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PAUL LEKAKIS STILL WANTS TO

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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

MANY CULTURES. ONE LANGUAGE.

MANY CULTURES. ONE LANGUAGE.

PUBLISHING NOTES

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR Steve Agi

editor@opamagazine.com.au

FEATURES EDITORChris Binos

chris@opamagazine.com.au

CONTRIBUTING EDITORMike Sweet

mike@opamagazine.com.au

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETINGDean Georgio

dean@opamagazine.com.au

DESIGN + PRODUCTION WeMakeMagazines

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PUBLICATION COORDINATORChristopher Meyer

production@opamagazine.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHYChing Foong (cover)

Raymond Korn

Paul Osta

Panos Photography

John Raptis

Ephrem Zarris

CONTRIBUTORSBetty, 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, Penelope Tsaldari

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the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article

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COPYRIGHT

> ISSUE 02

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.

DEAN GEORGIO

PENELOPE TSALDARI

NICK HATZOGLOU

MIKE SWEET

CHRIS BINOSChris 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.”

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.

 

 

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

Australian Football League and AFL Victoria, Nick brings Australian football

closer to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Mike Sweet was born in Wales and raised in the UK. A widely

published journalist and television documentary producer, Mike has

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.

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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CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHING NOTES

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sue sensiw w w . s u e s e n s i . c o m

Y 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.

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?

BABYLONIA

YIA SASWELCOME

CONTENTSFEATURES

009

14 ANTIPODES 2011

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48

80

92

41

88

THANOS PETRELIS TRIBUTE TRAGICS JOHNNY SORRENTO’S

SOUNDS OF THE MUSE PAUL LEKAKIS ESTELLE MICHAELIDIS

CONTENTSREGULARS

W W W. G R E E K M E D I A G R O U P. C O M

W W W. G R E E K M E D I A G R O U P. C O M

12 PRAGMATA/STUFF

14 NEA/NEWS – ANTIPODES 2011

19 KINOTITA/COMMUNITY Alphington

20 CINEMANIA with Mr Joshua

22 MUSIKI with DJ KRAZY KON

24 THANOS PETRELIS

30 IN THE KOUZINA with Theo

32 KALI OREXI/EATS Stalactites – A Melbourne Icon

37 SERVE ME WELL

38 MY KAFE/COFFEE BREAK SBS goes Aspro Ble

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

44 TAXIDI/TRAVEL Dubai

48 SOUNDS OF THE MUSE at the Hellenic Museum

51 HACCI It’s time to GO GREEK!

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 ONThe Hawthorn Spartans

68 PSARAS/FISHING

70 ODIGOS/CARS

73 NUGAS

74 KULTURA/CULTURE George Tzikas

76 KULTURA/CULTURE Tom Petsinis’ mezedes and memories

79 FASHIONISTA/FASHION Gia Sas Ginaikes

80 TRIBUTE TRAGICS

83 TREND UPDATE by Bardot

88 MODA/STYLE Hattrick

90 ABOUT TOWN WITH OPA!

92 KULTURA/CULTURE Boom Boom Boom with Paul Lekakis

95 IN THE CLUB WITH OPA!

98 IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME The final word

THE INSPIRATION

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83 TREND UPDATE

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NEANEWS

ANTIPODES

FESTIVAL 2011

NEANEWS

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LAST 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 coin-ciding 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!

The term ‘antipodes’ comes from the Greek ἀντίποδες, which

is derived from the root anti- ‘opposed’ and podi ‘foot’

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“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 en-vironment 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 dem-onstrations 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 PapastergiadisPresident 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 IliouCo-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 success-fully as ours did with so many planets aligning. The new Antipodes Festival

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 VlahakisCo-Chair Antipodes Festival

NEANEWS

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HEADARIS

P R E - P R E P t o V C E

Imagine the opportunities awaiting your child at Alphington Grammar School.

Limited Enrolments for 2012 available now.

All Enquiries: 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

A DREAM FULFILLED

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KINOTITACOMMUNITY

The significance of the Grand Opening of the Andrianakos Centre cannot be underestimated.

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

enhance teaching and learning programmes.In his opening address, Mr Papastergiadis explained that in the late 19th century, “…the leaders of the Greek community acknowl-edged 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 moti-vation 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

When plans were presented to Nick Andrianakos of a new multi-purpose hall incorporating a sports centre, performing arts and central 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.

THE ANDRIANAKOS CENTRE OPENS AT ALPHINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL

P R E - P R E P t o V C E

Imagine the opportunities awaiting your child at Alphington Grammar School.

Limited Enrolments for 2012 available now.

All Enquiries: 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

DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS DIRECTOR: JAY ROACH 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.

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 com-pletely 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

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).

Paul Rudd plays a mid-level financial executive who is trying to move up the corporate ladder after a co-worker in a significantly better position gets sacked. Through a savvy business move,

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. 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 that it sticks up for the underdog. I just think it could’ve been done slightly better. Don’t get me wrong this is a GOOD movie, but it’s not 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 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 recom-mended 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.

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.

THE OTHER GUYS DIRECTOR: ADAM MCKAY STAR RATING:

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CINEMANIAMOVIES

PALACE CINEMA 1/3

THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA DIRECTOR: Tommy Lee Jones

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 friend-ship, 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 per-sonally 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.

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021 www.palacecinemas.com.au

Palace CinemasProudly presenting the highest quality films from around the world.

Audi Festival of German Films 7-17 April 2011

Spanish Film Festival 12-22 May 2011

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Greek Film Festival 13 – 30 October 2011

Alliance Française French Film Festival 9-27 March 2011

FILM RATING SYSTEM

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1. GREECE 2011 DJ KRAZY KON

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THANOS PETRELIS

2. PARAFORA SAKIS ROUVAS

2. PARTO APOFASI GIORGOS TSALIKIS

3. TO KALITERO PSEMA MIHALIS HATZIGIANNIS

3. TO HO (POM POM)ELENI FOURIERA

4. THA ZISO GIA MENA

PANOS KIAMOS

4. SECRET LOVE

MATTYAS FEATURING KRISTINA

5. “LIVE” THANOS PETRELIS

5.AGAPI INE ESI ANNA VISSI

6. IN THE MIXDJ PETROS KARRAS

6. KOMMENA PIA TA ZANIKA

ANDONIS REMOS

7. ELENI FURIERA ELENI FOURIERA

7. KAKOMATHIMENO CHRISTOS HOLIDIS

8. THAROS I ALITHIA

TAMTA

8. AGGELI STIN KOLASI KELLY KELEKIDOU

9 . TA IERA EVAGGELIA

PETROS GAITANOS

9. PAME (CLUB MIX)

THEANO

10. DORO YIA SENA

NIKOS IKONOMOPOULOS

10. XIMERONI NIKOS IKONOMOPOULOS

TOP 10 GREEK ALBUMS IN AUST.

TOP 10 GREEK SINGLES IN AUST.

SAKIS ROUVAS Parafora

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 Play-men. I love the energy this guy brings to Greek music. Solid Gold.

ANDONIS REMOS Klista ta stomata

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 direc-tion 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

Pop sensations Vegas return with a new album called “ Season 2”. It features 10 tracks with a mix-ture 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.

VASILIS KARRAS Sta ipa ola

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.

WORDS: DJ KRAZY KON

COMPILED BY THE GREEK SHOP BY CARAS, MELBOURNE

022

MUSIKIMUSIC

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 revolution-ised 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.

Greece 2011 is the ninth installment in the extremely

successful CD series showcasing today’s best

pop & dance from the big-gest artists in Greek music,

as always compiled and mixed by the creator of the series, the one & only DJ Krazy Kon. As with previ-ous 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 hot-test 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

CD + DVD

OUT NOW!

*DJ KRAZY KON

GREEKSHOP

B Y C A R A S

189 LONSDALE STREET MELBOURNE

PH: +61 (03) 9662 3133

2011

T H E

THANOS

EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN INTERVIEW

thanos petrelis

Melbourne / Aus Tour 2011

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

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

028

it’s all about speaking

to the soul, touching

people, connecting

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 relation-ships 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!”

029

www.thanospetrelis.gr

KALI OREXIEATS

Eggplant, yes - but is it male or female?

IN THE

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.

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 CRAB FRITTERS

Serves 6

Prep time 10 min (Cook time 3 min)

INGREDIENTS

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.

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.

DIRECTIONS

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

IN THE

IN THE KOUZINA

//FEATURED PRODUCT

DID YOU KNOW...?

030

Theo @ Kouzina

KALI OREXIEATS

Preheat oven to 200ºC with rack in middle.

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.

Serves 4

Prep time 20 min

* 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

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

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

IN THE

T E N T O U R AProduced 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. 

031

PSARI KLEFTIKO RED SNAPPER EN PAPILOTTE

032

KALI OREXIEATS

THE 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

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

stalactites: a melbourne iconStalactites is open 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week.

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.

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

from the heart.

KALI OREXIEATS

033

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.

“I cook a selection, very much like I do at home when people come to visit. 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 the sound of a bell. Gemista, Yiouvetsi, Youvarlakia. Yes! It’s all Greek to me!

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

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 appreci-ate 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 again. Once they try Dimitra’s home cooked meals there is no going back!” Stalactites’ head chef spends countless hours designing, creating and 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.

stalactites: a melbourne iconStalactites is open 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week.

Dimitra Melios

DIRECTIONS (1) DIRECTIONS (2)

034

KALI OREXIEATS

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

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 lambSlit holes in the lamb with a kitchen knife and insert pieces of garlic into slits.Drizzle 50ml olive oil onto lambPlace lamb in an oven bag (keeps it very moist and juicy)Put butter inside the bag on the top of the lambTie oven bag and put lamb in a deep oven tray and add 1 litre of water and 250ml of olive oilPlace 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

LEMONATO OVEN BAKED LAMB AND 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.

DIRECTIONS

KALI OREXIEATS

035

MEATBALL AND RICE SOUP

 

 

 

N.B. All measurements in

these recipes are made using

a standard cappuccino cups.

YOUVARLAKIA

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

small round meatballs.  Roll in plain flour

Add the meatballs to the boiling water and boil for

1 hour on low heat. Remove from heat.

For Avgolemono:

Beat 2 egg whites until they have turned fluffy and

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

Beat all together. Slowly add a bit of juice from

the pot and mix all together in a bowl. Repeat

this about 4 times.  Then add the mixture to the

pot, place the pot back on the heat for 2 minutes

then remove.

Recipe Serves 6

 1 KILO BEEF MINCE

1 CUP RICE

1 EGG

1 LARGE BROWN ONION GRATED

1 SMALL SIZE BROWN ONION GRATED

SALT – 1 SOUP SPOON

PEPPER- 1 TEA SPOON

¾ CUP OLIVE OIL

WATER – 3 LITRES

1 CINNAMON STICK

¼ TEASPOON NUTMEG

2 CLOVES

¾ TEASPOON DRIED MINT

PLAIN FLOUR

For Avgolemono:

2 EGGS

3/4 CUP OF LEMON

036

HEADERHEADARIS

Now you know where to eat..

And we’ll help youfind the best coffee.

Simply visit genovese.com.au/iphone

“When it comes to coffee we know our origins”

HEADERHEADARIS

037

Spoil me ... “Have another cream puff, baby.”

Serve Me Well

Radio Talk Host

Gaby & Penelope listen, talk and

gives nuclear solutions about

improving food service.

Opinionated, we get sassy and

nasty about bad service.

Solutions for how the customer wants to be served

Gabriella “Gaby” is a young, stunningly gorgeous witty, rambunctiously clever, hysterically funny, a tad flamboyant, peppery (but not potty) mouthed, deliciously entertaining talk-ER! Does the most amazing foreign accents you’ve ever heard!!! The strand of pearls is simply used to manifest attention away from her holstered breasts. This way her tongue remains untethered!

Earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology and graduating cum laude with distinction from San Diego State University. A motion picture director’s “Girl Friday”, where she specialized in being bossy.

Gaby’s professional apron has graced the fine dining tables of catering laureate, Chef (Un-Snotty) Scotty of Chileco Catering in greater San Diego. In Europe it was Artisti Italian and others. She further exemplifies herself by co-authoring a pictorial pastiche customer service book with Penelope, entitled ‘Serve Me Well’, all set to be published soon.

The book is an inspirational, pictorial cliff notes for the “under-employed”, the front of house (FOH) employees. Written in voice, NOT training lingo. As if standing right next to the trainee. Especially entertaining, in her tutu and wand. Kinda like slapping newbies or oldie waitstaff who are resistant in providing excellent, ethical serving. Saying, “Heads up, do it right the first time, precious.” Quick, easy, deliberately taunting with “beaucoup’s” of common sense. It promotes an Atticus Finch work ethic, as if a server’s apron is on fire!!!

Penelope (momma bear) is a Mediterranean Culinarian. Gaby’s cohort, sidekick and anchor. Writer, blogger and foodie extraordinaire. Having worked abroad in providing silver service staff to spoiled brats, high level foreign diplomats, dignitaries and royalty. Both have had the honor and privilege of sharing bread at the same table, with a multitude of different cultures worldwide. “The Zulu were by far the most interesting.”

They write... “The best wait staff usually know when to leave well enough alone with a guest, so trust them. The staff pull up their socks each morning, strap on their aprons and go out there to face life with all their innocence, guilt and huevos shining for all to see. They pay their dues and take their chances with people’s pocket change. They throw the dice and shoot the rapids. They wrestle with the angels and the devils who sit at the tables. They throw themselves at the mercy of the lions in the back of the house (BOH).” Find them both at http://ptsaldari.posterous.com

About Gaby & Penelope... let us entertain you!

Florida LocationTampa ~ Clearwater ~ St. Petersburg

Palm Harbor ~ Safety Harbor ~ Dunedin,Tarpon Springs ~ New Port Richey

Spoil me ... “Have another cream puff, baby.”

Serve Me Well

Radio Talk Host

Gaby & Penelope listen, talk and

gives nuclear solutions about

improving food service.

Opinionated, we get sassy and

nasty about bad service.

Solutions for how the customer wants to be served

Gabriella “Gaby” is a young, stunningly gorgeous witty, rambunctiously clever,

hysterically funny, a tad flamboyant, peppery (but not potty) mouthed, deliciously

entertaining talk-ER! Does the most amazing foreign accents you’ve ever heard!!! The

strand of pearls is simply used to manifest attention away from her holstered breasts.

This way her tongue remains untethered!

Earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology and graduating cum laude with distinction from

San Diego State University. A motion picture director’s “Girl Friday”, where she

specialized in being bossy.

Gaby’s professional apron has graced the fine dining tables of catering laureate, Chef

(Un-Snotty) Scotty of Chileco Catering in greater San Diego. In Europe it was Artisti

Italian and others. She further exemplifies herself by co-authoring a pictorial pastiche

customer service book with Penelope, entitled ‘Serve Me Well’, all set to be published

soon.

The book is an inspirational, pictorial cliff notes for the “under-employed”, the front of

house (FOH) employees. Written in voice, NOT training lingo. As if standing right next

to the trainee. Especially entertaining, in her tutu and wand. Kinda like slapping

newbies or oldie waitstaff who are resistant in providing excellent, ethical serving.

Saying, “Heads up, do it right the first time, precious.” Quick, easy, deliberately

taunting with “beaucoup’s” of common sense. It promotes an Atticus Finch work ethic,

as if a server’s apron is on fire!!!

Penelope (momma bear) is a Mediterranean Culinarian. Gaby’s cohort, sidekick and

anchor. Writer, blogger and foodie extraordinaire. Having worked abroad in providing

silver service staff to spoiled brats, high level foreign diplomats, dignitaries and royalty.

Both have had the honor and privilege of sharing bread at the same table, with a

multitude of different cultures worldwide. “The Zulu were by far the most interesting.”

They write... “The best wait staff usually know when to leave well enough alone with a

guest, so trust them. The staff pull up their socks each morning, strap on their aprons

and go out there to face life with all their innocence, guilt and huevos shining for all to

see. They pay their dues and take their chances with people’s pocket change. They

throw the dice and shoot the rapids. They wrestle with the angels and the devils who

sit at the tables. They throw themselves at the mercy of the lions in the back of the

house (BOH).” Find them both at http://ptsaldari.posterous.com

About Gaby & Penelope... let us entertain you!

Florida Location

Tampa ~ Clearwater ~ St. Petersburg

Palm Harbor ~ Safety Harbor ~ Dunedin,

Tarpon Springs ~ New Port Richey

Serve Me WellSpoil me ... “Have another cream puff, baby.”Serve Me Well

Radio Talk Host

Gaby & Penelope listen, talk and

gives nuclear solutions about

improving food service.

Opinionated, we get sassy and

nasty about bad service.

Solutions for how the customer wants to be served

Gabriella “Gaby” is a young, stunningly gorgeous witty, rambunctiously clever,

hysterically funny, a tad flamboyant, peppery (but not potty) mouthed, deliciously

entertaining talk-ER! Does the most amazing foreign accents you’ve ever heard!!! The

strand of pearls is simply used to manifest attention away from her holstered breasts.

This way her tongue remains untethered!Earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology and graduating cum laude with distinction from

San Diego State University. A motion picture director’s “Girl Friday”, where she

specialized in being bossy.Gaby’s professional apron has graced the fine dining tables of catering laureate, Chef

(Un-Snotty) Scotty of Chileco Catering in greater San Diego. In Europe it was Artisti

Italian and others. She further exemplifies herself by co-authoring a pictorial pastiche

customer service book with Penelope, entitled ‘Serve Me Well’, all set to be published

soon.

The book is an inspirational, pictorial cliff notes for the “under-employed”, the front of

house (FOH) employees. Written in voice, NOT training lingo. As if standing right next

to the trainee. Especially entertaining, in her tutu and wand. Kinda like slapping

newbies or oldie waitstaff who are resistant in providing excellent, ethical serving.

Saying, “Heads up, do it right the first time, precious.” Quick, easy, deliberately

taunting with “beaucoup’s” of common sense. It promotes an Atticus Finch work ethic,

as if a server’s apron is on fire!!!Penelope (momma bear) is a Mediterranean Culinarian. Gaby’s cohort, sidekick and

anchor. Writer, blogger and foodie extraordinaire. Having worked abroad in providing

silver service staff to spoiled brats, high level foreign diplomats, dignitaries and royalty.

Both have had the honor and privilege of sharing bread at the same table, with a

multitude of different cultures worldwide. “The Zulu were by far the most interesting.”

They write... “The best wait staff usually know when to leave well enough alone with a

guest, so trust them. The staff pull up their socks each morning, strap on their aprons

and go out there to face life with all their innocence, guilt and huevos shining for all to

see. They pay their dues and take their chances with people’s pocket change. They

throw the dice and shoot the rapids. They wrestle with the angels and the devils who

sit at the tables. They throw themselves at the mercy of the lions in the back of the

house (BOH).” Find them both at http://ptsaldari.posterous.com

About Gaby & Penelope... let us entertain you!

Florida LocationTampa ~ Clearwater ~ St. PetersburgPalm Harbor ~ Safety Harbor ~ Dunedin,Tarpon Springs ~ New Port Richey

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 KAFECOFFEE BREAK

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 In-Language 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.

039

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041

KALI OREXIEATS

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

042

KALI OREXIEATS

Ready for the long slide into the woodfire

Johnny in the place he calls ‘home’

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

KALI OREXIEATS

043

You 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!

“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.

“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.”

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.

WORDS: STEVE AGI

Unmistakeable woodfired flavour

Tools of the trade

044

TAXIDITRAVEL

“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

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.

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 dif ferent kind of holiday!

CALL TOUCHDOWN TOURS AND LET US ARRANGE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

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(VALID 01 MAY – 30 SEP AT GOLDEN SANDS

APARTMENTS- CONDITIONS APPLY)

JAQUI PREKETES IS THE GM OF

TOUCHDOWN TOURS -

YOUR EXPERT TRAVEL ADVISORS.

Have a different kind of holiday!

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

job description Touchdown Tours OPA Back Cover artwork scale 100% 1957 Design Studio Pty LtdACN 077 224 803T: 0417 014 917©2011

date 16.02.11 finished size 290mm (h) x 230mm (w)

stage Final artwork fonts Helvetica Neue

file name OPA.backcover

Have a different kind of holiday!

After 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 con-temporary Greek cuisine, regional food traditions and produce that is tradition-ally 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.

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

To receive the program email us at info@antipodesfestival.com.auinfo@greekcommunity.com.au

Program out in May 2011

GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE & VICTORIA,

AND ANTIPODES FESTIVAL PRESENT

GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE & VICTORIA

Flavours f Greeceo

HEADERDOLLARS&SENSELEFTA

047

“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 instruc-tions 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

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 transfer-ring 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.

 

MEET: YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER AT THE BANK OF CYPRUS AUSTRALIABURWOOD, SYDNEY

KATERINA KOUNAS

www.bankofcyprus.com.au

FOREIGN EXCHANGE CAN COST YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK. KATERINA KOUNAS EXPLAINS WHY BEING SELECTIVE ABOUT WHERE YOU EXCHANGE CURRENCY COULD SAVE YOU LOTS.

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.

After 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 con-temporary Greek cuisine, regional food traditions and produce that is tradition-ally 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.

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

To receive the program email us at info@antipodesfestival.com.auinfo@greekcommunity.com.au

Program out in May 2011

GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE & VICTORIA,

AND ANTIPODES FESTIVAL PRESENT

GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE & VICTORIA

Flavours f Greeceo

048

049

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.

050

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 experi-ences 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 develop-ment 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

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 phi-losopher 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 civiliza-tion 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.

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.

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. Go-GreekThe 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 productsStay 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

like Greek olive oil, cheeses, olives, honey, fruit preserves, nuts, dried herbs, spices, grains, pastas, beer, wines and spirits.

2. Ask for Greek productsWhenever 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.

3. Promote Greek productsWhen 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.

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. HACCI HeraldIn 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 NewsThe 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, ap-plications for the HACCI Marketing Assistant closes soon, refer to the website for details.

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE - KALO PASCHA!

WORDS: NICHOLAS MYLONAS

HACCIHACCI

051

GO GREEK

052

POLITIKIPOLITICS

“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.”

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 multi-culturalism 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 pre-conceived 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.

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.

MULTICULTURALISM AND CITIZENSHIP A ROADMAP TO A STRONG, VIBRANT HARMONIOUS SOCIETY

WORDS: NICHOLAS KOTSIRAS

“ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΟΜΑΙ ΤΩΡΑ ΠΟΥ ΤΕΛΕΙΩΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΙ ΝΑ ΕΙΣΤΕ ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ. ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΘΝΗΤΟΙ ΑΠΌ ‘ΔΩ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΑ ΝΑ ΖΗΣΟΥΝ ΣΑΝ ΕΝΑΣ ΛΑΟΣ, ΜΟΝΙΑΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΚΟΙΝΗ ΠΡΟΚΟΠΗ. ΝΑ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΗ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΑ ΣΑΣ, ΜΕ ΝΟΜΟΥΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΥΣ, ΟΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΗΝ ΦΥΛΗ. ΔΕΝ ΧΩΡΙΖΩ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ, ΌΠΩΣ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΣΤΕΝΟΜΥΑΛΟΙ, ΣΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΥΣ. ΔΕΝ Μ’ ΕΝΔΙΑΦΕΡΕΙ Η ΚΑΤΑΓΩΓΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΟΥΤΕ Η ΡΑΤΣΑ ΠΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΘΗΚΑΝ. ΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΤΑΜΕΡΙΖΩ ΜΕ ΜΟΝΑΔΙΚΟ ΚΡΙΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΗΝ ΑΡΕΤΗ.

ΓΙΑ ΜΕΝΑ, ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΞΕΝΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΚΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΕΙΡΟΤΕΡΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟ. ΑΝ ΠΟΤΕ ΣΑΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΘΟΥΝ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΣ, ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΚΑΤΑΦΥΓΕΤΕ ΣΤΑ ΟΠΛΑ, ΠΑΡΑ ΘΑ ΤΙΣ ΛΥΣΕΤΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ. ΣΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΓΚΗ ΘΑ ΣΤΑΘΩ ΔΙΑΙΤΗΤΗΣ ΣΑΣ. ΤΟ ΘΕΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΤΟΝ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΑΥΤΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗ, ΑΛΛΑ ΣΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΟ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ ΟΛΩΝ, ΩΣΤΕ Η ΔΙΑΓΩΓΗ ΣΑΣ ΝΑ ΜΟΙΑΖΕΙ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΖΩΗ ΠΟΥ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ Τ’ ΑΔΕΛΦΙΑ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ. ΕΓΩ, ΑΠ΄ ΤΗ ΜΕΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΣΑΣ ΘΕΩΡΩ ΙΣΟΥΣ, ΛΕΥΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΛΑΨΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΘΑ ΗΘΕΛΑ ΝΑ ΜΗΝ ΑΙΣΘΑΝΕΣΤΕ ΜΟΝΟ ΣΑΝ ΥΠΗΚΟΟΙ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑΣ ΜΟΥ, ΑΛΛΑ ΝΑ ΝΟΙΩΘΕΤΕ ΟΛΟΙ ΣΑΝ ΜΕΤΟΧΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΝΕΤΑΙΡΟΙ. ΟΣΟ ΠΕΡΝΑ ΑΠ’ ΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΜΟΥ ΘΑ ΠΡΟΣΠΑΘΗΣΩ ΝΑ ΓΙΝΟΥΝ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΣΧΟΜΑΙ. ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟΝ ΟΡΚΟ ΠΟΥ ΔΩΣΑΜΕ ΑΠΟΨΕ ΜΕ ΣΠΟΝΔΕΣ ΚΡΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΟΝ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΟ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ”.

“ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΟΜΑΙ ΤΩΡΑ ΠΟΥ ΤΕΛΕΙΩΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΙ ΝΑ ΕΙΣΤΕ ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ. ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΘΝΗΤΟΙ ΑΠΌ ‘ΔΩ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΑ ΝΑ ΖΗΣΟΥΝ ΣΑΝ ΕΝΑΣ ΛΑΟΣ, ΜΟΝΙΑΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΚΟΙΝΗ ΠΡΟΚΟΠΗ. ΝΑ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΗ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΑ ΣΑΣ, ΜΕ ΝΟΜΟΥΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΥΣ, ΟΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΗΝ ΦΥΛΗ. ΔΕΝ ΧΩΡΙΖΩ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ, ΌΠΩΣ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΣΤΕΝΟΜΥΑΛΟΙ, ΣΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΥΣ. ΔΕΝ Μ’ ΕΝΔΙΑΦΕΡΕΙ Η ΚΑΤΑΓΩΓΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΟΥΤΕ Η ΡΑΤΣΑ ΠΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΘΗΚΑΝ. ΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΤΑΜΕΡΙΖΩ ΜΕ ΜΟΝΑΔΙΚΟ ΚΡΙΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΗΝ ΑΡΕΤΗ.

ΓΙΑ ΜΕΝΑ, ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΞΕΝΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΚΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΕΙΡΟΤΕΡΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟ. ΑΝ ΠΟΤΕ ΣΑΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΘΟΥΝ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΣ, ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΚΑΤΑΦΥΓΕΤΕ ΣΤΑ ΟΠΛΑ, ΠΑΡΑ ΘΑ ΤΙΣ ΛΥΣΕΤΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ. ΣΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΓΚΗ ΘΑ ΣΤΑΘΩ ΔΙΑΙΤΗΤΗΣ ΣΑΣ. ΤΟ ΘΕΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΤΟΝ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΑΥΤΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗ, ΑΛΛΑ ΣΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΟ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ ΟΛΩΝ, ΩΣΤΕ Η ΔΙΑΓΩΓΗ ΣΑΣ ΝΑ ΜΟΙΑΖΕΙ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΖΩΗ ΠΟΥ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ Τ’ ΑΔΕΛΦΙΑ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ. ΕΓΩ, ΑΠ΄ ΤΗ ΜΕΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΣΑΣ ΘΕΩΡΩ ΙΣΟΥΣ, ΛΕΥΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΛΑΨΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΘΑ ΗΘΕΛΑ ΝΑ ΜΗΝ ΑΙΣΘΑΝΕΣΤΕ ΜΟΝΟ ΣΑΝ ΥΠΗΚΟΟΙ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑΣ ΜΟΥ, ΑΛΛΑ ΝΑ ΝΟΙΩΘΕΤΕ ΟΛΟΙ ΣΑΝ ΜΕΤΟΧΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΝΕΤΑΙΡΟΙ. ΟΣΟ ΠΕΡΝΑ ΑΠ’ ΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΜΟΥ ΘΑ ΠΡΟΣΠΑΘΗΣΩ ΝΑ ΓΙΝΟΥΝ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΣΧΟΜΑΙ. ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟΝ ΟΡΚΟ ΠΟΥ ΔΩΣΑΜΕ ΑΠΟΨΕ ΜΕ ΣΠΟΝΔΕΣ ΚΡΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΟΝ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΟ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ”.

“ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΟΜΑΙ ΤΩΡΑ ΠΟΥ ΤΕΛΕΙΩΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΙ ΝΑ ΕΙΣΤΕ ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ. ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΘΝΗΤΟΙ ΑΠΌ ‘ΔΩ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΑ ΝΑ ΖΗΣΟΥΝ ΣΑΝ ΕΝΑΣ ΛΑΟΣ, ΜΟΝΙΑΣΜΕΝΟΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΚΟΙΝΗ ΠΡΟΚΟΠΗ. ΝΑ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΗ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΑ ΣΑΣ, ΜΕ ΝΟΜΟΥΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΥΣ, ΟΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΗΝ ΦΥΛΗ. ΔΕΝ ΧΩΡΙΖΩ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥΣ, ΌΠΩΣ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ ΟΙ ΣΤΕΝΟΜΥΑΛΟΙ, ΣΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟΥΣ. ΔΕΝ Μ’ ΕΝΔΙΑΦΕΡΕΙ Η ΚΑΤΑΓΩΓΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΟΥΤΕ Η ΡΑΤΣΑ ΠΟΥ ΓΕΝΝΗΘΗΚΑΝ. ΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΤΑΜΕΡΙΖΩ ΜΕ ΜΟΝΑΔΙΚΟ ΚΡΙΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΗΝ ΑΡΕΤΗ.

ΓΙΑ ΜΕΝΑ, ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΞΕΝΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΘΕ ΚΑΚΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΕΙΡΟΤΕΡΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΟ. ΑΝ ΠΟΤΕ ΣΑΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΘΟΥΝ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΣ, ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΚΑΤΑΦΥΓΕΤΕ ΣΤΑ ΟΠΛΑ, ΠΑΡΑ ΘΑ ΤΙΣ ΛΥΣΕΤΕ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ. ΣΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΓΚΗ ΘΑ ΣΤΑΘΩ ΔΙΑΙΤΗΤΗΣ ΣΑΣ. ΤΟ ΘΕΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΤΟΝ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΑΥΤΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗ, ΑΛΛΑ ΣΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΟ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ ΟΛΩΝ, ΩΣΤΕ Η ΔΙΑΓΩΓΗ ΣΑΣ ΝΑ ΜΟΙΑΖΕΙ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΖΩΗ ΠΟΥ ΚΑΝΟΥΝ Τ’ ΑΔΕΛΦΙΑ ΜΕΣΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ. ΕΓΩ, ΑΠ΄ ΤΗ ΜΕΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΣΑΣ ΘΕΩΡΩ ΙΣΟΥΣ, ΛΕΥΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΛΑΨΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΘΑ ΗΘΕΛΑ ΝΑ ΜΗΝ ΑΙΣΘΑΝΕΣΤΕ ΜΟΝΟ ΣΑΝ ΥΠΗΚΟΟΙ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΕΙΑΣ ΜΟΥ, ΑΛΛΑ ΝΑ ΝΟΙΩΘΕΤΕ ΟΛΟΙ ΣΑΝ ΜΕΤΟΧΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΝΕΤΑΙΡΟΙ. ΟΣΟ ΠΕΡΝΑ ΑΠ’ ΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΜΟΥ ΘΑ ΠΡΟΣΠΑΘΗΣΩ ΝΑ ΓΙΝΟΥΝ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΣΧΟΜΑΙ. ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟΝ ΟΡΚΟ ΠΟΥ ΔΩΣΑΜΕ ΑΠΟΨΕ ΜΕ ΣΠΟΝΔΕΣ ΚΡΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΟΝ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΟ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ”.

GREAT053

053

ALEXANDER THE

GREAT

THE “OATH”

OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT

(OPIS, 324 BC)

 IT IS MY WISH, NOW THAT WARS ARE COMING TO AN

END, THAT YOU SHOULD ALL BE HAPPY IN PEACE. FROM

NOW ON, LET ALL MORTALS LIVE AS ONE PEOPLE, IN

FELLOWSHIP, FOR THE GOOD OF ALL. SEE THE WHOLE

WORLD AS YOUR HOMELAND, WITH LAWS COMMON TO

ALL, WHERE THE BEST WILL GOVERN REGARDLESS OF

THEIR RACE. UNLIKE THE NARROWMINDED, I MAKE NO

DISTINCTION BETWEEN GREEKS AND BARBARIANS. THE

ORIGIN OF CITIZENS, OR THE RACE INTO WHICH THEY

WERE BORN, IS OF NO CONCERN TO ME. I HAVE ONLY ONE

CRITERION BY WHICH TO DISTINGUISH THEM, VIRTUE.

FOR ME, ANY GOOD FOREIGNER IS A GREEK AND ANY BAD

GREEK IS WORSE THAN A BARBARIAN. IF DISPUTES EVER

OCCUR AMONG YOU, YOU WILL NOT RESORT TO WEAPONS

BUT WILL SOLVE THEM IN PEACE. IF NEED BE, I SHALL

ARBITRATE BETWEEN YOU. SEE GOD NOT AS AN AUTOCRATIC

DESPOT, BUT AS THE COMMON FATHER OF ALL AND THUS

YOUR CONDUCT WILL BE LIKE THE LIVES OF BROTHERS

WITHIN THE SAME FAMILY. I, ON MY PART, SEE YOU ALL AS

EQUAL, WHETHER YOU ARE WHITE OR DARK-SKINNED. AND

I SHOULD LIKE YOU NOT SIMPLY TO BE SUBJECTS OF MY

COMMONWEALTH, BUT MEMBERS OF IT, PARTNERS OF IT.

TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, I SHALL STRIVE TO DO WHAT

I HAVE PROMISED. KEEP AS A SYMBOL OF LOVE THIS OATH

WHICH WE HAVE TAKEN TONIGHT WITH OUR LIBATIONS.

ISTORIAHISTORY

ISTORIAHISTORY

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 anddid not merely place his stamp on his own era, but rather, his memory and name have survived to this very day.

Alexander the Great (also known as Alexander III, was the ancient Greek king of Macedon (356–323 B.C.). He was one of the most, if not the most, successful military commanders in

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 Asian officers at Opis in ancient Babylonia in 324BC. It is an expression of his beliefs and a new concept of God. it is as relevant today as it was almost 3000 years ago.

ALEXANDER III OF MACEDON (356-323 B.C.)

Did someone say ‘chiseled’ good looks?

Bringing young Greek Australians Closer to

Greece!

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

ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣPYTHAGORAS

GREEK SCHOOLS

1996

8

Classes held at:

Preston Girls Sec. CollegeCooma Str,PRESTON4.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.

Glen Waverley Sec. CollegeO’Sullivan Rd, GLEN WAVERLEY4.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.

Montague ContinuingEducation Centre100 Montague St, SOUTH MELBOURNE4.30pm - 8.00pm

Elwood Sec. CollegeGlenhuntly Rd, ELWOOD9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.

Shelford Girls Grammar3 Hood Crescent CAULFIELD2.30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.

PYTHAGORAS GREEK SCHOOLSBOX 49168 MARTIN ST, BRIGHTON VIC 3186Mob: 0417 393 049Email: pythagoras@i.net.au

Preschool classesavailable at SHELFORD

Girls Grammar Caulfield

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

Thessaloniki Marathon.

ISTORIAHISTORY

056

EKLISIAFAITH

THE LENTEN JOURNEY

THE SYMBOLIC SUNDAYSThe 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.

 

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

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.

EKLISIAFAITH

057

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 com-memorated 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 sig-nifying 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!

058

EKLISIAFAITH

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 understand-ing. 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.

CRACKING THE EASTER EGG

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.

THE TRADITION OF ST MARY THE MAGDALENE AND THE RED EGGFrom 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

EKLISIAFAITH

059

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.

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.

 

060

KINOTITACOMMUNITY

CULTURAL CENTRE A TOWER OF STRENGTH

+

KINOTITACOMMUNITY

061

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 there is greater cooperation and unity amongst the various communities in Melbourne.

“The plan is to keep control of four floors as a GOCMV Cultural Centre, while leasing out the remaining nine to allow the GOCMV to derive significant annual revenue,” explained GOCMV President Bill Papastergiadis. “This will allow the community to create an income base like never before, to leverage off and fund important initiatives and projects.” The new building will provide a major venue for the celebration of Greek Australian culture in the City of Melbourne. The four floors decdicated to the Cultural Centre will be diverse and vibrant.One floor will house a series of permanent interactive multimedia displays, supported by archival material and heritage objects. The second floor will house a purpose built, highly flexible space incorporating a theatrette

for films and lectures and which can be opened up to provide space for up to 200 people.

The third floor will house the Resource, Language and Archive Centre, which will act as the language education hub, noting the GOCMV’s relationships with Latrobe University and RMIT, its afternoon schools program and its ownership of Alphington Grammar.

A further floor will provide access to the broader community by way of meeting rooms which will be freely accessible.

The undertaking is a huge one. Critical to its success is the support of the community en masse. Not only was the initial vote for the tower’s development the biggest in GOCMV history, but now when it counts, key supporters and benefac-tors are committing to the massive undertaking, ensuring that the project is financially viable. The new Cultural Centre is destined to become a key symbol of Hellenism across the globe.

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

062

KINOTITACOMMUNITY

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.

Ethno-specific care means respecting age, language, history, spirituality, rituals, celebration, values, music and cuisine; the things that makes us who we are.

Fronditha’s services now range from high and low residential care, Dementia specific facilities and extensive programs reaching far into the community. Our resources provide a safe, comfortable and familiar environment that encourages independence.

Our Community Services support and maintain a level of independence for elders residing in their own homes through information, referral and

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 met-ropolitan 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 the Fabulous Fronditha Charity Gala in 2010. Australia’s leading fashion 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 third generations to wake up to the needs of our ageing population and Fronditha’s work. Alex was raised behind his parent’s hamburger shop; his story of humble beginnings resonated with the guests while he expressed absolute admiration of his parents and those migrants like them, calling them the bravest people he knew. His appeal was this; that as children and grandchildren of migrants, spoiled by material choice and opportunity, it is now up to us to make sure that our elders continue to live with the dignity they deserve.

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.

Yiayia & Pappou!

KINOTITACOMMUNITY

063

Do you carefor Yiayia & Pappou?

Would you give just $10 to help them?I wish to pledge

$10 $20 $50 $100 other $

Direct Debit

NAMEBSBACC

Credit Card

Name _________________________Number ________________________Expiry Date ____________________Signature _______________________Your details will remain completely confidential

Cheque to: FRONDITHA CARE send to 94 Springs Road Clayton South 3169

At the Gala Fronditha

asked ‘Do you care for

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.

Some ‘familiar’ faces at the eventGala event guests dance the night away

064

ATHLITICAGAME ON

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou

065

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 communi-ties access Australian Football as players, fans, administrators, communty coaches or umpires. We work with our partners to build strong relation-ships 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

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.

ATHLITICAGAME ON

066

ATHLITICAGAME ON

ATHLITICAGAME ON

067

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAFC CLUB XVIII - HAWTHORN SPARTANS

DINNER DANCEPlease 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.

SATURDAY 30 APRIL 2011 7:30PM

STARS INTERNATIONAL RECEPTION & FUNCTION CENTRE.

1C Bell Street Preston VIC 3072

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

 $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to Fronditha Care

supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Aged Care.

HA

WT

H

ORN SPA

RT

AN

S

A .F. C .

It’s all about the strategy....

Ocean Beaches - just beautiful...

RELAX. TAKE IT EASY.

INFORMATION: TACKLEWORLD CRANBOURNE. WORDS: CHRIS BINOS

068

PSARASFISHING

The Lure of AutumnYou can really tell that autumn has arrived. Crisper air, calm seas and the leaves are starting to fall; it’s great weather to go fishing.

Around TownIn Port Phillip Bay even though we are at the tail end of snapper season, we have been getting ample reports of great reds being caught. Best reports have been coming in from Mornington, Mt Martha and Carrum. The one that took the cake was an 85cm beast that got pulled in out of Mt Martha. It’s not only the reds making the charts this month. We’ve had reports of Yellow Tail Kingfish getting caught at The Rip. Average specimens were at 8-9kgs and so far the biggest Kingie weighed in at 14kg’s. Let’s not forget the squid being caught in the bay. They don’t have headshakes when they’re hooked, but jeez are they tasty. By all accounts there are good numbers of squid around the shallow grass beds of Port Phillip, including ten great specimens caught in one session from the shallows of Mt Martha.

Western Port has also shown its colours this month, providing us with some unbelievable 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

35cm have been caught. Preferred bait has been mussel and pipi and even whiting worm. Last 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 by 17 Striped Tuna. They weighed between 3kg and 5kg and struck in multiple schools. The action was so good they even pulled out light gear and threw soft plastics out to the schools just to test their skills. Well done boys!

Out of TownPortland is home of Southern Bluefin Tuna and people come from all around the state to experience what Portland has to offer. There have been a few lucky anglers and they’ve been kind enough to share their catches with us. The average size was around 30 kgs and in 1300m of water but we had a report come in of a monstrous Bluefin weighing in at 99 kgs.

Paul Worstling of iFISH went to Wedge Island in South Australia and caught over 200 Australian Salmon with a group of mates. He says that it’s the best action he has ever seen. BIG CALL!

Like father, like son...

RELAX. TAKE IT EASY.

SHARE YOUR ‘TAIL‘ WITH OPA!

READERS BY SENDING IN YOUR BIO AND

COOL FISHING PICS TO:

YOU COULD BE OUR ‘PSARA’ FOR

NEXT ISSUE!

CHRIS@OPAMAGAZINE.COM.AU

AUS KEENESTFISHERMAN?

INFORMATION: TACKLEWORLD CRANBOURNE. WORDS: CHRIS BINOS

GLAREFREE

PSARASFISHING

069

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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CATCH OF THE MONTH!

WELL DONE LADS!

THE NISSAN LEAF IS ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED, MASS-PRODUCED, 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

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.

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. 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.

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

IN ELECTRIC CARS!

POWER: - 80KW @ 2730-9800 RPM

TORQUE: - 280NM @ 0-2730 RPM

WIDTH: - 1770MM

LENGTH: - 4445MM

HEIGHT: - 1545MM

WEIGHT: - 3362 LBS

0-60 MPH: - 11.90 SECS

TOP SPEED: - OVER 145KM/H

070 070

ODIGOSCARS

ODIGOSCARS

071

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

- Saleen performance air filterPower: - 475 hp @ 6000 rpm- 624 nm torque @ 4250 rpmExhaust: - Saleen Performance Exhaust System with stainless steel chrome tipsGearbox: - 5-speed, short-throw manual transmissionDIFF: - 8.8-inch limited-slip differential, 3.73:1/3.31:1 final driveBrakes: - Power-assisted, 4-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and traction control- 14 in. slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipersSuspension: - Saleen Racecraft specific-rate front and rear springs- Saleen Racecraft nitrogen-pressurized front strut and rear shocks, wide-range adjustable damping- Saleen Racecraft front sway bar and performance bushings- Saleen Racecraft front strut tower braceWheels 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 leather-wrapped, 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 com-munications and entertainment system- Shaker 500 audio system with AM/FM stereo, in-dash 6 CD changer, MP3 capability, 8 speakers

O PSARAS

072

ODIGOSCARS

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.

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.

NAME: DRAGAN M (MELBOURNE)

AGE : 21 YRS

CAR: SUBARU IMPREZA WRX CLUB SPEC 9

AS SENT TO OPA!

BY READER WRX

AUDIO SYSTEM SPECS INCLUDE :

• 12” KICKER COMP SUB

• PIONEER 4 CHANNEL AMP

• 4 X 6” JBL AUDIO SPLITS

• JVC 7” TOUCH DVD SCREEN

073

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 in-credibly 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

WHO AND WHAT IS NUGAS?

–a small group of passionate, driven and de-termined 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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EMPTINESS, FORM

AND THE SPACE

BETWEEN

ARTIST: GEORGE TZIKAS

THE REMARKABLE ART OF GEORGE TZIKAS

IS CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY AT RAKIS ON

COLLINS 178 COLLINS ST. MELBOURNE.

KULTURACULTURE

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George 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.”

“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

STEVE AGI DELVES INTO THE PROFOUND

IDEAS AND WORK OF PAINTER

GEORGE TZIKAS

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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.

MEZEDES AND MEMORY

“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.

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

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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 rustHad 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 eyeReading the stars for news of his son

Grey fedoras greet you at Station PierBolted boards divide your shadow in tenths.On the trip to Fitzroy the taxi meterCounts, 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

Cheers to you Jim!

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and every diner, not ‘to work the tables’ but to carry on an automatic, unthinking tradition of making his customers part of his extended family.

The interval before desert allows diners a chance to hear Tom recite more. “A son is his father’s permanent apprentice” Petsinis remarks, just before he begins the poem ADZE, [the large pick-axe like tool used for carving rough timber]; a tool that Tom’s father would always refer to in his native Slavic Macedonian tongue, as the abrasive, vowel-less ‘Srp’.

Head square, too big for tacks;

Blade beveled, angled at forty-five,

Flatter than a platypus’s bill;

A tool shaped for desperate times:

Women crushed corn on the doorstep,

Mixed flour with gunpowder.

Renting a room in Fitzroy,

You lived for those letters from home

Written on paper light as shade:

Words weighted with sorrow,

Barely moving the post-office scales,

Yet raising your heart with love.

Working weekends, overtime,

There was no place for this village tool

On a city’s construction site.

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.”

And what advice, what tools as fathers, would Tom and Jim wish to pass on to their children? Tom paused for a moment, sifting his thoughts. “The most valuable tools?…Being unafraid of challenge. My father was undaunted by the prospect of leaving a humble village and coming to a new world with nothing…that determination to succeed. And self-sacrifice; to leave a life that you know, for your children.“ I turn to Jim. “My father’s advice was always be honest with your clientele and your food. My father 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.”

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.

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

- WATCH -

Worn out by time’s inexhaustible spring,

It’s been lying here timeless in this pencil box

Since the start of the new millennium,

When death came, angelic white, rubber soled,

And clipped a plastic tag around your wrist –

Here, among pennies, drachmas, cents;

The sisterhood of scissors, brotherhood of keys;

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.

OUR EXPERIENCE = YOUR CONFIDENCE

Est.1986

LEADING THE WAY IN ESTEEMED CAR SALES

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FASHIONISTAFASHION

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,fashion-forward 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.

YIA SAS GINAIKES!

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‘Will the real Gene Simmons please stand up?’

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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 middle-aged 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.

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.

“It’s all in good fun,” remarks a regular patron of my local pub who enjoys listening to local tribute band KISS Asylum perform as part of the ROCK GODZ bill. Wishing to remain anonymous, he goes on to explain. “It’s all about celebrating the music of an era, days gone by. Van Halen, KISS,

Guns ‘n’ Roses, Whitesnake. They were real bands. That was real music!” Obviously another 80’s Glam Rock tragic!

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.

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 entertain-ment, as there are so many of them all over town, paying tribute to their heroes in their own unique way.

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!

BY MALCHUS NEVETS

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

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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Or is this the REAL deal?Asylum. The REAL deal.

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

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WINTER 11

Luxe FAUX FUR, FINE WOOL and DURABLE DENIM ensures the comfi est fi t and ultimate protection from the elements

KNITTED BEANIES, SCARVES and GLOVES complete any outfi t and keep kids stylish and warm from head to toe all season long

TRENDS FOR WINTER

Lace Knit Wear Cutoff Gloves, 21379AB $19.95

Fur Vest, 20913TBJ $59.95

Baby Ear Flap Hat, 21299ABJ $22.95

Cord Square Pcoket Pant,

2374PBB $49.95

Stripe Cardi, 17396TBI $39.95

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G I R L SFloral Detail

Baby Hat, 21305ABJ

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Gathered Sleeve Tee, 21228TBG $39.95

Chunky Alpine Zip Through Jumper, 2693JBD $79.95

Check Flannel Shirt, 2299SBJ $49.95

B OY S

Fur Collar Denim Jacket, 2581JBB $69.95

OPA_BardotJunior_Winter.indd 3 6/04/11 5:35 PM

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THE INSPIRATION

Bardot designers

bring you the

hottest looks and

trends every month

OPA_GlamGoth.indd 2 6/04/11 4:42 PM

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THE INSPIRATION

Bardot designers

bring you the

hottest looks and

trends every month

OPA_GlamGoth.indd 2 6/04/11 4:42 PM

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.

ANEUTRAL 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.

TREND UPDATE

Layered biker dress, 21287DB

$129.95Motorcycle Pant, 20496PB $89.95

Lacy Prim Top, 21189TB $79.95

Buckled Fur Trim Boots,

21164AB $99.95

Scallop Lace Dress, 20796DB $119.95

Lindsay Knot Shirt, 21195TB $69.95

Ballerina Bodysuit, 21194TB $69.95

Thin Waist Belt, SA15538 $19.95

Lota Love Tee, 21157TB $39.39

Crop Kimono Shrug, 21574TB $69.95

Pleat Front Short, 20295PB $89.95

Bow Wrist Gloves, SA16447 $39.95

SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.BARDOT.COM.AU

OPA_GlamGoth.indd 3 6/04/11 4:42 PM

w w w . r a k i s . c o m . a u

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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 custom-fitted 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.

HATTRICKPHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL OSTA 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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Estelle.

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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.

MODASTYLE

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ABOUT TOWNB2B

“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.”

Meagan, Peter & Lucie

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Words by: Dean Georgio Photo: Sandy Rogulic

It’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 indi-viduals, 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 ap-pointment.

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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.

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

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

(Let’s go back to my room?!)

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IN THE CLUBSPICEMARKET

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IN THE CLUBZINC

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IN THE CLUBKINISI

PROVERB OF

THE MONTH!

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.

KOMBOLOI KORNER

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 constantly puts her life at risk because of her condition and has suffered various assaults, been 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

brain associated with emotional learning and fear, The ‘Amygdala’ is an almond shaped mass of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobe

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.

‘SIGA TA LAHANA’ LITERAL TRANSLATION - SLOWLY THE CABBAGES

WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS:

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

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