for a vast selection of 5 star resorts, hotels, restaurants and catering companies.

After travelling through Europe, the UK and working in many parts of Australia, Matt has developed his own cuisine. Using interesting and unusual ingredients, this book shows you how to cook those strange and exciting products that you always wondered about, while adding some modern versions of old favourites.

Containing almost 200 pages, the recipes range from mouth-watering desserts to creative canapés; from stunning entrees to refreshing beverages with everything in between This book is a must for anyone that has that little itch to try something new and exciting. Greek? I think not! Exciting and new? Definitely! www.culinarymadness.webs.com

SUE SENSI

Sue Sensi jewelry is worn to bring the wearer love, protection, history, faith and peace…

Each design features a small eye charm…paying homage to an Ancient Greek tradition that has lasted for thousands of years, it is believed that if the eye charm falls off it has protected the wearer from negative energy. Sue Sensi jewelry is filled with positive energy and passes it on to those who wear it.

The Featured ‘Protected bracelet’ - RRP $45 www.suesensi.com

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EASTER FROM THE MASTERS OF CHOCOLATE The Mr Humpty Collections are the most sublime, cool, vibrant and smooth unique taste sensations.

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Along with this selection of Easter chocolates, you’re sure to find something for even the most refined palate at The Chocolate Master, where chocolate is the voice of passion and love.

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NEA

NEWS

S E D O IP

T 1 1 0 N A TIVAL 2

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The term ‘antipodes’ comes from the Greek ἀντίποδες, which is derived from the root anti‘opposed’ and podi ‘foot’

AST MONTH, the Greek Orthodox community of Melbourne and Victoria showed the country and the rest of the world, just why melbourne’s Glendi Festival is regarded as the biggest, most dynamic, Greek festival outside of Greece.

The term antipodes comes from the Greek ἀντίποδες, which is derived from the root anti“opposed” and podi “foot”. It literally means any place on Earth that is the point on the Earth’s surface which is diametrically opposite to it.

Two points that are antipodal to one another are connected by a straight line running through the center of the Earth. It is a unique concept and it puts into context what we mean when we say that Australia is the Antipodes of Greece; geographically opposite.

With the timing of this year’s festival coinciding with the onset of the Orthodox Church’s Lenten fast, the Glendi took on an “Apokreas” theme, with a carnival type atmosphere that set the scene for the biggest street party Melbourne had ever seen.

It was a historic moment; the community consciously working closely with the Greek Orthodox Church for the first time as far as the timing went. It heralded a new feeling of cooperation and unity amongst the Greeks of Melbourne.

Even the normally unpredictable Melbourne weather decided to work in unison with the Greek community and chose to shine down on the event and really make it something memorable for the tens of thousands of people in attendance, the hundreds of stall holders and volunteers, and the officials and dignitaries who joined in the carnival atmosphere and made the 2011 GLENDI something so much more than just a street party.

It was an incredible feeling to be a part of such an event, to witness the stars of Greece and the most amazing local talent showing us all how to party Greek style - OPA!

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NEA

NEWS

“Nowhere in the Diaspora was Hellenism more evident than it was in Melbourne during the two day Antipodes Glandi Festival, and nowhere in the world did the beat of Greek hearts strike a chord as deep as they did in Melbourne that weekend, with what is now considered to be the largest Greek Festival outside of Greece. For two days, many Melbournians experienced authentic Greek food, culture, music and dance in a carnival environment which took over the Melbourne city centre.

Antipodes, the cultural arm of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, produced this year’s festival with renewed vigour. The two-day event was transformed by incorporating a noticeably stronger Greek content including three lsub-precincts within Lonsdale Street.

First, there was the addition of the Plateia (the square) where visitors experienced Greek culture up close from each region of Greece. Next we had Pandora’s Playground where children’s activities and performances were combined into one large stage area. Finally, there was the Clive Peters Eliniki Kouzina food marquee with demonstrations of contemporary Greek cuisine by some of Australia’s best chefs; a truly Greek carnival atmosphere in the heart of the Melbourne was experienced by all without the need to travel to Greece.”

Bill Papastergiadis President of Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria

“For over two decades, the annual Antipodes Glendi Festival on Lonsdale Street has celebrated all things Greek. With attendances of over 100,000 people, the Glendi is the largest Greek festival outside of Greece and it has become a hallmark event in the Melbourne calendar. This year’s Glendi celebrated an‘apokriatiko’ or carnival theme and people of all ages (many dressed in traditional or carnival costume) danced, played and sang in glorious Melbourne sunshine. The new street layout was well-received as it allowed people to move between different sections of regional Greek traditions and customs, dance and food. The special activities organised just for kids and the new grandstand devoted to our older citizens free of charge were great developments that we will continue next year.

The Glendi is brought together by a dedicated team of volunteers including many Greek not-for-profits, dance and school groups. The Glendi’s success depends on pulling together as many of these groups as possible to create a unique experience. We try to find innovative ways to encourage and strengthen cross-community participation each year including established well known artists, new emerging performers, as well as organisations which represent all facets of community living – and this may be the reason we attract hundreds of local performers. We are thrilled with the level of government and private sector support the Glendi received this year, and we thank all our supporters for their on-going (and in some cases new) commitment to the festival.

We turn our attention to our busy schedule of Antipodes Festival events for 2011 which will culminate with the final event of each year’s program, the Greek Film Festival in October. We hope that as many people as possible get to enjoy different aspects of Hellenic culture as we add new and diverse events to the Antipodes Festival program each year.”

Tammy Iliou Co-Chair Antipodes Festival

“I have been lucky enough to have served on the boards of both the GOCMV and the Antipodes Festival for ten years now and I can say without reservation that this year is the most exciting that I can remember for our proud organization. We have seen the biggest Glendi in memory, the opening of Alphington Grammar’s multi-purpose hall and the first week of the Greek history and cultural seminars-and it’s not even Easter yet!

The Glendi in particular was a shining example of how we intend to do things going forward. We have always been sensitive to the needs of the Greek community, in the context of our wonderful multicultural town, and this led us to change the focus of the weekend. The record numbers that attended our ‘carnavali’ is a testament to our brave new face.

From the people that salivated in our ‘Clive Peters Flavours of Greece’ stage, to the kids that didn’t want to leave the ‘Pandora’s Paidiki Xara’, to the onlookers that were fascinated by the cultural displays at the ‘Marble Centre Exclusive Plateia, we felt from early on the Saturday that we were witnessing something special. Neither we, nor all those that attended, were disappointed.

Make no mistake, events of this magnitude can only occur as successfully as ours did with so many planets aligning. The new Antipodes Festival

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board displayed knowledge and enthusiasm; the volunteers injected vigour and life in to the event; the stallholders all got into the spirit of the “Apokries” celebration; and of course, the support of our sponsors, both government and private was heart warming. There’s a reason that both the Premier and the Lord Mayor have promised to increase their financial support to us: it’s because they, like so many of you, realise that we’re a part of a splendid organization indeed.

After a decade, I can look back with pride that I’ve been a part of it. I have been lucky enough to have had some thrilling times and met some truly wonderful people. The fact that I sit with some of them at our board meetings is one of the things that keeps me going; the messages of thanks that so many people send us is definitely another. Now that the Glendi is over for another year, preparations have already begun for our Cultural Program; for the Flavours of Greece program; and for the Greek Film Festival. As the winter months approach, the cockles of my heart are warmed by all that is yet to come. And so, for all that want to get involved, I can only quote my ancient namesake: “Μολών Λαβέ”- come and get it!

Leonidas D Vlahakis Co-Chair Antipodes Festival

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P R E - P R E P

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Imagine the opportunities awaiting your child at Alphington Grammar School.

Limited Enrolments for 2012 available now.

All Enquiries: 018

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Mrs Judy Fetter School Development Manager

Old Heidelberg Road Alphington VIC 3078 Tel +61 3 9497 4777 Fax +61 3 9497 3479 www.alphington.vic.edu.au

KINOTITA HEADER COMMUNITY HEADARIS

A DREAM FULFILLED THE ANDRIANAKOS CENTRE OPENS AT ALPHINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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he significance of the Grand enhance teaching and learning programmes.

When plans were presented to Nick Andrianakos Opening of the Andrianakos In his opening address, Mr Papastergiadis of a new multi-purpose hall incorporating a Centre cannot be underestimated. explained that in the late 19th century, “… sports centre, performing arts and central

March 20th 2011 is a watershed date in the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria and Alphington Grammar School. Why? Because for the first time in the school’s 22 year history, the entire school cohort can meet together in a central hall for sports, social and community events, or participate in the Music School, which are now all located in one strikingly designed building.

The Grand Opening was an impressive affair; over 700 community members entered the Andrianakos Centre and were overwhelmed by the vibrancy and warmth of the environment.

The Official Party consisted of Mike Smith, Principal; Bill Papastergiadis, School Council Chairman; Eleni Lianidou, General Consul of Greece in Melbourne; Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP, Member for Batman; Mr Nick Andrianakos, a major benefactor and the school captains. The strong message reinforced was the significant development of the school since its establishment in 1989, and how the modern new facilities will

the leaders of the Greek community acknowledged that education and language are the foundations of the organisation.” Their vision for the school has been a long and proud journey, with a constant focus by community leaders, Sam Papasavas, Dimitri Ktenas, George Fountas and now Bill Papastergiadis, all of whom have strived for educational excellence in all spheres.

Mr Nick Andrianakos explained that his motivation for financially contributing $300,000 to the project was encouraged by his passion for education and offering opportunities to younger generations that he personally did not have as a child in Greece. He spoke passionately about his family’s inability to support him at school and that he personally was not able to follow his dream by attending school beyond Year Six. Now, as a highly successful businessman in Melbourne, he was determined to become involved in a prominent independent day school with close ties to Hellenic culture and heritage, and contribute in a very tangible way to encourage students to embrace school life. and

meeting place for the School and community, it seemed a logical step. Alphington Grammar School is proud to have named this building the Andrianakos Centre as a result of the family’s generous support.

Students attending Alphington Grammar School today have the benefit of outstanding educators, programmes, facilities and community support, both in Australia and Greece. It is truly a unique environment, where over 30 nationalities value diversity whilst embracing the significance of Hellenic influences in all aspects of life.

Support from the Hellenic Republic; Australian Government; Greek Community and local benefactors have strengthened the school’s profile and enabled significant strategic planning to continue to increase the positive learning outcomes at every level. It is truly an exciting time to be associated with Alphington Grammar School.

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CINEMANIA MOVIES

DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS DIRECTOR: JAY ROACH STAR RATING: Rudd’s character Tim impresses his boss and is invited to attend a dinner, in the understanding that he bring a person along with ‘special’ talents.

Basically all the work mates have to bring an idiot to dinner, and who ever brings the biggest idiot wins.

Dinner For Schmucks is a movie by Meet The Parents director Jay Roach. It’s an American remake of a recent French movie called Le Diner de Cons and stars the always reliable Paul Rudd and Steve Carell, with a stellar bunch of comedians in smaller roles such as Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover), Jemaine Clement (Flight Of The Conchords) and David Walliams (Little Britain).

connect, and strangely Paul Rudd looks like he’s a little disinterested and it never reaches the highs of his previous great films like Role Models and I Love You, Man.

Enter Steve Carell’s character Barry, who Tim happens upon in a chance meeting. Let’s just say that Barry has a heart of gold, but is not “normal” and without wanting to, lays a path of physical and emotional destruction for Tim. Barry turns Tim’s life upside down in record time, but Tim persists so he can take Barry to the dinner to win his promotion. But ultimately Tim is taught some good hard life lessons by the strange and “different” Barry.

The moral of the story in this movie is great, in Paul Rudd plays a mid-level financial executive that it sticks up for the underdog. I just think who is trying to move up the corporate ladder it could’ve been done slightly better. Don’t get after a co-worker in a significantly better position me wrong this is a GOOD movie, but it’s not gets sacked. Through a savvy business move, a GREAT movie. There are some absolutely hilarious moments, but most of them are in the scenes with either Jemaine Clement or Zach Galifianakis. As much as I love Rudd and Carell, somehow I don’t think their characters really

THE OTHER GUYS DIRECTOR: ADAM MCKAY STAR RATING:

I’ll just say off the bat that I love Will Ferrell in practically everything he does. Which is not to say that I think all his movies are amazing, but when he teams up with his friend—writer and director Adam McKay, they consistently produce gold.

The Other Guys is their fourth movie together after hitting three home runs with Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby and Step Brothers - three films which I consider modern day comedy classics. I’m happy to say that The Other Guys easily sits side by side with those gems.

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Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg play NYPD detectives Allen Gamble and Terry Hoitz, both losers within their own precinct and laughed at by their fellow detectives, but also completely incompatable as a team. One is a desk jockey that loves to do paperwork and the other is a confused alpha male that wants to spread his wings and become a big shot crime scene detective. The interplay between Ferrell and Wahlberg is hilarious, with Wahlberg hitting moments of comedy greatness, especially in a scene where he first meets Ferrell’s wife Sheila, played by Eva Mendes.

The supporting cast is brilliant all round, and it’s an absolute pleasure to see 80’s legend Michael Keaton back doing what he does best.

It has a well written story running through

the film which involves corporate CEOs stealing billions of dollars and trying to get away with it (a nice subtle stab at real life white collar thievery by McKay), with Gamble and Hoitz in pursuit - and some classic action movie scenes thrown in. But the movie is peppered with one classic scene after the other . Especially hilarious are the scenes where Wahlberg keeps going to win back his arty ex-girlfriend, as he manages to impress her and then utterly embarrass her, all in one hit.

All in all The Other Guys is highly recommended if you like Will Ferrell’s type of humour.

Director Adam McKay has crafted a well written story with heaps of belly aching laughs, and like his older movies, he’s made it very nice and cinematic to look at too, which is not usually the case with most comedies.

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Palace Cinemas THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA DIRECTOR: Tommy Lee Jones

FILM RATING SYSTEM MASTERPIECE NOT TO BE MISSED GOOD TREAD CAREFULLY DON’T BOTHER

Here is a film that came along in 2006 and unfairly went by without notice. It’s Tommy Lee Jones’ first directorial effort and it’s a cracker, and the screenplay by Guillermo Arriaga is top notch. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those that have the patience there is great reward. It has a huge amount of heart, but it doesn’t slap you in the face with cheesy, forced emotion. Basically this film is about true friendship, acceptance and redemption.

On paper the plot may seem insane to some, as Tommy Lee Jones’ character Pete makes a promise to his best friend Melquiades, that if he ever dies he will take him back and bury him near his home in Mexico. So that’s exactly what he does. But along for the ride, is the man that killed him, a racist border patrol officer called Mike, played by the talented Barry Pepper. That ride from Texas to Mexico, becomes a spiritual journey for Mike, one that ends without any fanfare but in a very poignant way - and personally for me the greatest reason to watch this movie.

Even though there are some confronting scenes which involve Melquiades in his reposed state, they are not there to shock or to be controversial, they are simply there to show the bond between Pete and Melquiades and to what lengths he’ll go to (crazy or not), to fulfil his best friend’s wishes. The movie shifts back and forth in time in a non- linear form, but that allows Jones to show us some beautiful and moving scenes between Pete and Melquiades still alive.

The supporting cast is fantastic. You get January Jones before she became huge in Mad Men, also Melissa Leo who just won an Oscar for The Fighter, plus an ultra-moving performance

by Julio Cesar Cedillo as Melquiades, and you also get the champion country singer Dwight Yoakam (without doubt the best musician turned actor--ever).

Special mention must also go to Marco Beltrami for his touching score, which has a slight Morricone influence, and Chris Menges natural cinematography should’ve won awards.

But be warned this is a movie that will frustrate some and absolutely thrill others.

Proudly presenting the highest quality films from around the world.

PALACE CINEMA 1/3 Alliance Française French Film Festival 9-27 March 2011

Audi Festival of German Films 7-17 April 2011

Spanish Film Festival 12-22 May 2011

Israeli Film Festival

30 August – 4 September 2011

Russian Resurrection Film Festival 18-28 August 2011

Lavazza Italian Film Festival 14 September – 5 October 2011

Greek Film Festival 13 – 30 October 2011

www.palacecinemas.com.au 021

MUSIKI MUSIC

WORDS: DJ KRAZY KON

TOP 10 GREEK ALBUMS IN AUST.

TOP 10 GREEK SINGLES IN AUST.

SAKIS ROUVAS Parafora

ANDONIS REMOS Klista ta stomata

Singer, songwriter, movie star, show host and true megastar, Rouvas is back with another album of pure energy and class.

Out through Minos-Emi, his thirteenth studio album called “Parafora” and features 15 tracks as well as the first three music videos. He collaborates with big names songwriter Natalia Germanou once again and new producers Freakchild and Playmen. I love the energy this guy brings to Greek music.

Solid Gold.

One of the favourites around the world, Greek star Andonis Remos returns with a brand new album featuring 11 new tracks out through the Heaven Music Greece label. Moving with the times and the direction Greek music is heading, Remos has come up with a very upbeat album with hot dance tracks “kommena pia ta danika’, “tora elpizo” and “parelthon” are the stand outs.

A must buy CD from this great singer and performer.

VEGAS Season 2

VASILIS KARRAS Sta ipa ola

Pop sensations Vegas return with a new album called “ Season 2”.

It features 10 tracks with a mixture of English and Greek titles.

These guys bring a very upbeat electro dance sound to Greek music. Stand out tracks are “ligo akoma”, “mi stamatas” and “everybody in” which is a great collaboration with Playmen. Good follow up to the first CD proving they are not just one hit wonders.

The distinctive voice of Vasilis Karras returns with another full album featuring 13 tracks.

Of them 6 tracks are new and the 7 are collaborations of past sounds. The track “logia filika’s” collaboration with group Alhimistes is a big hit on the Greek airwaves and charts.

I also like the track “eblexes”.

The album is out through the Seven record label. Another good cd for all the Karras followers out there.

COMPILED BY THE GREEK SHOP BY CARAS, MELBOURNE

1. GREECE 2011

1. THELO KE TA PATHENO

DJ KRAZY KON

THANOS PETRELIS

2. PARAFORA

2. PARTO APOFASI

SAKIS ROUVAS

GIORGOS TSALIKIS

3. TO KALITERO PSEMA

3. TO HO (POM POM)

MIHALIS HATZIGIANNIS

ELENI FOURIERA

4. THA ZISO GIA MENA

4. SECRET LOVE

PANOS KIAMOS

MATTYAS FEATURING KRISTINA

5. “LIVE”

5.AGAPI INE ESI

THANOS PETRELIS

ANNA VISSI

6. IN THE MIX

6. KOMMENA PIA TA ZANIKA

DJ PETROS KARRAS

ANDONIS REMOS

7. ELENI FURIERA ELENI FOURIERA

8. THAROS I ALITHIA

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7. KAKOMATHIMENO CHRISTOS HOLIDIS

8. AGGELI STIN KOLASI

TAMTA

KELLY KELEKIDOU

9 . TA IERA EVAGGELIA

9. PAME (CLUB MIX)

PETROS GAITANOS

THEANO

10. DORO YIA SENA

10. XIMERONI

NIKOS IKONOMOPOULOS

NIKOS IKONOMOPOULOS

THE

2011

CD + DVD

OUT NOW!

*DJ KRAZY KON

Greece 2011 is the ninth installment in the extremely successful CD series showcasing today’s best pop & dance from the biggest artists in Greek music, as always compiled and mixed by the creator of the series, the one & only DJ Krazy Kon. As with previous volumes, the release features a non stop mix of Greek pop dance smash hits and for the very first time, this year’s edition also features a DVD with the hottest clips. DJ Krazy Kon is a living legend in the world of Greek music. As a DJ and producer, his work is known around Australia and overseas, having headlined Greek festivals, club events and shows both nationally and internationally.

CD + DVD OUT NOW AT ALL GOOD MUSIC STORES or buy online from official store: www.krazymusic.com.au

GREEK SHOP

BY CARAS

DJ KRAZY KON is recognised today as the most successful & influential Greek - Australian music artist of our time. His name is synonymous with playing, producing and promoting Greek Music and Events and he has been at the forefront of the Greek Entertainment industry in this country for 15 years now.

From his ideology has spanned an iconic “GREECE CD SERIES” which consists of an annual must have CD. He has now become a global name through his vision and raw talent and has revolutionised the art form of Greek DJing.

In 2010, the DJ Krazy Kon brand hit the global stage with an overseas tour of the USA and sold out shows in Boston, New York, Chicago & Los Angeles.

189 LONSDALE STREET MELBOURNE PH: +61 (03) 9662 3133

THANOS

thanos petrelis EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN INTERVIEW

Melbourne / Aus Tour 2011

it’s all about speaking to the soul, touching people, connecting

T

HANOS PETRELIS was born in 1975 and grew up in and around Athens.

Since his childhood, his love for singing was obvious; he was always very passionate about it, though he never entertained the thought of turning it into

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a profession until 1998 when he started to sing live professionally around Athens. It wasn’t until four years later, when he decided to participate in the first Greek TV talent show, Fame Story, that he became a household name across the country and across the world. Finishing third on the show, he obviously struck a chord with fans right from the beginning. Almost a decade on, he has maintained his star status and appeal, managing to stay at the top of the charts and continue to be popular with fans across the globe. “It’s always great to come back to Australia, the people here are so passionate, so supportive of everything that comes out of Greece. All the artists I speak with really love coming out here, especially Melbourne. There’s obviously a magic spark here and I think I know what it is, it’s really quite simple. The passion and ‘fanaticism’ that we find

here is because of the deep but distant relationship the Diaspora here have with the mother country. The heart is fond of everything that feels distant and I think it only grows fonder with distance and time. Australia is so far from Greece, which I think is what fuels the fans here and keeps them loyal to and hungry for all things Greek.”

With hit single after hit single for so long, Thanos has managed to stay ahead of the game for almost a decade, in an often cut-throat and unforgiving industry. He has managed to win hearts around the world and have a string of hits, while also touring and balancing his fame and success with a family life which includes two beautiful daughters. It sounds almost impossible, well anything’s possible if you know how to find the balance.

“In the beginning it was insane, it was all so different to what we were used to, but it’s all about keeping it real, keeping grounded and above all keeping some distance between the professional life and my private life. It’s important to separate the public profile to the private reality. Sometimes the lines get a bit blurry and people intrude on our privacy, but generally my family and I prefer and treasure a fairly typical existence. We enjoy the simple pleasures and I love to lose myself in my passions and hobbies.” Thanos goes on to explain. “I love fast cars and sports cars. For me it’s a thrill, a rush. To be able to feel the adrenaline, the speed, the power. I really get off on it. I also love watching football, or soccer as you call it here, and also playing it with my friends, or ‘mates’ as you call them!”

For Thanos Petrelis, life has been a journey, but what is it that guides him, inspires and motivates him?

What is the secret to his success?

“Well, it’s a secret and if I tell you I’ll have to kill you,” he laughs, with his beaming, boisterous smile, lighting up the entire room. “No seriously, it’s really

quite simple, for me, it’s the live aspect. The key to my success is the direct contact with the fans, the relationships that I build. Some performers hardly ever tour and really prefer the studio environment, which is fine if that’s what turns them on. For me it’s all about the crowd, their faces, the fire in their eyes when they’re having a good time.

I love to connect, to engage and make the crowd feel like they own the songs, that the songs are theirs.

‘Kernao’ is a perfect example. It’s an anthem that really connects with people, that really brings down the house whenever we play it. Don’t ask me to break it down, it’s all about speaking to the soul, touching people, connecting. That is the secret!”

Thanos lives and breathes his music, always looking to re-invent himself in order to stay ahead of the game. He loves to listen to modern Greek pop music and ‘laika’ not only know what is popular but also to seek inspiration for his next hit. He is planning a new CD - once again teaming up with collaborator and good friend Phoebus, to once again present to the world another dynamic selection of hits. “It’s always a

challenge to keep re-inventing yourself, to stay popular, to stay relevant in such a dynamic industry,” explains Thanos. “I hope to still be popular in ten years time, to still be able to appeal to people, to touch their hearts.

I’m confident I’ve still got plenty to offer. Hopefully the fans think so too. They are the ones that matter more than anything.”

Thanos Petrelis has achieved so much where many have tried and failed. As our conversation closes he offers some advice to those who wish to follow in his footsteps. “If you believe it and want it bad enough you can do anything. Nothing is impossible as long as you are willing to work hard enough, as long as you don’t expect to achieve something for nothing. If you love what you do and do it for the right reasons then you will succeed. If what you really want to do is entertain people, it will be evident and touch them, that is when you will succeed, that is when you will make all your dreams come true. It is possible, believe me, I know!”

www.thanospetrelis.gr 029

KALI OREXI EATS

IN THE

Theo @ Kouzina

IN THE KOUZINA This month in the kouzina Theo Kostoglou prepares lenten delights to tempt even the most refined palate and impress your friends. recipes courtesy of Kouzina Modern Greek & Meze Bar

KAVOUROKEFTEDES

DIRECTIONS

CRAB FRITTERS

In a non-reactive bowl, mix all ingredients (except olive oil) together; thicken to correct consistency with breadcrumbs. Basically until mixture stops sticking to your hands. Season with salt and pepper.

Serves 6 Prep time 10 min (Cook time 3 min)

INGREDIENTS 100g diced blue eye 125g picked crabmeat 2 tbsp aioli 1 small leek, diced and sautéed 1 lemon, zest and juice 2 tsp chilli paste ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh coriander or dill, finely chopped 1 tsp baharat spice Breadcrumbs to thicken 100ml olive oil AIOLI 2 egg yolks (or 80g yolks) 3 garlic cloves 15ml lemon juice 1 cup olive oil 15ml white wine vinegar Salt & pepper to taste

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Place in refrigerator for 5 mins to firm up.

Shape crab mixture into small balls and slightly flatten them into discs, approx 5cm in diameter.

Pour some olive oil in a shallow fry pan and heat to medium. Once a smoky haze begins, add your crab fritters a small batch at a time. Cook for approx 1½ min each side.

AIOLI

In food processor, blend garlic until a smooth paste. Add egg yolks and vinegar/lemon juice.

Add oil gradually in a slow stream until thickened. Adjust with lemon juice, salt and white pepper to taste.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Eggplants may be considered male or female? Some say that you can pick a tasty eggplant if you look at the blossom end.

The female contains more seeds, making it bitter, and can be avoided by checking for an indented dash. Try the male eggplant instead which is round and smooth. The key to choosing a good eggplant is to look for unblemished shiny skin, and to only keep them for a short time to ensure freshness.

Eggplant, yes - but is it male or female?

KALI OREXI EATS

IN THE

YARIDES ME OUZO (Yah-REE-des meh OO-zoh)

PSARI KLEFTIKO

DIRECTIONS

RED SNAPPER EN PAPILOTTE

Preheat oven to 200ºC with rack in middle.

Serves 4 Prep time 20 min

INGREDIENTS * 4 pieces Red Snapper Fillets or any piece white-fleshed fish fillet such as sea bass, whiting or mullet (about 150-200 gm each) * 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for drizzling * 2 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced * 12 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (peeled if you like) * 2 tablespoons drained capers * 8 thin lemon slices (from 1 large lemon) * 8 fresh thyme sprigs * Sea salt * Cracked pepper

Heat oil in a heavy based skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke, then sauté garlic until pale golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt and sauté until tomatoes are softened, about 1 minute. Stir in capers. Remove from heat.

Pat fish dry with absorbent paper and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.

Arrange 4 (25-30 cm) heart shapes of parchment paper on a work surface. Drizzle one side of each parchment heart with a little olive oil, then place 2 lemon slices, followed with a fish fillet and top with thyme sprigs.

Spoon tomato mixture over fish.

Gather parchment up around fish to form a pouch, press down followed by continuously folding edges over until no opening is left. Put pouches in a large shallow baking pan and bake until fish is just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Hint: approx 2 min from time pouch begins to fill up with steam.

To serve, cut an incision in the middle and rip paper from middle outwards. You may leave in bag or remove the bag.

TENTOURA

Produced by Loukatou Bros, this great Greek liqueur is distinctly dark brown in colour and has an aroma of cinnamon and cloves.

Known for its healing qualities cinnamon is said to combat colds and flus, even morning sickness and stomach ailments. Tentoura was originally drunk after a meal to aid digestion.

Enjoy it straight on the rocks, mixed with soda or tonic, or if you have a sweet tooth make a Tentoura Regina with milk and cinnamon powder.

A great dessert liqueur.

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KALI OREXI EATS

stalactites: a melbourne icon Dimitra Melios is head chef of perhaps Melbourne’s most well-known Greek restaurant. Dimitra’s offerings at Stalactites are simple and traditional, following a recipe that has made the restaurant a Melbourne landmark for over 30 years.

T

HE YEAR WAS 1978. The site, without its distinctive cave-inspired ceilings, was an Allans Music store. At this location a young Nonda Konstandakopoulos and father-in-law ‘Barba Kosta’ embarked upon a life changing journey, that would transform this nondescript location into one of the most enduring and recognised Hellenic culinary corners of the world.

With a reputation as big as their souvlakis, and a devotion to customer service - the first and possibly only 24 hour Greek restaurant in Australia opened its doors. “Within 6 months of opening, my father and grandfather decided to open the place 24/7” explains restaurant manager Nicole. “To reinforce their decision they proceeded to smash all the locks on the doors and stayed open continuously until 2005, not closing for a single day!” What commitment, what dedication, what an amazing story! Nicole implemented some change in the last few years, closing for a few days at Easter and over

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Stalactites is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Christmas, and installing new locks on the doors! The focus on quality food and customer service remains the same, perhaps more so than ever.

Apart from their famous Souvlakis and Gyros, these grill specialists also have a not so secret weapon in their arsenal to wow and delight even the most discerning palate. “Dimitra, has been with us almost from the beginning, from 1981 in fact, and has been an amazing part of the family, so much more than just a worker. Her traditional home cooking has been such a big part of what we offer and a big point of difference with other Greek restaurants.”

Finalist and winner of a swag of awards over the years, the latest being ‘Best Greek Restaurant’ at the Restaurant and Catering awards in 2010, Stalactites

KALI OREXI EATS

You haven’t lived until you try a meal like this, created and presented from the heart.

Dimitra Melios

is much more than just another Greek restaurant. It’s both a local favorite and a ‘must-see’ destination for anyone visiting Melbourne who wishes to experience an authentic taste of Greece. “There’s no place like home, and there’s nothing like a good home cooked meal,” says Dimitra. “I like to treat every visitor to Stalactites as I would a guest to my own home. I like to prepare the food, the old fashioned, traditional way, just like my mother used to.” With over 7000 visitors to the restaurant each week, Dimitra’s cooking is a favourite for that authentic taste of Greece in the heart of Melbourne.

That’s the secret. There is no substitute for Greek flavours, fresh and seasonal produce and Greek ingredients. If you want to try this at home make sure you go Greek!”

Dimitra feels right at home at Stalactites and the staff love and appreciate what she does and how important she is. Headwaiter Paris explains, “I always recommend that diners try her food. It’s really an experience, a big point of difference to every other place. She is so passionate and it translates amazingly on the plate. People keep coming back again and “I cook a selection, very much like I do at home when people come to visit. again. Once they try Dimitra’s home cooked meals there is no going back!”

The menu is different every day and I try to make it as authentic as possible” adds Dimitra, as I read through the days menu and salivate like Pavlov’s dog at Stalactites’ head chef spends countless hours designing, creating and the sound of a bell. Gemista, Yiouvetsi, Youvarlakia. Yes! It’s all Greek to me! preparing her menu. It is a labour of love. If you’ve tried one of her meals you’ll know what I mean. if you haven’t, make sure you do.

“I always use Greek extra virgin olive oil and traditional Greek ingredients.

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KALI OREXI EATS

LEMONATO OVEN BAKED LAMB AND POTATOES Recipe Serves 4 For the lamb (1): 2 KG LEG OF LAMB WITH BONE SALT- AS REQUIRED OREGANO- AS REQUIRED PEPPER- AS REQUIRED 300 ml OLIVE OIL 3 TBSP BUTTER 1.5 LT WATER GARLIC- ½ clove, cleaned and each piece cut into half OVEN BAGS (good to keep it juicy and moist)

For the Greek Style Lemon Potatoes (2): 8-10 DESIREE POTATOES 150ML WATER 1 ¼ -1 ½ CUP OLIVE OIL 2-2 ½ LEMONS JUICED SALT- AS REQUIRED OREGANO- AS REQUIRED PEPPER- AS REQUIRED

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DIRECTIONS (1)

DIRECTIONS (2)

Trim fat off the leg of lamb leaving only a little for flavour.

Marinate entire leg with a generous amount of salt, pepper and oregano. Rub the spices onto the lamb Slit holes in the lamb with a kitchen knife and insert pieces of garlic into slits.

Drizzle 50ml olive oil onto lamb Place lamb in an oven bag (keeps it very moist and juicy) Put butter inside the bag on the top of the lamb Tie oven bag and put lamb in a deep oven tray and add 1 litre of water and 250ml of olive oil Place in a preheated oven at 230 degrees Celsius for 1 hour.

Turn lamb after 1 hour, (if making potatoes at the same time then pour some of the juices from the lamb at this stage into the potatoes as it makes for VERY tasty potatoes). Add 500ml of water and pierce bag.

Leave for 1.20mins at 200 degrees Celsius.

Remove lamb from bag and slice all lamb from the bone. Put back in the oven pan with all the juices and leave at 180 degrees Celsius for 5-10 mins.

Remove from oven and serve with baked Greek lemon potatoes

Peel potatoes and cut into 6 pieces.

Arrange potatoes in an oven dish.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano over potatoes.

Be generous with salt and oregano.

Mix the potatoes well so all have spices on them.

Add the lemon juice, water and olive oil. (if making lamb at the same time then pour some of the juices from the lamb into the potatoes as it makes for VERY tasty potatoes) Make sure potatoes are not fully submerged.

Put in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 1 hour.

While baking there may be a need to turn some of the potatoes if they have browned too much.

Remove from oven when done. Check by taking out a potato and tasting that it is cooked inside.

Leave to sit for 5 minutes then remove with a spatula and place on a serving tray.

Pour the left over oil through a strainer and into a glass jar when it has cooled and put aside as this can be re-used in a lamb/chicken roast next time.

KALI OREXI EATS

YOUVARLAKIA

DIRECTIONS

MEATBALL AND RICE SOUP Recipe Serves 6

1 KILO BEEF MINCE 1 CUP RICE

Fry the small brown onion with a bit of oil until brown. Add the water. Add the salt and pepper.

Add all the spices. Boil the mixture.

Mix the mince, large onion, mint, egg, rice, salt and pepper – knead all together and then roll into

1 EGG 1 LARGE BROWN ONION GRATED

small round meatballs. Roll in plain flour

1 SMALL SIZE BROWN ONION GRATED

Add the meatballs to the boiling water and boil for

SALT – 1 SOUP SPOON

1 hour on low heat. Remove from heat.

PEPPER1 TEA SPOON

¾ CUP OLIVE OIL WATER – 3 LITRES

For Avgolemono:

1 CINNAMON STICK

Beat 2 egg whites until they have turned fluffy and

¼ TEASPOON NUTMEG

white, add the 2 yolks and beat, add the lemon.

2 CLOVES

Beat all together. Slowly add a bit of juice from

¾ TEASPOON DRIED MINT

the pot and mix all together in a bowl. Repeat

PLAIN FLOUR

this about 4 times. Then add the mixture to the pot, place the pot back on the heat for 2 minutes

For Avgolemono:

then remove.

2 EGGS 3/4 CUP OF LEMON

N.B. All measurements in these recipes are made using a standard cappuccino cups.

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HEADER

HEADARIS

Now you know where to eat..

And we’ll help you find the best coffee.

Simply visit genovese.com.au/iphone

“When it comes to coffee we know our origins” 036

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HEADER

HEADARIS

Serve Me Well Spoil me ...

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Florida Location Tampa ~ Clearwater ~ St. Petersburg Palm Harbor ~ Safety Harbor ~ Dunedin, Tarpon Springs ~ New Port Richey

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MY KAFE

COFFEE BREAK

SBS IN-LANGUAGE HAS BEEN A BUSY TEAM OF LATE, WORKING ON AN ARRAY OF ENDEAVOURS FOR CLIENTS, INCLUDING THIS EXCITING PROJECT FOR GRIFFITHS/OASIS COFFEE.

“Living tradition -not just a memory” 038

MY KAFE

COFFEE BREAK

INTRODUCING

T

he original Griffiths coffee brand was established in Melbourne 1879 by James Griffiths. Currently owned by the Patisteas brothers, Peter and Dennis, they required a range of commercials to promote their Greek and Turkish Style Coffees, so enlisted the help of their friends at SBS In-Language to execute this plan. The In-Language team at SBS were given the task of creating radio and TV commercials to communicate the cultural themes immersed in Griffiths/Oasis Coffee - a challenge the team were more than happy to oblige with, providing a cost effective, creative and fun result for the Melbourne-based coffee brand.

For ten years and counting Griffiths/Oasis Coffee has shared an enterprising relationship with the SBS In-Language team. During this time SBS has rolled out successful campaigns ranging from creative solutions to final cut radio presentations. This has allowed Griffiths/Oasis Coffee to expand their audience, increasing awareness of their fine coffee range, and in particular Oasis Greek Coffee and Griffiths’ Turkish style coffee.

The Griffiths/Oasis brand is synonymous with the theme of nostalgia; the linking of a traditional product combined with cultural experience. The challenge for SBS InLanguage was to convert this message into an effective concept for both radio and television.

To convey this message SBS In-Language had their very own Aniel Kerkvliet write, produce and direct the commercials. The result of which if you haven’t already seen or heard, is a cheeky yet tasteful concept centred around two old friends and a shared bond. The setting is a classic coffee shop where two elderly Greek men are sitting at a table outside in the sun. They are playing backgammon and

reminiscing about their lives back in Greece.

One of the men is tired of his friend’s rambling about the ‘old days and seeks salvation in a delicious cup of Griffiths/Oasis Coffee.

This tongue-in-cheek approach beautifully delivers the message of Oasis Greek Coffee being … “living tradition not just a memory” - a message instilled in the brand, its product and its standing in the coffee market.

The TV spots were shot on a Sunday morning outside Aspro Ble café on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne. Aspro Ble (“white blue”) are not only the national colours of Greece but are representative of the iconic Mediterranean Sea. With these themes in mind, Aspro Ble proved to be perfect locations for the shoot. SBS In-Language sourced the full production including location, talent, crew and post, to offer Oasis/Griffiths Coffee a cost effective solution to extend their campaign on SBS TV and Radio. “This was such a great campaign to work on.” said Michael Smith, Victorian Manager for SBS In- Language. ‘We have shared a fantastic relationship for more than a decade with Griffiths/Oasis,conducting national radio campaigns, but the latest creative brief offered us the opportunity to explore the theme of nostalgia; the link between cultural experience and a traditional product, and it showcased our ability to develop true cross platform campaign solutions for clients.”

The productions from this endeavour will be broadcast on SBS Radio with the television commercials to be shown on SBS ONE and SBS TWO during Greek news programming. This campaign highlights the ability of SBS to provide building blocks in finding new markets for their clients and cross-platform solutions, making the step from radio to television seamless.

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KALI OREXI EATS

251 Richardson St Middle Park VIC 3206 +61 (03) 9699 3100 Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm & lunch on Sunday 041

KALI OREXI EATS

Johnny in the place he calls ‘home’

Ready for the long slide into the woodfire

251 Richardson St Middle Park VIC 3206 +61 (03) 9699 3100 Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm & lunch on Sunday

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KALI OREXI EATS

Unmistakeable woodfired flavour

Tools of the trade

WORDS: STEVE AGI

Y

ou can’t miss Johnny Sorrento. His effervescence is contagious and his beaming smile lights up a room.

At his pizza restaurant come bistro in trendy bayside Middle Park, he feels right at home. After all home is where the heart is and that’s exactly what you’ll get with Johnny.

He’s all heart!

“We’re entertainers. We’re here to impress, inspire and imbibe one and all with our own version of life; food with a twist, as I like to call it. I like to create, to invent, to design my own version of dishes, based on what I grew up with. My mum is my biggest influence.

I believe in fresh is best. We use seasonal, fresh and locally sourced ingredients traditional Greek styles with authentic ingredients to create the perfect dish.

There’s no half way here. It’s all go go go. It’s all I know. For 36 years it’s all I’ve done.”

“Well you’ve gotta love what you do in this game, otherwise there’s no point. For me it’s all about the people, the faces, the feeling you get when you can present to people your heart and soul on a plate.” After thirty six years in the industry, Johnny has definitely not lost the fire and passion he found under the tutelage of good friend and mentor Stavros Abougelis of Stavros Tavern fame. Way back in the early 1970s, when as a 14 year old, rock music listening, long haired, ‘wogboy’, he cut his teeth and developed a deep love and respect for the hospitality industry, or as Johnny prefers to call it, the entertainment industry.

Johnny is well known locally and around town as one of the original ‘celebrity chefs’ from his stint on radio over a decade ago. He recalls the buzz, the excitement of being one of the pioneers of the whole movement back in the day when people’s palates and tastes were a little less refined, and everyone was a little less adventurous.

“It’s great to see how popular food is these days. It’s fun to watch all these young guys doing things now we were doing so long ago. It’s good for the industry across the board, See what I mean, entertainers!” Johnny is proud of his Greek heritage.

His Souvlaki Pizza is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Greek cuisine and influence a big part of his repertoire and style. Next time you’re down Middle Park way, for a swim or a stroll by the lake, pop in and say g’day to Johnny Sorrento.

You won’t be disappointed.

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TAXIDI TRAVEL

Have a different kind of holiday!

DUBAI IS SYNONOMOUS WITH A FLEETING STOP-OVER FOR A QUICK DOSE OF MIDDLE-EASTERN RETAIL THERAPY, BUT THERE’S MORE TO THIS OASIS THAN MEETS THE EYE, WRITES JAQUI PREKETES. “Ahlan Was Ahlan! (Welcome!)” hailed my guide, with a genuinely warm smile, greeting me as I emerged from the airport terminal.

My hair was a mess, make-up non-existent, after a turbulent 14 hour flight. I was in Dubai, the land of Arabian charm, a land of affluence and sophisticated pleasure. “I am Tarek” beamed my guide. “I will take care of you and show you my Dubai.”

And show me Dubai he did, with all its flavours, colours, its scents and treasures. Over the next five days, I was to see a side of this bustling city that would change my perceptions of Dubai as a two night shop-over locations on my way back from Europe, to a city standing in its own rich light.

Experiences you could have nowhere else in the world, they’re all here. In Dubai your travel partner Touchdown Tours, will ensure every detail is graciously attended to. Take Touchdown’s Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner tour and enjoy the thrill of a mad 4WD sanddune bash in the Arabian desert, before settling in for a belly dance show in a luxurious tented camp.

For the more romantic take Touchdown Tours’ Dinner Dhow Cruise - a gentle evening cruising Dubai Creek whilst enjoying a sumptuous dinner in a ‘Dhow’- the traditional Arabian wooden boat. Dubai is not a ‘dry’ country so alcohol may be taken with your meal, but do remember that

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different rules apply in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

As for hotels – what can I say? Choose your desired experience and let Touchdown Tours do the rest! We have been working closely with Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing for many years, and our partnerships in Dubai are becoming stronger each year. Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of the most wonderful five star hotels which caters for families, teens, singles and couples. The Jumeirah Beach is right on the beach with free access to Wild Wadi Water Park, a theme park with crazy slides such as ‘the tornado’ and more gentle experiences for children.

Or maybe Atlantis The Palm would be more your style. With its very own water theme park Aquaventure attached to this magnificent resort, you don’t ever have to leave. And with excellent proximity to Dubai Mall, you can shop while the kids play! Everyone wins!

What about the legendary shopping I hear you ask? Choose from local street stalls, explore the spice market, or the gold ‘soukh’ (market) or head to the traditional malls. Dubai is full of them! Deira City Centre, Mall Of The Emirates, Mercato Mall, Bur Juman Shopping Centre, Dubai Mall. They’re all waiting for you!

How the Emiratis manage to combine sophistication and glamour with fun and ex-

citement has always amazed me. With annual events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai World Cup, the Emirates International Peace Music Festival, the Legends ‘Rock’ Dubai (Tennis), Dubai International Jewellery Week and more. Dubai will satisfy the honeymooners, as much as it will satisfy the holiday-makers, along with adventurers, foodies, music lovers, and sports fanatics. There’s something for everyone in Dubai.

So, come on you guys! Have a CALL different kindTOURS of ANDholiday!

TOUCHDOWN LET US ARRANGE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY TO THIS REMARKABLE DESTINATION. MENTION OPA! MAGAZINE AND RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR NEXT DUBAI LAND PACKAGE! (4 NIGHT PACKAGES STARTING FROM $474 PER PERSON INCLUDES *4 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION, TWIN SHARE * RETURN AIRPORT TRANSFERS * HALF-DAY DUBAI CITY TOUR * DESERT SAFARI & BBQ DINNER TOUR (VALID 01 MAY – 30 SEP AT GOLDEN SANDS APARTMENTS- CONDITIONS APPLY) JAQUI PREKETES IS THE GM OF TOUCHDOWN TOURS YOUR EXPERT TRAVEL ADVISORS.

488 High Street, Northcote VIC 3070 Tel 03 9482 5215 Fax 03 9482 5216 Toll Free 1800 657 441 travel@touchdowntours.com.au www.touchdowntours.com.au

GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE & VICTORIA, AND ANTIPODES FESTIVAL PRESENT

Flavours of Greece

Take you on a journey through all that is magical about Greek cuisine

A

fter last year’s sell-out “Flavours of Greece”, Melbourne’s leading Greek food and wine festival returns in 2011 with another exciting program of events which will take you on a journey through all that is magical about Greek cuisine.

From the modern to the traditional, the regional to the local, you will get a taste of the rich diversity of Greek food and Greek food traditions.

Leading Melbourne restaurants are on board to offer you a series of themed dinners which will range across contemporary Greek cuisine, regional food traditions and produce that is traditionally prepared in Greece.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in olive oil and cheese tastings, a workshop on Greek wine and a food trivia night.

To receive the program email us at info@antipodesfestival.com.au info@greekcommunity.com.au Program out in May 2011

GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE & VICTORIA

DOLLARS&SENSE HEADER LEFTA

MEET:

KATERINA KOUNAS

YOUR CUSTOM ER SERVICE MANAGER AT TH E BANK OF CYPR US AUSTRALIA BURWOOD, SY DNEY www.bankofc

yprus.com.a

FOREIGN EXCHANGE CAN COST YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK. KATERINA KOUNAS EXPLAINS WHY BEING SELECTIVE ABOUT WHERE YOU EXCHANGE CURRENCY COULD SAVE YOU LOTS. “Having almost ten years of experience working with the Bank of Cyprus Australia has enabled me to get to know our customers, understand their expectations and anticipate their needs.”

What’s the most common questions you get regarding Foreign Exchange?

We get asked all sorts of things, normally customers and non customers ask questions about the exchange rates in notes and Telegraphic Transfers. Also they must know if they decide to bring their funds from Greece/ Cyprus/England what the procedure and exchange rates will be, as well as the costs.

Initially when the customer makes the enquiry about bringing funds from overseas to his Australian Account with Bank of Cyprus Australia, we ask them to provide account

statements from the overseas account.

Once we have the correct details we can organise the necessary paperwork, to create a formal request with all the relevant account information; the customer signs the letter and then we liaise with the overseas bank for the transfer to take place.

Once the overseas bank receives the instructions then they send the funds to Australia into the customer’s account. Most of the times customers open a Euro account and the telegraphic transfer is in Euro as well which gives the flexibility to the customer to keep the funds in the currency they prefer or convert to Australian dollars.

Assisting them with their foreign currency requirements is very important to me, whether it’s buying currency, transferring funds or managing a savings or investment account in Euro, UK pounds or US dollars. I have the experience to provide them with assistance and information they need and the Bank of Cyprus Australia is more than capable of offering a competitive and financially sound solution.

What don’t most people know about the fees charged by financial institutions for foreign exchange?

People do not know that there are many hidden fees they pay to financial institutions

u

when they do FX transactions. As a recent example illustrates, a customer purchased a Draft in EUR from a major bank. It was the equivalent to $10,000.00 AUD. After they purchased it, they came to compare how much it would have cost them if they purchased the same amount with the Bank of Cyprus Australia. The difference was 400AUD, if only he’d come to us first he would have saved.

How do telegraphic transfers work?

This is the most common method banks are using to transfer money from one country to another and something that the Bank of Cyprus Australia recommends to all customers.

Telegraphic Transfer is a method of transferring money directly from one bank to another.

It normally takes 24 – 48 hours for the money to reach its destination and is a very safe way to conduct these sorts of transactions.

Before you make your next decision to travel, speak to Katerina or your local Bank of Cyprus Australia branch to discuss your foreign exchange needs.

Visit bankofcyprus.com.au or call 1300 660 550 for your nearest location.

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THE NEWLY APPOINTED CURATOR AT MELBOURNE’S HELLENIC MUSEUM, STELLA CHRYSOVERGI BRINGS TO HER NEW JOB A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND PASSION, ALONG WITH A DESIRE TO PROMOTE HELLENISM TO THE DIASPORA.

The first exhibition under Stella’s curatorship ‘Sounds of the Muse: Greek Musical Instruments through the Centuries’ opened recently. In this month’s OPA!, Stella Chrysovergi introduces herself and this ‘must see’ exhibition.

CONTACT THE MUSEUM AT WWW.HELLENIC.ORG.AU FOR FURTHER DETAILS. ENTRY IS FREE. OPENING HOURS: 10AM TO 4PM. MONDAY TO FRIDAY.

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I

was born in Athens in 1966 and from a very young age I had a particular interest in the civilizations and arts of ancient Greece.

As result of my preference for cultural studies and my occupation with the arts in various forms, I decided to undertake studies in the Maintenance of Artworks and Archaeological Discoveries, majoring in fresco paintings and Byzantine icons. For nearly ten years I worked as a conserver in various archaeological situations and museums, particularly in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. I also contributed to the restoration and preservation of wall and ceiling murals in heritage buildings, and assisted with the preservation of Byzantine churches and icons.

In 2002 I came to Melbourne with the prospect of gaining new experiences and to study other cultures in addition to that of ancient Greece. I decided to live her permanently. Over the past nine years I have travelled throughout Australia and have attended history classes - with the intention of developing a more thorough understanding of the civilization and culture of the country that is now my home.

In 2010, I completed Postgraduate Museum Studies, with a major in exhibitions. The first exhibition I will supervise for the Hellenic Museum will be titled Sounds of the Muse: Greek Musical Instruments through the Centuries. This exhibition will provide an extended review of Greek musical instruments from antiquity to today. The title for the exhibition has been inspired from the ancient Greek term for ‘music’, which according to ancient Greek literature is derived from the word ‘muse’ (mousa). Music in ancient Greece was considered a gift from the Muses that defined and characterized the human who thinks, acts and feels.

Musical instruments are an undeniable mark of the cultural development of a population, as well as the technological development of a society and the people who manufacture them.The exhibition aims to display Greek musical instruments and demonstrate that music was and continues to be, entirely enmeshed into the everyday life of Greeks, both in ancient and modern Greece.

The Sounds of the Muse exhibition sets out to reveal the significant role of music in Greek city states through the ages, and explores the cultural development of Greeks from ancient times to the present.

The exhibition will consist of two thematic sections. The first will be dedicated to ancient Greek musical instruments. 41 replicated ancient 050

Greek musical instruments (accompanied by detailed descriptions) have been provided from the Museum of Ancient Greek Musical Instruments of Katakolon from the Pyrgos region in Greece.

This gathering of musical instruments will include: the Monochord, the Helikon and the Syntonon of Pythagoras (with which the great philosopher studied the musical scales and proved the mathematical relations that define them), the Lyra of Hermes, the first stringed instrument created from a tortoise shell, ox hide soundbox, goat-horn arms and sheep-gut strings. The majestic guitar of Apollo, the eminent Homeric Phorminx and the Dionysian Barbitos, the harp of Sappho, the Sambyke and many more.

Thsee instruments, which are fully functional and whose manufacture has been based on ancient Greek manuscripts and depictions from pottery, will be presented in three sub-sections based on the categories of the ancient instruments-i.e. stringed, percussion and wind instruments.

The second section of the exhibition will present traditional musical instruments: instruments which constitute a significant chapter of civilization and traditional/folk music of the regions.

According to ethnomusicology, music is purely the way a particular society organises the sounds that surround it. Therefore, any object that produces a sound should be considered a musical instrument, starting from the human body and extending it to the amazing inventiveness of a folk artist. These artists combine materials from the natural environment in order to structure the rhythm and to give music, an immaterial art, a spatial dimension. Therefore, next to the intricate lyres laouta, ouds and baglamas we will show bells, zelia, cups and combolois (beads) – items that form part of the rich Greek musical tradition.

All the traditional instruments that will be displayed during the exhibition come from the collection of the various Greek communities in Melbourne such as the Cretan and the Pontian societies. Some will come from private collections loaned by individuals that have entrusted us with their instruments, in order to realisethe exhibition; a gesture that I greatly appreciate. I warmly thank them for their generosity.

Sounds of the Muse: Greek Musical Instruments through the Centuries is currently on display at the Hellenic Museum, 280 William Street. During the three months the exhibition runs, lectures, seminars and educational programs will be taking place.

HACCI HACCI

G

reece forms part of the Mediterranean food bowl and produces some of the best quality authentic produce anywhere in the world; which is growing in popularity and continues to become more and more available to Australian consumers.

3. Promote Greek products

A recent survey of Australian food buying habits indicated that the average Asian household in Australia purchases over 29% of Asian products, the average Italian household 18% of Italian products and the average Greek household purchases less than 7% of Greek products. Another interesting fact is that the over 60s generation of Greek Australians are spending a far greater portion of their income on authentic Greek products than that of the 30-50 generation of Greek Australian shoppers. So why has the loyalty for authentic Greek products eroded from one generation of Greek Australians to the next?

I gained one perspective when I attended a Christmas function at a Greek law firm in Melbourne. The large choice of drinks at this function included local and imported wines and a diverse range of beers. I knew the host well enough to enquire why he had not included any Greek wines, beers or soft drinks in his choice selection. He was just as surprised as I was that this had not occurred to him. So perhaps it’s just a matter of maintaining awareness.

By following the above, you will not only enjoy some of the best food Greece has to offer, but you will also influence the demand for Greek products and that would make you a Go-Greek Ambassador. There is no doubt that Chefs like George Calombaris have elevated the popularity of Greek cuisine and are helping to promote the use of Greek ingredients. The Go-Greek campaign aims to do the same.

Stay tuned to the hacci.com.au website for the launch of the Go-Greek campaign in the next few months, where you will also be able to register yourself as a Go-Greek Ambassador.

When you next have a dinner or function at home or at work, make sure you also include Greek beer, wine, soft drinks and mineral water. Tell people when you have used authentic Greek ingredients.

Always promote and encourage others to use authentic Greek products.

GO GREEK

WORDS: NICHOLAS MYLONAS

HACCI Herald In next month’s edition of OPA magazine, HACCI will be launching its new quarterly newsletter, the HACCI Herald. HACCI members will receive it by email and subscribers to OPA! Magazine will enjoy a HACCI Herald lift-out and be able to share some the great content put together by the HACCI Editorial Committee.

Other News The HACCI army continues to expand with three newcomers to the HACCI Board and four new sub committee recruits. The President invites all expressions of interest from anyone wishing to join the HACCI army and work with one of our projects. Finally, applications for the HACCI Marketing Assistant closes soon, refer to the website for details.

Go-Greek The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (HACCI) is in the early stages of embarking on a Go-Greek campaign, which is designed to raise the awareness of authentic Greek products and promote them to all Australians. Stage one of the Go-Greek campaign will be focused on encouraging Greek Australians to become loyal consumers of authentic Greek products, especially the second and third generation.

Stage two of the Go-Greek campaign will be focused on getting people to become Go-Greek Ambassadors. To be a Go-Greek Ambassadors you must do the following:

1. Buy Greek products Stay loyal to buying Greek. When you next go shopping, take the trouble to visit a Greek Delicatessen and stock up your fridge and pantry with authentic Greek quality products

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE - KALO PASCHA! like Greek olive oil, cheeses, olives, honey, fruit preserves, nuts, dried herbs, spices, grains, pastas, beer, wines and spirits.

2. Ask for Greek products Whenever you go to a restaurant, make a point of asking if they have Greek beer or wines on the menu. When you go to a Greek restaurant, ask if they use authentic Greek ingredients, and you should insist they have Greek beer, wine and soft drinks on their menu.

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POLITIKI POLITICS

MULTICULTURALISM AND CITIZENSHIP A ROADMAP TO A STRONG, VIBRANT HARMONIOUS SOCIETY “I HEAR MANY DIFFERENT WORDS AND LANGUAGES BUT OUR LAUGHTER SOUNDS THE SAME. I SEE MANY PLACES OF WORSHIP, YET THEY ALL PRAY FOR PEACE.” WORDS: NICHOLAS KOTSIRAS

A message to OPA! readers from the honorable Nicholas Kotsiras, The Member for Bulleen and the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Citizenship.

“I look around and see many coloured skins all with the same colour blood and beating heart. I hear many different words and languages but our laughter sounds the same. I see many places of worship, yet they all pray for peace. I smell different foods cooking, yet we eat in celebration, A smile means the same in many languages and in Australian it means ‘G’day mate’ to all.”

The above entry won a local competition that asked students in my electorate of Bulleen to convey what multiculturalism means to them. By the large number of entries and the responses I received, it simply reinforced once again that our children see our differences as a uniting force and more importantly, that our young people do not see differences as divisive.

Australia is one of the most religiously, culturally and linguistically diverse nations in the world. Overall Australians are open-minded, accepting, welcoming and support our cultural diversity; after all without such an approach, we wouldn’t be so diverse.

There are some who point to overseas conflicts and isolated violence on our streets as proof that multi-culturalism does not work. I disagree with this assessment.

Racism exists to some extent within all cultures and societies and is created by a range of influences including preconceived beliefs, fear of change or as a product of ignorance.

Racism does not simply occur because Australia has embraced multiculturalism and is a diverse society. Racism also exists in nations that have attempted to suppress diversity and not implement policies of acceptance.

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This is where multicultural policies and a quality dialogue between community leaders are important to challenge these views.

In my opinion there are two types of cultures, ‘rigid’ and ‘flexible’. We all have our own ‘rigid’ culture, depending on our birthplace, our family and our heritage. It is the culture that we have inherited and that we try, in most cases, to preserve and pass on to the next generation. This culture is seen as precious and worth preserving. We are told, sometimes for self-serving motives, that we must not alter or change this culture because it depicts who we are. This may lead to extreme forms of nationalism and separatism that does not accept our common core values.

The ‘flexible’ culture is one that has evolved as a result of one’s natural, social and economic environment. It is dynamic, constantly changing and is borne from people interacting with one another. When people of different cultures exist in the same environment over a period of time their culture will evolve, ensuring that they are able to live with others in a peaceful and harmonious way.

In the Australian context, people and communities adapt their cultures within an overall inclusive culture, one that unifies us by our commitment to our nation and its democratic institutions, laws, values and a ‘fair go’ for all.

Australian citizenship is the basis on which to build a strong and unified society, where individuals learn from each other and together help forge a more inclusive and harmonious society.

A strong multicultural policy, which is understood and accepted, can be a means to diminish racism and separatism. It can create the roadmap on how we can build on the strengths of having a diverse society.

ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ. ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΘΝΗΤΟΙ ΑΠΌ ‘ΔΩ ΠΕΡΑ ΝΑ ΖΗΣΟΥΝ ΣΑΝ ΕΝΑΣ ΛΑΟΣ, ΜΟΝΙΑΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ Κ ISTORIAΣΑΣ, ΜΕ ΝΟΜ ΠΡΟΚΟΠΗ. ΝΑ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΗ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΑ ΚΟΙΝΟΥΣ, ΟΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΑ HISTORY ΤΗΝ ΦΥΛΗ. ΔΕΝ ΧΩΡΙΖΩ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ, ΌΠΩΣ ΚΑΝΟΥ ΣΤΕΝΟΜΥΑΛΟΙ, ΣΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΥΣ. ΔΕΝ Μ’ ΕΝΔΙΑΦ Η ΚΑΤΑΓΩΓΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΟΥΤΕ Η ΡΑΤΣΑ ΠΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΘΗ ” H T A “O E TH EAT R ΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΤΑΜΕΡΙΖΩ ΜΕ ΜΟΝΑΔΙΚΟ ΚΡΙΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΗΝ ΑΡ G E H T NDER ΓΙΑ ΜΕΝΑ, ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΞΕΝΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΚΑΙ OF ALEXA S, 324 BC) (OPI ΚΑΚΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΕΙΡΟΤΕΡΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟ. ΑΝ ΠΟΤΕ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΘΟΥΝ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΣ, ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΚΑΤΑΦΥΓΕΤΕ ΣΤΑ ΟΠΛΑ, ING TO AN S ARE COM HAT WAR M T ΘΑ ΤΙΣ ΛΥΣΕΤΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ. ΣΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΓΚΗ ΘΑ ΣΤΑΘΩ ΔΙΑΙΤΗΤΗΣ O W FR O .

N E , C ISH Y IN PEA IT IS MY W ΤΟ ΘΕΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΤΟΝ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΑΥΤΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗ, Α LL BE HAPP A IN LD , U E O PL O T YOU SH AS ONE PE E ΣΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΟ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ ΟΛΩΝ, ΩΣΤΕ Η ΔΙΑΓΩΓΗ ΣΑΣ ΝΑ ΜΟΙΑΖΕΙ ΜΕ V LI END, THA S L ORTA E WHOLE LET ALL M ΖΩΗ ΠΟΥ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ Τ’ ΑΔΕΛΦΙΑ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ. ΕΓΩ LL. SEE TH A F NOW ON, O D O R THE GO MMON TO FO O , ΤΗ ΜΕΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΣΑΣ ΘΕΩΡΩ ΙΣΟΥΣ, ΛΕΥΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΛΑ C IP S SH AW W L H FELLO AND, WIT ΚΑΙ ΘΑ ΗΘΕΛΑ ΝΑ ΜΗΝ ΑΙΣΘΑΝΕΣΤΕ ΜΟΝΟ ΣΑΝ ΥΠΗΚΟΟ LESS OF D R HOMEL R U A O G Y E S R A WORLD L GOVERN IL O W ΚΟΙΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑΣ ΜΟΥ, ΑΛΛΑ ΝΑ ΝΟΙΩΘΕΤΕ ΟΛΟΙ ΣΑΝ ΜΕΤΟΧΟ N E ST E K B A IM RE THE MINDED, ALL, WHE ΣΥΝΕΤΑΙΡΟΙ. ΟΣΟ ΠΕΡΝΑ ΑΠ’ ΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΜΟΥ ΘΑ ΠΡΟΣΠΑΘΗΣΩ ΝΑ ΓΙΝ NARROW E E H H T T S. E N K IA CE. UNLI D BARBAR N ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΣΧΟΜΑΙ. ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟΝ ΟΡΚΟ A S K THEIR RA E E EEN GR ICH THEY ION BETW ΔΩΣΑΜΕ ΑΠΟΨΕ ΜΕ ΣΠΟΝΔΕΣ ΚΡΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΟΝ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΟ ΑΓΑ INTO WH E C A R DISTINCT E E TH ONLY ON IZENS, OR E IT “ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΟΜΑΙ ΤΩΡΑ ΠΟΥ ΤΕΛΕΙΩΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΙ ΝΑ AV C H F I O .

ME ORIGIN CERN TO ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ. ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΘΝΗΤΟΙ ΑΠΌ ‘ , VIRTUE. F NO CON M O E IS H , T N H R IS WERE BO D DISTINGU A O B T ΠΕΡΑ ΝΑ ΖΗΣΟΥΝ ΣΑΝ ΕΝΑΣ ΛΑΟΣ, ΜΟΝΙΑΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ Y H N A IC N BY WH REEK AND CRITERIO NER IS A G ΠΡΟΚΟΠΗ. ΝΑ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΗ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΑ ΣΑΣ, ΜΕ ΝΟ IG R E E R V E FO S D E NY GOO IF DISPU T .

N IA ΚΟΙΝΟΥΣ, ΟΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤ R A FOR ME, A B AN A BAR WEAPONS WORSE TH ΤΗΝ ΦΥΛΗ. ΔΕΝ ΧΩΡΙΖΩ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ, ΌΠΩΣ ΚΑΝΟ ESORT TO R T O N GREEK IS L U, YOU WIL I SHALL , O E Y ΣΤΕΝΟΜΥΑΛΟΙ, ΣΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΥΣ. ΔΕΝ Μ’ ΕΝΔΙ B G D N E O E N OCCUR AM PEACE. IF Η ΚΑΤΑΓΩΓΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΟΥΤΕ Η ΡΑΤΣΑ ΠΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΘ TOCRATIC THEM IN U E A LV N A SO S L A T BU T WIL E GOD NO S SE U ΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΤΑΜΕΡΙΖΩ ΜΕ ΜΟΝΑΔΙΚΟ ΚΡΙΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΗΝ Α .

H U T O Y D N OF ALL AN E BETWEE ΓΙΑ ΜΕΝΑ, ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΞΕΝΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΚΑ N FATHER ARBITRAT O S M R M E O H C T U T AS THE ES OF BRO B V T, LI ΚΑΚΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΕΙΡΟΤΕΡΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟ. ΑΝ ΠΟ O E H SP T E D L BE LIKE U ALL AS DUCT WIL ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΘΟΥΝ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΣ, ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΚΑΤΑΦΥΓΕΤΕ ΣΤΑ ΟΠΛΑ RT, SEE YO PA Y M N YOUR CON O NED. AND FAMILY. I, E IN ΘΑ ΤΙΣ ΛΥΣΕΤΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ. ΣΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΓΚΗ ΘΑ ΣΤΑΘΩ ΔΙΑΙΤΗΤΗ M K -S SA K E R H ITE OR DA WITHIN T ΤΟ ΘΕΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΤΟΝ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΑΥΤΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗ U ARE WH OF MY O S Y T C R E JE H B T SU HE PLY TO BE EQUAL, W M .

SI ΣΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΟ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ ΟΛΩΝ, ΩΣΤΕ Η ΔΙΑΓΩΓΗ ΣΑΣ ΝΑ ΜΟΙΑΖΕΙ Μ IT T F O O N S LIKE YOU , PARTNER ΖΩΗ ΠΟΥ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ Τ’ ΑΔΕΛΦΙΑ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ. Ε I SHOULD BERS OF IT M T E A M H T W U O B WEALTH, RIVE TO D N ST O ΤΗ ΜΕΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΣΑΣ ΘΕΩΡΩ ΙΣΟΥΣ, ΛΕΥΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΛ M LL M A O SH C OATH ABILITY, I ΚΑΙ ΘΑ ΗΘΕΛΑ ΝΑ ΜΗΝ ΑΙΣΘΑΝΕΣΤΕ ΜΟΝΟ ΣΑΝ ΥΠΗΚΟ LOVE THIS ST OF MY F E O B L E O H B T M TO EP AS A SY TIONS. E A K B . ΚΟΙΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑΣ ΜΟΥ, ΑΛΛΑ ΝΑ ΝΟΙΩΘΕΤΕ ΟΛΟΙ ΣΑΝ ΜΕΤΟ LI D E R U IS O OM HT WITH I HAVE PR ΣΥΝΕΤΑΙΡΟΙ. ΟΣΟ ΠΕΡΝΑ ΑΠ’ ΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΜΟΥ ΘΑ ΠΡΟΣΠΑΘΗΣΩ ΝΑ EN TONIG K TA E AV EH WHICH W ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΣΧΟΜΑΙ. ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟΝ ΟΡΚ ΔΩΣΑΜΕ ΑΠΟΨΕ ΜΕ ΣΠΟΝΔΕΣ ΚΡΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΟΝ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΟ Α “ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΟΜΑΙ ΤΩΡΑ ΠΟΥ ΤΕΛΕΙΩΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΙ ΝΑ ΕΙΣΤ ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ. ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΘΝΗΤΟΙ ΑΠΌ ‘ΔΩ ΚΑ ΠΕΡΑ ΝΑ ΖΗΣΟΥΝ ΣΑΝ ΕΝΑΣ ΛΑΟΣ, ΜΟΝΙΑΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΚΟΙΝ ΠΡΟΚΟΠΗ. ΝΑ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΗ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΑ ΣΑΣ, ΜΕ ΝΟΜΟΥ ΚΟΙΝΟΥΣ, ΟΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΑ ΑΠ ΤΗΝ ΦΥΛΗ. ΔΕΝ ΧΩΡΙΖΩ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ, ΌΠΩΣ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ Ο ΣΤΕΝΟΜΥΑΛΟΙ, ΣΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΥΣ. ΔΕΝ Μ’ ΕΝΔΙΑΦΕΡΕ Η ΚΑΤΑΓΩΓΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΟΥΤΕ Η ΡΑΤΣΑ ΠΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΘΗΚΑΝ ΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΤΑΜΕΡΙΖΩ ΜΕ ΜΟΝΑΔΙΚΟ ΚΡΙΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΗΝ ΑΡΕΤΗ ΓΙΑ ΜΕΝΑ, ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΞΕΝΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΘ ΚΑΚΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΕΙΡΟΤΕΡΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟ. ΑΝ ΠΟΤΕ ΣΑ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΘΟΥΝ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΣ, ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΚΑΤΑΦΥΓΕΤΕ ΣΤΑ ΟΠΛΑ, ΠΑΡ ΘΑ ΤΙΣ ΛΥΣΕΤΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ. ΣΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΓΚΗ ΘΑ ΣΤΑΘΩ ΔΙΑΙΤΗΤΗΣ ΣΑ ΤΟ ΘΕΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΤΟΝ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΑΥΤΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗ, ΑΛΛ ΣΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΟ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ ΟΛΩΝ, ΩΣΤΕ Η ΔΙΑΓΩΓΗ ΣΑΣ ΝΑ ΜΟΙΑΖΕΙ ΜΕ ΤΗ ΖΩΗ ΠΟΥ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ Τ’ ΑΔΕΛΦΙΑ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ. ΕΓΩ, ΑΠ ΤΗ ΜΕΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΣΑΣ ΘΕΩΡΩ ΙΣΟΥΣ, ΛΕΥΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΛΑΨΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΘΑ ΗΘΕΛΑ ΝΑ ΜΗΝ ΑΙΣΘΑΝΕΣΤΕ ΜΟΝΟ ΣΑΝ ΥΠΗΚΟΟΙ ΤΗ ΚΟΙΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑΣ ΜΟΥ, ΑΛΛΑ ΝΑ ΝΟΙΩΘΕΤΕ ΟΛΟΙ ΣΑΝ ΜΕΤΟΧΟΙ ΚΑ ΣΥΝΕΤΑΙΡΟΙ. ΟΣΟ ΠΕΡΝΑ ΑΠ’ ΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΜΟΥ ΘΑ ΠΡΟΣΠΑΘΗΣΩ ΝΑ ΓΙΝΟΥ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΣΧΟΜΑΙ. ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟΝ ΟΡΚΟ ΠΟ ΔΩΣΑΜΕ ΑΠΟΨΕ ΜΕ ΣΠΟΝΔΕΣ ΚΡΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΟΝ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΟ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ

R E D N ALEXTAHE

T A E GR

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ISTORIA HISTORY

Did someone say ‘chiseled’ good looks?

ALEXANDER III OF MACEDON (356-323 B.C.) In history there are very few people who can be classified as ‘Great’ and even fewer who deserve to be. Alexander, the son of Philip, King of the Macedonians was one such person.

He is remembered and known as Alexander the Great and did not merely place his stamp on his own era, but rather, his memory and name have survived to this very day.

history and was undefeated in battle. By the time of his death at the tender age of 32, he had conquered most of the known ancient world. The Greek (or more properly Macedonian) Empire did not survive his death and descended into warfare after his death.

This is his oath, which he presented before 9000 Greek and Alexander the Great (also known as Alexander III, was the Asian officers at Opis in ancient Babylonia in 324BC. It is an ancient Greek king of Macedon (356–323 B.C.). He was one of expression of his beliefs and a new concept of God. it is as the most, if not the most, successful military commanders in relevant today as it was almost 3000 years ago.

ISTORIA HISTORY

Alexander the Great statue, Thessaloniki which also serves as the finsih point for the Thessaloniki Marathon.

Classes held at: Preston Girls Sec. College Cooma Str, PRESTON 4.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.

Glen Waverley Sec. College O’Sullivan Rd, GLEN WAVERLEY 4.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.

Montague Continuing Education Centre 100 Montague St, SOUTH MELBOURNE 4.30pm - 8.00pm Elwood Sec. College Glenhuntly Rd, ELWOOD 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.

PYTHAGORAS GREEK SCHOOLS

ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣ Principal: Constantine Roubos B.DSc, B.Ed.

Shelford Girls Grammar 3 Hood Crescent CAULFIELD 2.30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.

PYTHAGORAS GREEK SCHOOLS BOX 49 168 MARTIN ST, BRIGHTON VIC 3186 Mob: 0417 393 049 Email: pythagoras@i.net.au

Bringing young Greek Australians Closer to Greece!

Preschool classes available at SHELFORD Girls Grammar Caulfield

EKLISIA FAITH

THE LENTEN JOURNEY WITH GREAT LENT ALMOST OVER AND THE ORTHODOX CHURCH CELEBRATING HOLY PASCHA, WE ASKED FR KYRIL TO GIVE US A RUNDOWN OF WHAT IT ALL MEANS, WHY IT OCCURS AND WHAT THE CHURCH REQUIRES OF US AS MEMBERS OF THE HOLY ORTHODOX FAITH.

BY FR KYRIL OF THE HOLY ASCENSION ORTHODOX MISSION CENTRE, MELBOURNE.

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THE SYMBOLIC SUNDAYS The first Sunday in Lent, The Triumph of Orthodoxy, came to commemorate the restoration of icons in 843, after the long and bitter controversy over the making and venerating of icons.

In that year the decisions of the 7th Ecumenical Council of 787 relating to icons were finally put into practice. So the first Sunday of Lent is dedicated to our Orthodox Faith; to the victory of truth over error and of light over darkness. The Gospel theme is that of an invitation (John 1: 43 – 51). Come and See. Now that we have entered Lent, let us come and see and invite others as well to Christ.

The second Sunday came to commemorate St Gregory Palamas, renowned as the defender of the monks of Mount Athos and their way of praying. The Gospel for the 2nd Sunday (Mark 2: 1 – 12) is about Christ curing the paralysed man. The lesson is that we, just as those who are paralysed, can only be healed and have power from God not by our nature and power alone, but by participating in God’s actions: his activity and his energies. Only then, by following his directives, his will and in his holiness, do we become partakers and recipients of his grace.

The third Sunday is devoted to a celebration of the victory of the Cross. The Fathers planted this life-giving Cross in our midst for the third Sunday; the halfway point in Lent. They did so in order to give us rest and refreshment; to give us strength and endurance so that we may continue with the remainder of Lent and to continue to carry our Cross and hold fast to our faith - as we are instructed to do so in the Gospel and Epistle readings for this 3rd Sunday (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 & Mark 8:34-38), and to continue to prepare ourselves for Holy Week and the Feast of all Feasts – the Resurrection of Christ.

St John of the Ladder, one of the most famous monastic teachers of the way to perfection, is commemorated on the 4th Sunday. The Gospel lesson for the 4th Sunday (Mark 9:17-31) is of Christ curing the demon-possessed boy after the boy’s father came to Jesus and asked him to cure his son. The lesson continues the theme of holding fast to your faith and of repentance.

The fifth Sunday is a commemoration of St Mary of Egypt, one of the great women ascetics of the Palestinian desert and a model of repentance. The Gospel reading for the 5th Sunday (Mark 10: 32 – 45) hints at the events that will take place during Holy Week, as Christ begins to tell the twelve that he will be soon delivered up in Jerusalem.

Then James and John ask Christ to sit on either side of him in heaven.

The lesson again is one of repentance, of service or diaconia: He who wishes to be great in the Kingdom must become the servant of all.

EKLISIA FAITH

HOLY WEEK & PASCHA Between Lent and Holy Week, stands the Saturday of Lazarus.

The raising of Lazarus (John 11: 1 - 45) is the last and greatest of the signs performed by Christ: to signify death is the enemy that Christ came to conquer, and that Christ is truly the giver of life.

Jesus said, “I am resurrection and life” when he brought Lazarus back to life. It is also the immediate cause of Jesus’ own death, because this is what finally convinced the religious leaders of Jerusalem that they must be rid of Him. So both historically and theologically it is appropriate to celebrate the raising of Lazarus as the prelude to the death and resurrection of Christ Himself.

After Lazarus Saturday begins Holy Week with Palm Sunday (The Triumphant Entry of Christ into Jerusalem). Jesus showed He was the triumphant but humble Messiah prophesied by Zechariah.

We receive palm branches on this day to show that we too accept Jesus as King, and that we are willing to follow Him to the Cross.

Holy Monday services help us understand Christ’s passage from death to life and how each of us can also become free from sin and death. We reflect on Christ the Bridegroom, on Blessed Joseph, son of Jacob in the Old Testament who prefigures Christ in his passion and suffering, and on the Barren Fig Tree which was cursed by Christ - an analogy of the judgment that will occur to those who show no fruits for the kingdom or fruits of repentance.

Holy Tuesday services urge us to be spiritually prepared to receive Christ. We reflect on the parable of the Ten Virgins as it is a parable of judgment.

Holy Wednesday services ask us to repent of our sins and forgive others. We remember the sinful woman who anointed Christ with her tears. A second theme today is that of the agreement made by Judas with the Jewish authorities. The repentance of the sinful woman is contrasted with the tragic fall and betrayal of Judas.

The hymnody makes it clear that the tragedy of Judas was not just because of his betrayal, but because he then refused to believe in the possibility of forgiveness, “In misery he lost his life, preferring a noose rather than repentance “(Compline Service, Holy Wednesday).”

Holy Thursday celebrates the Mystical Supper Christ ate with His Apostles. The services on this day recall: the washing

of the Apostles’ Feet, the Betrayal by Judas, the Mystical Supper and Christ’s Vigil in the Garden. The death of Christ is commemorated in the service widely known as “The 12 Passion Gospels.” During this service twelve excerpts from the Gospels are read relating to the suffering, death and burial of Christ.

Holy Friday is a day of increased mourning, fasting and prayer to commemorate the crucifixion. On Thursday evening twelve excerpts from the gospels are read relating the events of Christ leading up to, and including His Crucifixion. On Holy Friday morning there is the service of the “Great Hours” (1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th hours & Typica). Vespers is celebrated in the afternoon, commemorating the Deposition of Christ when Christ was taken down from the Cross, wrapped in white linen and buried in the tomb.

Compline follows immediately after Vespers when the Icon of the Burial of Christ (Epitaphios) is brought out and placed in the center of the Church. In the evening there is the service of Matins ending with the funeral procession of the Epitaphion. At this service, we lament Jesus’ undeserved death for our salvation.

On Holy Saturday morning the Divine Liturgy is celebrated.

We anticipate Christ’s victory over death as he descends into Hades where he smashes the power of death and frees the just.

On Pascha Sunday, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection begins at midnight. In a darkened church the faithful receive a lighted candle - the resurrection light from the priest and they form a procession out of the church. Outside the closed main door of the church the resurrection is proclaimed. The faithful hear the good news of Christ’s triumphant resurrection from the Gospel. The joyous hymn of Christ’s resurrection is chanted – “Christ is Risen!”

Then all enter the church, which is now lit up. The Paschal kiss is exchanged by everyone; and the service ends with the sermon of St John Chrysostom. The Liturgy begins immediately afterwards, where the gospel is then traditionally read in many languages signifying that the news of Christ’s Resurrection is and should be preached to everyone from every nation and culture in their own language.

CHRIST IS RISEN - ΧΡΙΣΤΌΣ AΝΈΣΤΗ!

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EKLISIA FAITH

G N I K C CRA TER EGG S A E E H T FR KYRIL OF THE HOLY ASCENSION ORTHODOX MISSION CENTRE, MELBOURNE EXPLORES TRADITION IN ORTHODOXY AND EXPLAINS WHY THE EASTER EGG IS A CRACKING EXAMPLE OF ‘SMALL T’ TRADITION. Within Orthodox Christianity tradition is held with high esteem. There are two types of tradition in the Orthodox Faith. First there are “CAPITAL T Traditions” and then there are “small t traditions.” “T” Traditions, or Dogma, are universally accepted beliefs and acts of the Church. Initially, the theology of the Orthodox Church was first passed on by Oral Tradition but in time was written down forming the Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament. By the 4th century these writings were accepted as the New Testament. Other early writings were codified such as the Canons of the Church as revealed through Ecumenical Councils. They provide universally accepted doctrine for Orthodox Christians. Small “t” traditions comprising legends and practices are also part of the Church’s understanding. They are often only locally accepted and observed. Small “t” traditions are often local cultural traditions that have been practiced by the Church from her beginnings. Such is the practice of making Easter Eggs.

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THE TRADITION OF ST MARY THE MAGDALENE AND THE RED EGG From the writings of the New Testament we know only a few things about Mary the Magdalene. First she is seen in Luke as being released from seven demons by Jesus. As one of the Myrrh Bearing women, Mary was the first to see the risen Christ (John 20). Because of this, the Church honors Mary the Magdalene as a saint and calls her Myrrh-Bearer and Equal-To-The-Apostles. Passed on through the tradition of the Church we are told that shortly after the resurrection of Christ, Mary traveled to Rome and gained an audience with Emperor Caesar Tiberius (14-37 AD). She denounced Pilate, who had been placed in power by Tiberius, for his handling of Jesus’ trial. She began to talk about Jesus’ resurrection.

Picking up a hen’s egg from the dinner table, she used it to illustrate her point about resurrection. During the Jewish Passover, the egg is cracked and eaten as a symbol of new life. Traditionally in the Church, the egg is

EKLISIA FAITH

SYMBOLISM OF THE RED EGG WE ARE TOLD BY THE EARLY CHURCH FATHER ST. DIONYSIUS, THAT COLOURS HAVE GREAT MEANING IN THE TRADITIONAL LIFE OF THE CHURCH. THESE COLORS ARE USED IN ICONS, VESTMENTS, AND IN SACRED ART. Red: incandescence; the blood of Christ and of the martyrs.

White: the color of divine glory and power; the divine light in Christian vision. “… your sins…shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

Purple: wealth, power, royalty, death.

Blue: the mystery of beings; an impression of depth and tranquility.

Green: an aspect of nature; life of vegetation, growth, and fertility.

Brown: a more lively color than black; density of matter, earthly.

Black: darkness; total absence of light.

Yellow: light, reflection of light.

Gold: the symbol of Divine light.

used as a teaching tool of the resurrection. The shell illustrates the tomb which gives way to new life; the resurrected Christ. Tiberius was unmoved and replied that there was as much chance of a human being returning to life as there was for the egg to turn red. Immediately, the egg turned red in her hand! This is why Orthodox Christians exchange red eggs at Pascha.

It is said that Tiberius removed Pilate from Jerusalem to Gaul, where he died of a horrible sickness.

EASTER EGG COLORING In anticipation of breaking of the Lenten fast, Orthodox Christians traditionally prepare Easter Baskets. These are filled with colored eggs, cheese, breads, meats, and wine. This basket will be taken to church and often placed in the front of the church during the Pascha service. At the

end of the service, this basket is used to celebrate, sharing with others breaking the Lenten fast.

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY, HE IS RISEN! At the end of the Paschal Divine Liturgy, the priest reads an ancient prayer that has been preserved today in the monastery library of St Athanasius near Thessalonika, Greece. “Thus have we received from the Fathers, who preserved this custom from the very time of the Apostles, that the equal-to-the-apostles, Mary the Magdalene, first showed believers the example of this joyful offering.” Then the priest distributes the Red Eggs during the blessing of the people. People will be seen cracking their eggs together symbolizing the shattering of Hades by the victorious Christ.

“Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!” is exclaimed by all.

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KINOTITA

COMMUNITY

CULTURAL CENTRE+ A TOWER OF STRENGTH

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KINOTITA

COMMUNITY

“THE NEW CULTURAL CENTRE IS DESTINED TO BECOME A KEY SYMBOL OF HELLENISM ACROSS THE GLOBE” T

he Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria is well on its way to building a 13 storey iconic Cultural Centre, to replace the dilapidated four storey headquarters that currently occupies the site on the corner of Lonsdale and Russell St in Melbourne’s CBD. This visionary project officially heralds in the changing of the guard at Community offices and celebrates a young, fresh and positive outlook towards the future. With funding from Government and a distinguished list of private benefactors getting involved to coordinate, support and fund this project, it is truly one of the most exciting and ambitious projects that the Greek Community has ever attempted.

The entire building will be owned by the GOCMV. None of the floors will be sold. The facility will also enable Greek community organisations to utilise this building and share conference room facilities. This will assist in

bringing many communities together so that for films and lectures and which can be opened there is greater cooperation and unity amongst up to provide space for up to 200 people. the various communities in Melbourne.

The third floor will house the Resource, Language “The plan is to keep control of four floors as and Archive Centre, which will act as the a GOCMV Cultural Centre, while leasing out language education hub, noting the GOCMV’s the remaining nine to allow the GOCMV to relationships with Latrobe University and RMIT, derive significant annual revenue,” explained its afternoon schools program and its ownership GOCMV President Bill Papastergiadis. of Alphington Grammar.

“This will allow the community to create an income base like never before, to leverage off A further floor will provide access to the broader and fund important initiatives and projects.” community by way of meeting rooms which will be freely accessible.

The new building will provide a major venue for the celebration of Greek Australian culture in the The undertaking is a huge one. Critical to its City of Melbourne. The four floors decdicated to success is the support of the community en the Cultural Centre will be diverse and vibrant. masse. Not only was the initial vote for the tower’s One floor will house a series of permanent development the biggest in GOCMV history, but interactive multimedia displays, supported now when it counts, key supporters and benefacby archival material and heritage objects. tors are committing to the massive undertaking, ensuring that the project is financially viable.

The second floor will house a purpose built, The new Cultural Centre is destined to become highly flexible space incorporating a theatrette a key symbol of Hellenism across the globe.

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KINOTITA

COMMUNITY

Yiayia & Pappou!

The common link between so many success stories within Melbourne’s multicultural community is the humble beginning. Fronditha Care is another one of those stories.

I

n 1975, a group of Greek migrants were confronted with the reality of ageing within the Greek community. This group of volunteers, together with their foresight and belief, began to address this need in what became a movement against the cultural stigma associated with Aged Care. This was a time where those that could no longer provide care for their loved ones felt enormous guilt.

Aged Care was foreign: it challenged the traditions of the Greek-Australian community. Those that believed in the need of organised care came up against resistance. Our people were ageing; this was a fact. Rather than pretend that Greek elders did not require structured care, they began Fronditha, a group that respected identity and individual history.

This philosophy of ethno-specific care was the base of Fronditha’s success.

A snapshot in 2010 showed that we cared for over 700 elderly individuals.

Community Aged Care Packages. Other programs such as Planned Activity Groups, Host Homes for people living with Dementia and Volunteer Visitation Programs offer a range of activities, social opportunities and respite options.

Fronditha’s largest project to date is the expansion of our facility in Thornbury turning the site into a 90 bed facility. The Northern metropolitan region of Melbourne has one of the largest number of Greek speaking elderly.

Along with our increasing population, cases of Dementia are predicted to triple in the next thirty years, making this project vital to get underway now. Fronditha has cared for the elderly for 34 years and will continue to provide Residential Care services and Community services to support families opting to care for the elderly in their own homes.

Fronditha is growing, and our cause caught the attention of 300 people at Ethno-specific care means respecting age, language, history, spirituality, the Fabulous Fronditha Charity Gala in 2010. Australia’s leading fashion rituals, celebration, values, music and cuisine; the things that makes us designer Alex Perry hosted the event and connected with the audience as he told of his own experience of caring for others. He urged second and who we are. third generations to wake up to the needs of our ageing population and Fronditha’s services now range from high and low residential care, Fronditha’s work. Alex was raised behind his parent’s hamburger shop; his Dementia specific facilities and extensive programs reaching far into story of humble beginnings resonated with the guests while he expressed the community. Our resources provide a safe, comfortable and familiar absolute admiration of his parents and those migrants like them, calling them the bravest people he knew. environment that encourages independence.

His appeal was this; that as children and grandchildren of migrants, spoiled Our Community Services support and maintain a level of independence by material choice and opportunity, it is now up to us to make sure that for elders residing in their own homes through information, referral and our elders continue to live with the dignity they deserve.

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KINOTITA

COMMUNITY

At the Gala Fronditha

Gala event guests dance the night away

asked ‘Do you care for

Some ‘familiar’ faces at the event

Yiayia and Pappou?

‘With one aged care bed estimated to cost around $145,000 and a 60 bed facility about $13 million, community support is vital and donations from many, no matter how small, has a significant impact on our ability to provide the services our elders need.

IF YOU CARE ABOUT YIAYIA AND PAPPOU JOIN FRONDITHA (AND PLEDGE) IN THEIR BID TO HELP THOSE IN NEED.

Do you care

for Yiayia & Pappou?

Would you give just $10 to help them?

I wish to pledge $10

$20

$50

$100

other $

Credit Card

Direct Debit

Name _________________________ Number ________________________ Expiry Date ____________________ Signature _______________________ Your details will remain completely confidential

NAME BSB ACC

Cheque to: FRONDITHA CARE send to

94 Springs Road Clayton South 3169

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ATHLITICA GAME ON

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou

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ATHLITICA GAME ON

The AFL Victoria Multicultural Program brings people together from diverse cultural backgrounds to celebrate Australia’s most popular indigenous national sport. Nick Hatzoglou, the manager of the program, outlines how it works and gives a snapshot of recent achievements.

Australian Football for me was a wonderful way to keep healthy in mind and body. I would look forward to training and matches where I could compete with my mates from all kinds of cultural backgrounds, knowing that in the pressure of competition we would all stand together and compete as one. Australian Football taught me the value of team spirit and how to work in adversity to overcome barriers in life.

The AFL Multicultural Program helps migrant and refugee communities access Australian Football as players, fans, administrators, communty coaches or umpires. We work with our partners to build strong relationships with the most diverse communities - to identify barriers and develop strategies to encourage involvement in the game. The program, which began in 2006, is run as a partnership between the AFL, the Victorian Government, the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, Essendon, Richmond, and Hawthorn. We encourage leagues and local clubs take action to ensure that their activities are welcoming and inclusive and to create safe and healthy family friendly football environments for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

With fifteen dedicated staff including Multicultural Development Officers based in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. These officers are based at AFL clubs to deliver programs encouraging participation in Australian Football within multicultural communities across greater Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and rural areas. An important part of their work is to introduce young people from targeted culturally and linguistically diverse communities to Australian Football and to influence mainstream Australian Football clubs to embrace multicultural diversity as part of their ongoing operations.

Through the program we use Australian Football as a tool to build community capacity and enhance social inclusion for newly arrived and existing Australians from diverse backgrounds. As Australia’s most popular national sport Australian Football is in a strong position to gain significant representation from the multicultural sector. In 2010, the Multicultural Schools Football Program was implemented in 98 schools, exposing 7350

students to Australia’s indigenous game, with each student taking part in ten Australian football experiences as part of their induction into the game.

Multicultural Development Officers are playing a key role in engaging culturally diverse communities with AFL Clubs Essendon ( Eder – Luiz Martins), Western Bulldogs (Nish Moses), Richmond (Michael Roberts), Hawthorn (Michael Nguyen) and Collingwood (Harmit Singh).

OTHER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2010 - In partnership with the Australian Sports Commission, launched the “All-Cultures” program. Federal - Sports Minister Kate Ellis was the official guest.

- Professional development training for 25 staff in multicultural development, leadership, foresight Perspectives and the future.

- Some 25,000 people (162 different groups) from migrant communities have visited an AFL game, most for the first time.

- 300 children from the Multicultural Schools Football Program participated in half time NAB AFL Auskick Rules and Grid Games on the MCG and Telstra Dome.

- Presented Tri / Short Cup to the winning team in the Southern Dragons v Sandown Cobras Division 3 Southern League.

- In 2010, 95 predominantly Asian players were registered to play in the Southern Football League. Some of these players played competitive football for the first time.

- 68 schools and 3990 participants visited the National Sports Museum and toured the MCG. - Established six new NAB AFL Auskick centres with 250- participants catering for young people from high rise housing estates and high cultural diverse cultural background areas.

- 850 students involved in Multicultural Schools Cup - 37 separate tours conducted at AFL Club venues reaching 1100 participants.

- Distributed 5,000 Auskick Footballs to students throughout Victoria participating in the Multicultural Schools Football Program.

Our partnership with Sports without Borders continues to provide grants for young people to play Australian Football. For more information and to get involved go to: www.afl.com.au

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ATHLITICA GAME ON

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ATHLITICA GAME ON

HAFC CLUB XVIII - FIXTURE

Rd 1 Sat 9 Apr (HOME) 11.40am VS Ormond – Rathmines Rd Reserve, MEL REF 45 H10 Rd 2 Sat 16 Apr BYE

Rd 3 Sat 30 Apr (HOME) 11.40am VS Old Geelong – Rathmines Rd Reserve, MEL REF 45 H10 Rd 4 Sat 7 May (AWAY) 11.40am VS Hampton Rovers – Boss James Reserve, MEL REF 77 A7 Rd 5 Sat 14 May (HOME) 11.40am VS Mazenod – Rathmines Rd Reserve, MEL REF 45 H10 Rd 6 Sat 21 May (AWAY) 2.00pm VS Richmond Central – Kevin Bartlett Reserve, MEL REF 59 B1

HAFC CLUB XVIII HAWTHORN SPARTANS DINNER DANCE Please join the Hawthorn Spartans Football Club on this very special occasion.

SUPPORTING YOUR FOOTBALL TEAM Raffles and prizes will be available through the evening along with live and silent auctions of sporting memorobilia. Great music all night long.

Rd 7 Sat 28 May (HOME) 11.40am VS Ajax – Rathmines Rd Reserve, MEL REF 45 H10 Rd 8 Sat 4 Jun BYE Rd 9 Sat 18 Jun (AWAY) 11.40am VS Old Geelong – Como Park, MEL REF 2M C3 Rd 10 25 Jun BYE Rd 11 Sat 2 Jul (HOME) 11.40am VS Hampton – Rathmines Rd Reserve, MEL REF 45 H10

SATURDAY 30 APRIL 2011 7:30PM STARS INTERNATIONAL RECEPTION & FUNCTION CENTRE. 1C Bell Street Preston VIC 3072

Rd 12 Sat 9 Jul (AWAY) 11.40am VS Ajax – Gary Smorgon Oval, MEL REF 57 J7

Rd 15 Sat 30 Jul (HOME) 11.40am VS Hampton Rovers – Rathmines Rd Reserve, MEL REF 45 H10

$5 from each ticket sold will be donated to Fronditha Care supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Aged Care.

O

RN SP A A NS RT

AW T H

Rd 14 Sat 23 Jul (HOME) 11.40am VS Richmond Central – Rathmines Rd Reserve, MEL REF 45 H10

(03) 9416 8048 www.starsinternational.com.au

H

Rd 13 Sat 16 Jul (AWAY) 11.40am VS Mazenod – Central Reserve, MEL REF 71 C5

A .F. C.

It’s all about the strategy....

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PSARAS FISHING

Ocean Beaches - just beautiful...

R E L A X . TA

KE IT EAS

INFORMATION: TACKLEWORLD CRANBOURNE. WORDS: CHRIS BINOS

The Lure of Autumn You can really tell that autumn has arrived. 35cm have been caught. Preferred bait has been Crisper air, calm seas and the leaves are mussel and pipi and even whiting worm. Last starting to fall; it’s great weather to go fishing. but certainly not least we’ve got some amazing reports by a group of ‘psarathes’ who fished ten miles out of Flinders and got slammed Around Town In Port Phillip Bay even though we are at the by 17 Striped Tuna. They weighed between tail end of snapper season, we have been getting 3kg and 5kg and struck in multiple schools. ample reports of great reds being caught. Best The action was so good they even pulled out reports have been coming in from Mornington, light gear and threw soft plastics out to the Mt Martha and Carrum. The one that took the schools just to test their skills. Well done boys! cake was an 85cm beast that got pulled in out of Mt Martha. It’s not only the reds making the Out of Town charts this month. We’ve had reports of Yellow Portland is home of Southern Bluefin Tuna Tail Kingfish getting caught at The Rip. Average and people come from all around the state to specimens were at 8-9kgs and so far the biggest experience what Portland has to offer. There Kingie weighed in at 14kg’s. Let’s not forget have been a few lucky anglers and they’ve been the squid being caught in the bay. They don’t kind enough to share their catches with us. The have headshakes when they’re hooked, but jeez average size was around 30 kgs and in 1300m of are they tasty. By all accounts there are good water but we had a report come in of a monstrous numbers of squid around the shallow grass beds Bluefin weighing in at 99 kgs. of Port Phillip, including ten great specimens Paul Worstling of iFISH went to Wedge caught in one session from the shallows of Mt Island in South Australia and caught over 200 Martha.

Australian Salmon with a group of mates. He Western Port has also shown its colours this says that it’s the best action he has ever seen. month, providing us with some unbelievable BIG CALL! reports of King George Whiting. Once again the best stories came from Stony Point and Middle Spit. Anglers have been bagging out in only an hour and catching some monster Whiting.

Specimens up to 46cm and an average of about

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Y.

PSARAS FISHING

AUS KEENEST FISHERMAN?

Like father, like son...

SHARE YOUR ‘TAIL‘ WITH OPA! READERS BY SENDING IN YOUR BIO AND COOL FISHING PICS TO: CHRIS@OPAMAGAZINE.COM.AU

YOU COULD BE OUR ‘PSARA’ FOR NEXT ISSUE!

FEATURED PRODUCTS

CATCH OF THE MONTH!

Spotters This month’s catch goes to Nick and Mario who are proudly presenting us with a great display of King George Whiting. They fished at Middle Split in Western Port at about 18m of water with preferred bait being fresh Mussel.

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ODIGOS CARS

THE NISSAN LEAF IS ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED, MASSPRODUCED, ELECTRIC VEHICLES PRODUCED TO DATE. The eco-conscious have long been weighing up the benefits of Electric Vehicles (EV’s) and Hybrids, with the obvious difference between EV’s like the Nissan LEAF and a hybrid being that a car like the LEAF doesn’t have a conventional petrol motor at all.

A Toyota Prius (arguably the best known Hybrid car) can run on its electric power for no more than a kilometre or two if you are lucky, but the LEAF runs completely on its electric motor. This affords you a range of driving distance from 100km to 170km.

The LEAF is just like any other car, the only difference is that you will never have to visit a petrol station again.

So how do you ‘feed’ it you ask? Simple. Just put it to charge overnight after a day’s driving.

To charge it though, you will need 15amp

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power, which is equivalent to the power you need to run your ordinary air-conditioner at home. It will take 8 hours to charge from flat to full. Other ways of charging your LEAF will be power stations scattered around the country that will charge your vehicle in only 30 minutes.

The LEAF is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, which is the power source of choice for most electric vehicles.

VEHICLE TYPE: - FOUR DOOR HATCHBACK PRICE: - $32,500+ (USD) CONFIGURATION: - FRONT ENGINE/ FWD ENGINE: - HIGH-RESPONSE SYNCHRONOUS AC MOTOR DISPLACEMENT: - N/A TRANSMISSION: - NO TRANSMISSION REQ

The LEAF is expected to offer performance on par with most everyday small cars. The battery pack it comes supplied with, has an output of up to 90kW, with its electric motor generating 80kW and 280Nm of torque.

IN ELECTRIC CARS! POWER: - 80KW @ 2730-9800 RPM TORQUE: - 280NM @ 0-2730 RPM WIDTH: - 1770MM LENGTH: - 4445MM HEIGHT: - 1545MM

The LEAF was launched in late 2010 in the United States and Europe, but Australian’s will need to wait until 2012.

We are yet to know pricing for this vehicle in Australia, but in the United States, the Nissan LEAF starts from $32,500USD.

WEIGHT: - 3362 LBS 0-60 MPH: - 11.90 SECS TOP SPEED: - OVER 145KM/H

ODIGOS CARS

MUSTANG GT PREMIUM 07 SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND – GALLUP! THIS WILD HORSE AIN’T NO ORDINARY GT MUSTANG. Not only is it a 4.6L V8 but this beast has also been overhauled and supercharged by the team at Saleen, so it not only looks fantastic but it’s all set to light up the streets.

DOWN TO BUSINESS Model: - Ford Mustang GT Premium 2007 Colour: - Sterling Grey Metallic Body Kit: - Modern Mustang Eleanor Replica Engine Type: - 281 cid (4.6L) 3-valve SOHC V8 engine Engine Modifications: - Saleen Series 3V integrated twin-screw supercharger - 3.87-inch pulley - Saleen dual-stage water-toair intercooler system - Saleen 39 lb. fuel injectors - Hi-flow inlet tube and air box cover

- Saleen performance air filter Power: - 475 hp @ 6000 rpm - 624 nm torque @ 4250 rpm Exhaust: - Saleen Performance Exhaust System with stainless steel chrome tips Gearbox: - 5-speed, short-throw manual transmission DIFF: - 8.8-inch limited-slip differential, 3.73:1/3.31:1 final drive Brakes: - Power-assisted, 4-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and traction control - 14 in. slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipers Suspension: - Saleen Racecraft specific-rate front and rear springs - Saleen Racecraft nitrogen-pressurized front strut and rear shocks, widerange adjustable damping - Saleen Racecraft front sway bar and performance bushings - Saleen Racecraft front strut tower brace Wheels And Tyres: - Bullet Chrome 20” Wheels , (20x9 front, 20x10 rear) with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires

(295/35ZR20 front, 295/40ZR20 rear) Interior: - Saleen leather sport seats, front and rear, with Ultra-Suede inserts and custom-embroidered head restraints - Saleen short-throw shifter with leatherwrapped, comfort-grip aluminum shift knob - Unique, Saleen black-faced gauges, including 200 mph speedometer - Saleen twin-gauge pod (boost pressure and air inlet temperature) - Custom center console finish in Piano Black - Saleen serialized console plaque - Saleen steering wheel badgev - Saleen performance pedals - Saleen leather door inserts - Saleen S281 custom-embroidered floor mats - Saleen illuminated door sill plates - MyColor™ ambient lighting (door pockets, cupholders, footwells) - Ford SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system - Shaker 500 audio system with AM/ FM stereo, in-dash 6 CD changer, MP3 capability, 8 speakers

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ODIGOS

CARS O PSARAS

AUDIO SYSTEM SPECS INCLUDE : • 12” KICKER COMP SUB PIONEER 4 CHANNEL AMP • 4 X 6” JBL AUDIO SPLITS • JVC 7” TOUCH DVD SCREEN •

WRX

NAME: DRAGAN M (MELBOURNE) AGE : 21 YRS CAR: SUBARU IMPREZA WRX CLUB SPEC 9

After months of searching for a suitable car, that has looks, power and handling, I came across the CS9. This car won me over as soon as I laid eyes on it. With it being a limited edition as well I thought this would be the perfect car for me. Subaru has only imported 300 Club Spec 9’s, with 200 in the classic WRC blue and a limited 100 in obsidian Black. With the upgrades from the standard WRX Impreza, the CS9 really is in a different league. The front STI lip sets the car off from most others; the leather interior and sunroof are also standard features which were a must for me. Not to mention the STI inspired short shifter and upgraded brakes from standard as well as the STI springs, which enhance the stability and look of the car.

As I have only owned the car for a couple of months, modifications have been minimal and mostly cosmetic.

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OPA! AS SENT TO

BY READER

Once all that was sorted I turned to the exterior, I purchased a STI style rear wing, which seems to really finish the car off. And of course I lowered the car even further with professionally installed KING springs all around with camber adjusted to all four wheels for that extra bit of handling. After I had the car looking how I wanted, I was after the typical WRX exhaust note, so of course I had an 3 “ diff back exhaust fitted which gave it a nice rumble, not too loud but when opened up it can definitely be heard.

As for the future plans for this car, the sky’s really the limit. Realistically I would like to have around 220-240 aw/kw, which I would achieve by installing a 3.5” turbo back exhaust with dump pipe, Induction Kit, Front mount intercooler, ECU and a tune. Although like many of us, we are always chasing for more power, the 2.5 Litre Boxer motor can hold the power I am after but if I chose to pursue more I will be having to look at a rebuild, on top of which I would also need to upgrade the turbo to perhaps the STI VF35 turbo or even bigger.

For me the need for straight line speed has never been my greatest goal. I find that being able to come into a 90 deg corner at speed and accelerate all the way through it just hanging on the last ounce of grip the car has is the bigger rush, and ultimately what I am after.

WHO AND WHAT IS NUGAS? Nugas is the National Union of Greek Australian Students – a national body of young, educated students who choose to proactively embrace their Australian nationality, and acknowledge their Greek heritage with pride and respect.

Established in the 1960s, NUGAS has focused on the preservation of Hellenic culture in Australian society since its inception. The Greek-Australian community maintains an incredibly large presence in society today – we as the youngest generation of Greeks in Australia, strive to ensure that our voice is heard, and our presence is kept significant in all aspects of life including culture, sport and politics NUGAS is currently experiencing at one of the highest points it has ever achieved. The past month has seen the sign up of thousands of members in Melbourne alone. The enthusiasm of the current committee is inspiring in itself

–a small group of passionate, driven and determined Greek-Australian students taking the initiative to ensure their voices are heard, and their heritage kept alive for future generations.

We all want our children to grow up with the same sense of belonging and appreciation for our ethnic background. Being raised as Greeks in Australia as children of the Diaspora, created many problems for people in the 1950s and 60s.

Today however, we have grown to love and embrace our unique culture.

As a body of passionate individuals trying to bring Greek students together we organise an abundance of social events: the Annual Greek Ball; the NUGAS Greek Boat Cruise; Taverna Nights and every kind of social event. We make our presence known at major cultural events such as the annual Antipodes festival, Cypriot March for Justice, Easter Sunday events, etc.

These activities bring the community closer together and have over the years created some everlasting friendships.

We are proud to be young Greek-Australian students and will continue to work together to ensure that the future generations can benefit from our work.

HOUR OF POWER DON’T MISS THE NUGAS ‘HOUR OF POWER’ EVERY FRIDAY AFTERNOON ON 3XY RADIO HELLAS, WITH THEIR NEW RADIO SHOW, ‘TA LEME’ BETWEEN 4PM AND 5PM FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS.

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KULTURA CULTURE

EMPTINESS, FORM AND THE SPACE

BETWEEN ARTIST: GEORGE TZIKAS

S E TZIKA GEORG F O T R N BLE A RAKIS O MARKA LAY AT P IS THE RE D N N UR E. ENTLY O MELBO .

T S S IS CURR OLLIN S 178 C COLLIN

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KULTURA CULTURE

STEVE AGI DELVES INTO THE PROFOUND IDEAS AND WORK OF PAINTER

GEORGE TZIKAS “We perceive – we see. We see with our eyes and we see with our minds. We want to see the truth about life and all of beauty. Both are a great mystery to us.

Perceiving is the same as receiving and it is the same as responding. Perception means all of them. It goes on all the time whether we are asleep or awake” - Agnes Martin

G

eorge Tzikas is a quietly spoken, gentle man. He spends most of his days inspiring and shaping young minds in his role as an art teacher at Melbourne Grammar School. Tzikas also has another side, another vocation, that finds voice through his art and his unique take on life; his understanding of ancient philosophies and his quest to discover more about ‘the void’; the beginning, the deepest of concepts.

His recent exhibition at the Motor Works Gallery in South Yarra, a culmination of two years work for his Masters degree, was well received and a great way for George to be able to express his take on, well, absolutely nothing. “Even though there is a rich body of tradition and philosophical thought behind my work” explains George, “I like my painting to be approached from a poetic and experiential perspective rather than from a conceptual and analytic perspective. The concepts and theory give me guidance and structure to my practice, but ultimately I need to delve into my own being to produce art that touch people in a way that enables them to experience and access the silence, stillness and mystery; this paradox of emptiness and form within our daily lives. “

Tzikas cites architectural spaces and structures as the starting point for his imagination, which he breaks down or abstracts, and build up again, “This enables me to walk a fine line between abstraction and representation” says George. “What may at first glance be viewed as form, dissolves into space or void. What may initially be experienced or viewed upon as void can ultimately resolve itself into a recognisable form. This enables the viewer to participate in the image making process. For me the participation of the viewer is important because often these “mysteries” reveal themselves to us when we are placed within situations that contain paradoxes. The mind is unable to use its rational mode when it is confronted with a paradox and is forced to shift into an intuitive space in which time is compressed, giving rise to a stillness that heightens ones perceptual abilities, thereby giving the participant an opportunity of transcending the mundane experience of daily life. At such a point there is a chance that their heart/ mind may experience a greater understanding. If my viewers can get an inkling of this experience my work has achieved its purpose.” George’s fascination with the very nature of existence, and the void that was its precursor, relates a deep spiritual quest with the artistic odyssey on which he has embarked.

“In Buddhism and Taoism the void is the substrate, the invisible matrix from which all the manifest phenomena of our world arises. It is the source into which all this phenomena ultimately dissolves back into. To be aware of the void, we need to be aware of the rising phenomena and the rhythmic process of resolution and dissolution.

Form and emptiness reflect a partial experience of the dynamic which can only be transcended when both are experienced simultaneously, generating an understanding greater than the sum total of their individual parts.”

“Although I am referring to the Buddhist heart sutra in this painting project I am not claiming that these works intend to achieve ultimate closure, depiction or revelation of a spiritual truth. I want these paintings to refer to post modern discourse, whilst dealing with de-constructivist notions but without sacrificing the emotive, humanist and expressive qualities that are unique to painting. I want these paintings to remain open, allowing the viewer to: perceive, receive and respond in their own subjective manner. The Irish-born American painter and printmaker Sean Scully believes “with painting you can contain within borders a lot of experience, narrative, emotion, poetry, idea, thought, time, references, and so on all within a frame.....painting has a unique potential to stop time and compact feelings and experience”.

“I’m interested in re-establishing links with the metaphysical abstractionists of the early Twentieth century - artists such as Giorgio Morandi, Edward Hopper and Mark Rothko. Aesthetic considerations are important in my process. I’m interested in the experience of beauty as the presence of authentic perception. My sense of beauty is what guides my aesthetic choices in my painting process and what challenges my noumenal understandings and conceptions. Beauty in this context is about honest seeing and perceiving in “subjective” and “objective” ways: in Chinese Taoism this is known as heart/mind consciousness. The Chinese Taoists believe that when art is created through heart/mind consciousness it becomes a manifestation of nature containing the beauty and mystery of the Tao: the interplay of form and emptiness,. When a painting can evoke a sense of mystery that leads to an attitude of inquiry, with the possibility that it may extend the viewers understanding of the world, it has achieved it purpose.”

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MEZEDES AND MEMORY Tom Petsinis and Jim Pothito with son Nicholas, Head Chef of The Greek Deli and Taverna, Chapel Street, Prahran

Last month Melbourne’s mega Food & Wine Festival drew tens of thousands to over 250 mouthwatering events.

In fashionable Chapel Street, the Greek Deli and Taverna teamed up with celebrated author Tom Petsinas to create a rich fusion of the written and culinary arts.

Mike Sweet shares the dips with the award-winning poet and pioneering restaurateur Jim Pothito.

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“My grandfather was a baker in Smyrni, so I guess it’s in my DNA.“ says Jim Pothito, the affable owner of the Greek Deli and Taverna. It’s early evening and Chapel Street’s cafés and restaurants are filling with hungry customers. “We were the first to put tables on the pavement here” says Jim proudly, reflecting on the restaurant’s beginnings some thirty years ago. “We were full inside and I asked the people waiting if they’d like to dine al fresco. I remember the response I got. ‘What do you think we are, dogs?’ “A generation later, Chapel Street and its diners’ expectations are a little different.

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Cheers to you Jim!

Tonight is the first of two dinners Pothito is putting on with Tom Petsinas as part of the 19th Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Under the title Tools of the Greek Table each sensuous dinner inspired by the Deli’s hallmark spin on Greek provincial cooking, is punctuated with readings by Tom; extracts of the unique and powerful poetry for which the Victorian writer, born in Macedonia, has become acclaimed.

Jim Potitho left Lesbos as a nine year old in 1956 and remembers Chapel Street as a working class area of small factories making textiles and light industrial parts. “The migrants rejuvenated the area. Fifteen years after I arrived there were 30,000 Greeks living here.” Tom Petsinis was born in 1953 in Florina, the mountainous north-west of region of Macedonia. Today, Petsinis is described as a poet with a unique voice and a powerful vision. A playwright and writer of fiction, his best known work is the acclaimed novel ‘The French Mathematician’- based on the true and tragic story of Evariste Galois, a brilliant mathematician in post-Revolutionary France, whose work was dismissed by his contemporaries and who came to an untimely end.

As well as being a celebrated writer, Tom currently lectures in mathematics at Victoria University.

Petsinis grew up in Fitzroy and it was as a young child that his fascination with both mathematics and writing began.

“Mathematics is a language which uses its grammars and its syntax in a precise way, as does poetry” says Tom, who declares that his interest in maths has, co-incidentally, very Greek roots. “It was through Pythagoras’ theorem. I was intrigued that if you knew two lengths of a right angle triangle, you could work out the third length - irrespective of the size of the triangle. It was magic.” First published in the 1970s, Tom’s work as a wordsmith includes six collections of poetry, five plays, three novels and a collection of short stories. He is the recipient of numerous awards and has been widely translated.

It’s after the entrée - delicately cooked salmon crusted in fennel, lime and sumac berry spice, drizzled with smoked paprika oil - that the packed dining room, alive with conversation, is invited to settle by host Jim. Tom begins by reading the poem RULE from MY FATHER’S TOOLS – a collection of searingly poignant poems about his father, through the hand tools which marked his father’s life; tools used first in rural Macedonia and then later as a factory worker in Australia.

Yours was a measure based on trust, Generations, approximate as flesh and bone, The nail consecrated by rust Had struck three fingers deep in stone And Australia, as the heart flies?

A month by ship tugged by the setting sun, Or the width of a father’s eye Reading the stars for news of his son Grey fedoras greet you at Station Pier Bolted boards divide your shadow in tenths.

On the trip to Fitzroy the taxi meter Counts, converting furlongs to pence.

This rule, through measuring plans, Hopes, the sacrifice of father for flesh, May have inched that space, opened your hand, Halved the distance from life to death.

As Tom finishes each poem, more than polite applause follows from fellow diners. With palates tickled by the refreshing pear and spice tastes of the Tyrrells Ra Nui Pinot Gris 2009, the recital pauses for the main course – tender-as-you-like lamb cutlets marinated in baharat with a green bean, olive and feta salad and pan-fried chat potatoes with a fresh

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and every diner, not ‘to work the tables’ but to carry on an automatic, And what advice, what tools as fathers, would Tom and Jim wish to pass unthinking tradition of making his customers part of his extended family. on to their children? Tom paused for a moment, sifting his thoughts.

“The most valuable tools?…Being unafraid of challenge. My father was The interval before desert allows diners a chance to hear Tom recite more. undaunted by the prospect of leaving a humble village and coming to a new “A son is his father’s permanent apprentice” Petsinis remarks, just before world with nothing…that determination to succeed. And self-sacrifice; to he begins the poem ADZE, [the large pick-axe like tool used for carving leave a life that you know, for your children.“ I turn to Jim. “My father’s rough timber]; a tool that Tom’s father would always refer to in his native advice was always be honest with your clientele and your food. My father Slavic Macedonian tongue, as the abrasive, vowel-less ‘Srp’. had the pioneering spirit, and we’ve taught our children to have a go. If you don’t have a go you’ll never ever know.”

Head square, too big for tacks; Blade beveled, angled at forty-five, Flatter than a platypus’s bill;

With this simple universal guidance, and the fortifying tastes and words of the evening still with me I head off into the Prahan night, reflecting on fathers and sons; the thousands of odysseys that began the story of the Hellenic diaspora and the legacy they leave.

A tool shaped for desperate times: Women crushed corn on the doorstep, Mixed flour with gunpowder.

Extracts from MY FATHER’S TOOLS courtesy of Tom Petsinas. Arcadia Press. 2009.

Renting a room in Fitzroy, You lived for those letters from home Written on paper light as shade:

- WATCH Worn out by time’s inexhaustible spring,

Words weighted with sorrow, Barely moving the post-office scales, Yet raising your heart with love.

It’s been lying here timeless in this pencil box

Working weekends, overtime, There was no place for this village tool On a city’s construction site.

And clipped a plastic tag around your wrist –

Since the start of the new millennium, When death came, angelic white, rubber soled, Here, among pennies, drachmas, cents; The sisterhood of scissors, brotherhood of keys;

Before leaving this sensuous dinner and its rich extra literary dishes, I want to ask Tom about how his father’s actual tools became analogies for him.

“The tools are physical objects but they’re also metaphors - for what makes us human. They are tools for making things but they’re also tools for making our humanity. My family came from an agrarian village. Life was turned upside down constantly, yet somehow they found the resilience to keep going.”

OUR EXPERIENCE = YOUR CONFIDENCE

A black-knotted bracelet for counting prayers; Mum’s ring, my medal, your worry-beads; Two walnuts whose secret has defied my grip; This passport photo that shipped you here: Young, pale-eyed, staring hard at an older me.

LEADING THE WAY IN ESTEEMED CAR SALES

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FASHIONISTA FASHION

YIA SAS GINAIKES! Welcome to the wonderful world of style and hair. Welcome to the world of RAKIS! My name is James Razos and I am the Creative Director of Rakis On Collins. The Rakis On Collins team is the voice of reason, the voice of season, the people who discuss the real topics of the day, namely hair, beauty and style!

But who are we to tell you, the ever-stylish Greek and Cypriot communities of Melbourne and Australia about style? For the last quarter of a century I have been obsessed with creating stunning hair here at Rakis On Collins. In a previous life I was an interior designer. More recently I have been a celebrity stylist and hair guru on Network Ten’s Search for a Supermodel as well as a motivational speaker for the fashion industry.

Our wonderful leader, salon owner and Director, Stavros Tavrou opened RAKIS On Collins in 1983. Within a year he was styling U2. Since then he has become a leader in our industry, picking up awards and accolades with an almost undignified regularity.

The Rakis family is a hand-picked selection of some of the best professionals working in the hair and makeup industry, each chosen for their unique background, skills, interests, and more importantly, love of fashion. We live, breathe, eat and sleep fashion and style.

Over the coming months, you will hear from each of us, and be welcomed into our family. From our young,fashionforward stylists, to those of us who have celebrated a few “28th” birthdays, to our wide-eyed juniors full of enthusiasm as they make their first steps into the world of fashion; each of us has our own insight into the world of style. Our family is like yours: eclectic, full of life, and always shouting a warm “Yiassou agapi!”. We are here to show you how to style yourself, harness your inner beauty, and fall in love with yourself. Our mission is to provide you with a smorgasbord of style, the latest happenings in the world of fashion, and we look forward to many a great conversation with you in the coming months and years. So fasten your Alexander McQueen waisted belts, and prepare yourself for a ride down the catwalk!

We live, breathe,eat and sleep fashion and style.

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HEADARIS ‘Will the real Gene Simmons please stand up?’

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BY MALCHUS NEVETS

A tribute is defined as “a gift, payment, declaration, or other acknowledgment of gratitude, respect, or admiration”.

Bearing this in mind, it is with an open mind and a set of ear plugs that I began my pilgrimage to understand the concept of, and attraction to, cover bands, oops no I mean tribute bands, or do I mean cover bands?!?!

Whatever the description may be, and I do believe tribute bands is the right one, there is a plethora of them, a veritable smorgasbord of middleaged men and in some cases women, donning all sorts of ridiculous gear and paraphernalia in an often pathetic attempt to mock their heroes and rock-stars, usually of a bygone era.

Guns ‘n’ Roses, Whitesnake. They were real bands. That was real music!”

Obviously another 80’s Glam Rock tragic!

Be it KISS, ABBA, Madonna or even Lady Gaga, tribute bands have a way of taking the best that a performer comes to represent and trying to recreate that artist in an often unintentionally hilarious and tacky way.

It is very much an Australian phenomenon, although it does exist in the US and European markets. It is predominantly in the semi-isolated land down-under that such bands and performers flourish; creating their own fan base - star-starved fans who accept second-rate substitutes since they are unable to get regular access to their favourite performers.

Some even go to extremes, donning full regalia and custom made outfits that replicate their heroes in every way. Others are merely content to live out a middle aged dream by jumping on stage and belting out a track or two in true karaoke style.

Whatever the motive, it’s clear there is a demand for this type of entertainment, as there are so many of them all over town, paying tribute to their heroes in their own unique way.

With a fan base that has failed to move on from the dreaded 1980s, these performers are assured an audience of a few score at every performance.

Cheap wine and a three day growth is not just a song title, but a way of life for many of these performers who simply love to rock ‘n’ roll all night and party every day.

I stop to think about the motive for this. it’s bugging me. Surely it’s not “It’s all in good fun,” remarks a regular patron of my local pub who enjoys the money. There is no fame, maybe some infamy. “You do what? Oh my listening to local tribute band KISS Asylum perform as part of the ROCK God, how funny!”. Or maybe it’s the thrill, the rush, the adrenaline of the GODZ bill. Wishing to remain anonymous, he goes on to explain. “It’s lights, the crowd, the groupies. Nahhh ,it couldn’t be! all about celebrating the music of an era, days gone by. Van Halen, KISS, 081

Asylum. The REAL deal.

Or is this the REAL deal?

I’d like to dedicate this next song to...

I stop to think about the motive for this. it’s bugging me. Surely it’s not the money. There is no fame, maybe some infamy. “You do what? Oh my God, how funny!”.

Or maybe it’s the thrill, the rush, the adrenaline of the lights, the crowd, the groupies. Nahhh ,it couldn’t be!

Whatever the case may be, tribute bands are a great way to enjoy a good night out. Grab a beer with some mates, reminisce with your better half about days gone by, and tap your foot along to that almost forgotten tune, as long as you don’t expect too much and are happy to take this dose of bad medicine with a grain of salt.

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WINTER 11

TRENDS FOR WINTER Luxe FAUX FUR, FINE WOOL and DURABLE DENIM ensures the comfiest fit and ultimate protection from the elements KNITTED BEANIES, SCARVES and GLOVES complete any outfit and keep kids stylish and warm from head to toe all season long

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B OY S

Chunky Alpine Zip Through Jumper, 2693JBD $79.95

Check Flannel Shirt, 2299SBJ $49.95

Stripe Cardi, 17396TBI $39.95

Floral Detail Baby Hat, 21305ABJ $22.95

Gathered Sleeve Tee, 21228TBG $39.95

GIRLS Fur Vest, 20913TBJ $59.95 Lace Knit Wear Cutoff Gloves, 21379AB $19.95

Cord Square Pcoket Pant, 2374PBB $49.95

Fur Collar Denim Jacket, 2581JBB $69.95

SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.BARDOT.COM.AU 083

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Bardot designers bring you the hottest looks and trends every month

THE INSPIRATION

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TREND UPDATE

First seen on the runways now bought to you by Bardot. Your key trend of this autumn is Glam Goth. Mix GIRLY PIECES with others that have a HARD EDGE. LACE and LEATHER. Black is a staple of this trend, in fact it doesn’t exist without it, it’s all about the darkness.

A NEUTRAL COLOURS and splashes of RED. Black nail polish is a must as are chunky silver accessories and lace up boots. Whether you’re glam or goth this trend is EASILY WEARABLE and UNDENIABLY STYLISH.

Ballerina Bodysuit, 21194TB $69.95 Layered biker dress, 21287DB $129.95

Lota Love Tee, 21157TB $39.39

Motorcycle Pant, 20496PB $89.95

Thin Waist Belt, SA15538 $19.95

Crop Kimono Shrug, 21574TB $69.95

Bow Wrist Gloves, SA16447 $39.95

Scallop Lace Dress, 20796DB $119.95

Buckled Fur Trim Boots, 21164AB $99.95

Lindsay Knot Shirt, 21195TB $69.95

Lacy Prim Top, 21189TB $79.95

Pleat Front Short, 20295PB $89.95

SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.BARDOT.COM.AU

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www.rakis.com.au

MODA STYLE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL OSTA

HATTRICK

Millinery? Haute Couture? Now what’s that all about? Chris Binos gets to grips with hat pins and high fashion in conversation with Estelle Michaelides, Designer and Haute Couture Milliner.

Ok, a few definitions might help to get us started: a milliner is a hat maker, specifically of women’s hats. Haute Couture is a French term which literally means ‘high sewing’ or dressmaking, and refers to the design and creation of exclusive customfitted clothing. It’s clothing that is made to order, usually from high-quality, expensive fabric, sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable seamstresses, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques to create unique and individual garments that are akin to works of art.

Estelle Michaelidis is a well-known and respected milliner who not only takes great pride in her work, but also considers her chosen career more of a calling than an actual job. It’s with this level of passion and obvious flair, that she showed us around her funky little store at 382 Smith St, Collingwood in Melbourne.

Estelle.

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HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN MILLINERY? TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I had the chance to explore the art of millinery in a semester’s course whilst studying Fashion Design at RMIT. I fell in love and realised this was what I wanted to pursue long term. What fascinated me was that I could combine sculpture with fashion... being able to use my hands and create something magical... to see materials come to form, give them life. I carried on studying at the Ascot School of Millinery, then headed off to London and had the opportunity to work with a Milliner there, which gave me a diverse insight, knowledge and understanding. It was unique and different to what we were taught here.

Fifteen years on and I’m still fascinated by the art of millinery. To be able to wear a piece of art captivates me and inspires me to keep creating. To have luxurious silks, feathers, crystals, buttons as your medium, and then to create a piece that somehow has developed its own personality, is utterly exciting. Whilst I’m creating it, the piece speaks to me. It sounds so crazy I know, but as an artist, we see our work and passions as living entities. Artists are lovers of passion and depth. Our senses are far more acute to shades, movement and dimensions of emotions...and thus, our passions come alive!

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? My style is eclectic. We’re made up of so many different personalities so why limit ourselves or suppress our true colours? I take great delight in combining the old with the new...the graceful with rock... the delicate with the edgy.... the expected with the unexpected.

Where do you find inspiration? What are you passionate about? Fashion is an industry that is governed by seasonal colours and trends and I most certainly don’t follow this rule. My inspiration never changes... its primarily driven by ‘passion’... a love for what I do. I pay homage to the style and grace of a woman. My work is an extension of me, my life,

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my surroundings. I once read a quote on the London Tube of all places and it read ‘Inspiration: it’s about knowing where to look’. I love it as it’s so true. Look at your life as an inspiration and you will be inspired.

Not what magazines tell you, (except for this one – OPA!) or what your friends tell you, it’s about what YOUR life tells you, that’s what you should be inspired by.

DOES YOUR GREEK HERITAGE INFLUENCE YOUR WORK? IF SO, HOW? It’s not so much that my Greek heritage influences me, it’s more my blood line; an amazing family made up of unique individuals who have inspired me and coloured my path.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? Waking up every morning knowing I’ll be doing what I love to do, and that I have successfully managed to turn this love and passion into a business.

TELL US ABOUT A CAREER HIGHLIGHT - YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? The two that come to mind are firstly showcasing my first Ready to Wear collection in London. From this I gained interest from buyers in Paris to Japan! And secondly, most recently opening my first store here in Collingwood. My store is an eclectic concept store selling everything from women’s wear, bags, and body products to my own hand made jewellery and headwear. It’s a place where young designers can showcase their work along with my own creations.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM OF CLOTHING/ACCESSORY? Are you kidding me?! That’s like asking me which one’s my favourite child! I couldn’t answer that. I never throw anything away and each day there’s a new mix of styles and pieces.

ANY TIPS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO NOT ONLY LOOK GOOD, BUT TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD? Each person should dress to suit their own character and style. Don’t wear something because its ‘in’, Respect your own body shape, skin tone and style and be guided by that and OWN IT! My dad calls me a ‘fun park’ because I adore wearing colour, flowers and feathers... but it’s me. In Australia we’re so afraid to explore, create and express our true character.

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ABOUT TOWN B2B

“A unique family feel permeates the air of this salon, where the clients look forward to making their booking each time and ahead of schedule.”

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Meagan, Peter & Lucie

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t’s not often that one gets invited to a salon for a farewell party for one their stylists however on this occasion I was happy to be in the company of some inspiring individuals, writes Opa’s own Dean Georgio.

Jane Smith the owner of the salon and of Luxury Beauty Concepts which is one of the country’s leading hair product suppliers invited me to attend and soak up the atmosphere.

I must admit my first impression was that this was another great salon just like some of the other high profile salons I have been to before around Melbourne, but I was wrong…

At a closer look, I observed Jane and the staff at B2B were somewhat unique; in all my years I never witnessed such a tight knit team of co-workers who genuinely cared for each other. In any other salon, where egos usually rule the space, it is quite unusual to find such camaraderie and friendship. The respect and encouragement between the girls here was one of almost a deep-rooted philosophy the salon operated on, like fuel for a vehicle.

An example of this is with Lucie Marie’s journey, It started 3 years ago when she was on a brief holiday to Australia from France and crossed paths with Jane Smith the owner of B2B. One thing led to another and eventually her charm and charisma were met with an offer for her to be sponsored by Jane and to work at the salon. Very quickly the salon team in

Meagan and Jasmin instantly welcomed Lucie into the existing family and the rest is history, a unique family feel permeates the air of this salon, where the clients look forward to making their booking each time and ahead of schedule.

I found I understood and connected with her situation. Her journey was no different to that of my own ,parents, fresh faced off the boat without knowing a word of English and trying to make things happen for themselves in a strange country a whole new world.

You could see the sense of achievement that she had attained all over her glowing face when she was making her speech, which by the way was done with eloquence and style for a girl who hardly knew English when she first arrived on our shores, But then again we should not be surprised as Australia is the country of opportunity and the country where the motto is “Have a go”! And have a go she did…

Not only was her farewell sentimental for the staff but also for her clients! The mere fact that her clients were present in numbers only reinforced my belief that I was in a truly unique salon. Further to this it also gave the clients the opportunity to meet and welcome Blondes 2 Brunettes newest member who would be taking over Lucie’s position in the salon…

Now that I have covered off the French connection you may be asking what is

and where is the Greek connection in all this? Enter the new member of B2B, Peter Pasula, the highly regarded and well known hairdresser of Melbourne who has a semi Greek name and is almost mistaken for a Greek nearly every time. Funnily enough I believe his almost deceivingly Greek looks has somehow attracted our folk to the point that majority of Peter’s clients dare I say it are Greek! It seems Greek folk like to adopt anything that is remotely Greek or resembling anything Greek, you probably recall the movie ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ - As Peter puts it “Dean, When you have met one Greek, you have met them all, until you start to feel like one” Peter now has stepped into Lucie’s departing role and has big shoes to fill, but knowing Peter and his debonair and enigmatic persona, he will soon put the staff and the clients at ease.

Anyhow, in closing OPA! Is glad we were there to witness this unique night and have come away with renewed hope that good old fashioned customer service and mutual adoration between stylists and client in Hair Salons still exists.

Before I go and as I have been reminded, anyone who mentions this piece to the team at Blondes 2 Brunettes when making their next booking will receive a product of their choice to the value of $30 when they make their appointment.

Words by: Dean Georgio Photo: Sandy Rogulic

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STEVE AGI TRACKS DOWN PAUL LEKAKIS - CREATOR OF A SONG THAT LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON A GENERATION...

When you think of the 1980s and the iconic songs of that time there are not many tracks that come to mind as fast as BOOM BOOM. Yes ‘Boom Boom Boom, let’s go back to my room.’ We all know it. You know you sang along to it. You know you danced to it, waaaaay back in those days. That was then. This is now!

Haven’t you ever wondered who sang that song; what he’s been up to for all these years and what he’s doing now? Well the singer was Greek/American Paul Lekakis, who I was lucky enough to catch up with, to find out exactly why he needs a hit and what makes him Boom Boom!

‘Boom Boom Boom Let’s Go Back to My Room’ reached number one on the Billboard charts in Australia and Japan in 1987, and was that year, named the GRAND PRIX CHOICE for SINGLE OF THE YEAR.

) ! ? m o o r y m to k c a b o g ’s t e (L

Fast-forward twenty years and in 2007 the Boom Boom Anniversary Remixes celebrated a return for Lekakis to the Billboard Dance Charts for seven weeks. But there is more to fleetingly-famed artist than meets the eye. Paul’s heritage and connection with his ancestry are a big part of his life; he loves nothing more than holidaying in the Aegean and tucking into a traditional Greek meal.

“I love dolmades, can’t get enough of them” says Paul. “They are such a great way to eat.. very rustic. And who can go past Lamb with Tzatziki… a souvlaki is just so good!”

It’s clear that the passion and energy Paul has injected into his career are largely due to his Greek heritage, and he shares a strong attraction to the home of his ancestors. “I travel as often as I can to Greece, especially to the islands. It’s such a change of pace.” Even though Paul is widely regarded as a one-hit wonder with Boom Boom, he’s kept busy over the last twenty or so years, releasing a number of dance tracks, as well as writing, directing and starring in a number of movies.

Paul is currently writing new music and working on his “steamy” autobiography. He teamed up with Massi & De Leon for his new single “I NEED A HIT” which spent nine weeks on Billboard’s Dance Chart from December through February.

Paul’s passion and energy are totally contagious. The creator of Boom Boom’s zest for life and motivation to succeed are testament to his tenacity and a resolve to reach goals at any cost.

WWW.PAULLEKAKIS.COM

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IN THE CLUB SPICEMARKET

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IN THE CLUB ZINC

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IN THE CLUB KINISI

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WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS:

IT’S (ALL) GREEK TO ME: An expression that is incomprehensible due to complexity or imprecision, generally with respect to verbal expressions with excessive jargon of dialect, mathematics, or science.

The first person to propose that everything is made of atoms was Democritus in 440 BC. He reasoned that, if he were to attempt to cut an object in half over and over again, he would eventually reach a tiny grain of matter that could not be cut in half.

Democritus called these hypothetical building blocks of matter “atoms”, after the Greek atomos meaning ‘uncuttable’.

“Men never moan over the opportunities lost to do good, only the opportunities to be bad”

“A 44-year-old mother of three from Iowa brain associated with emotional learning and constantly puts her life at risk because of her fear, The ‘Amygdala’ is an almond shaped mass condition and has suffered various assaults, been of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobe held at gunpoint and threatened with a knife, all without feeling a thing, (the Telegraph reports) After each attack the woman, who is known only by the pseudonym SM, simply walks away and only reports the incidents to police if other people push her to. After studying SM, scientists believed they may be able to help treat soldiers and other people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PYSD).

SM suffers from a condition called Urbach-Wiethe which has destroyed her ‘Amygdala’ (aka. Almonds Nuts) the part of her

‘SIGA TA LAHANA’ LITERAL TRANSLATION - SLOWLY THE CABBAGES

* MEANING: YOU’RE OVERAGGERATING - CUT THE CRAP!

KOMBOLOI KORNER That the Melbourne ANTIPODES festival known as the GLENDI is regarded as the largest Greek festival in the world outside of Greece Greek is considered one of the oldest continuously spoken languages in the world The legal age for drinking alcohol in Greece is 16.

In ancient Greece, food and cooking were listed among the arts. Plato, Homer and Aristotle all discussed and wrote about food as much as they did other topics.

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