GREEK WORLD MEDIA

A new chapter approaches for the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria with the development of the cultural centre

Source: NeosKosmos

Looking to the future

In early 2014, the 15 storey building including the four level Cultural Centre of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV) will be open to all of the community – it will be a centre unrivalled in the global Greek diaspora. It will become the institution where we celebrate our Greek story. Bill Papastergiadis, president, GOCMV, says it is time for a change.

“From my perspective the community needed a game changer,” Mr Papastergiadis tells Neos Kosmos. “It required a plan to inspire the interest of young Greek Australians. Time was also of the essence. Broad-based contribution by talented and motivated second and third generation Greek Australians in Melbourne was urgently needed so as to develop a community which offered appropriate services and also inspired cultural productivity.”

A place of education, music, entertainment, song and dance, the centre will be seen as a hothouse of thoughts and ideas. It will offer the next generation a chance to create their new stories and cultural experience but at all times remembering and celebrating our migrant past. “The Centre should be seen as a hothouse of thoughts,” explains Jorge Menidis.

“It aims to offer spaces for the generation of new stories and the celebration of old. The Centre will collaborate and lead. It will present opinions and ideas. It will educate and entertain.”

The centre will have a collection of spaces some of which included a performance space; an exhibition space; an education space; hothouse and meeting space; and administrative space.

With support from the Melbourne City Council via an incredibly speedy permit approval process and the State Government’s $2 million contribution, and support by all the members of the Greek community, the dream of the four storey Cultural Centre has become a reality. A lot of thought was put into the actual design of the new building.

“Aesthetically, a new building would also act as a beacon for those who would take the baton going forward for our community,” explains Mr Papastergiadis. “Symbols play an important role in our lives. Symbolically, the new building would herald a fresh start.

The design of any such building would need to ensure that there would be a reference point to the past and with it incorporating a vision for the future.”

* This Thursday, Neos Kosmos will publish a supplement in Greek and English paying homage to the new Cultural Centre, but also remembering the past. We will look at the early days of not only the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria’s building, but the history of the community as a whole. For all those who have ever wondered if walls could talk – the walls of the Greek community building will speak to us about stories, events and past happenings that have shaped our community in Victoria, and Australia. We will give you a birds eye view of the architecture and symbolism of the new building, but also look at the demolition of what has been a large part of our cultural history. All in all, we – alongside the Greek community – look to the future, to create a place to inspire the next generation of proud Greek Australians.

Helen Kapalos says sacking from Channel 10 was insensitive

Source: News

Sacked Channel 10 news reader Helen Kapalos. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

FORMER Channel 10 newsreader Helen Kapalos has told of her shock at her sacking, saying it was “insensitive” and robbed her of the chance to thank viewers and farewell colleagues.

The popular presenter, 41, was axed immediately after the 5pm bulletin on November 9 in a brief, clinical meeting, the day before she flew to the US on holidays.

Speaking at length for the first time after returning to Melbourne on Friday, Kapalos revealed it came as a bolt out of the blue and left her in momentary shock.

The bombshell was dropped on her by news director Dermot O’Brien and the human resources manager, and within an hour she had packed up her office and left.

Ten had initially planned to tell her during her holidays on November 12, at the same time as other readers including Bill Woods, but decided to do it in person.

She said she had felt her job was safe after asking senior managers just weeks earlier about rumours of a national Sydney-based bulletin, and was assured there wouldn’t be one.

“It was done fairly swiftly, I think I had sent my best friend a text by 6.15,” she said.

“It was explained to me that they were going to a single-reader format and that I wouldn’t be part of that format, and that those changes would take place some time in December, and there really was no point in returning before that time.

“They offered the redundancy and explained I wouldn’t be required back on air and that there were no other roles for me.

“I asked how they arrived at the decision but there was no response that I remember to that. Then shock set in, and a bit of disappointment and hurt.”

She was so oblivious to what was coming that upon entering the meeting she had said: “Can we make this quick? I have to go to the post office.”

Kapalos is one of the most high-profile of the network’s redundancies as part of cost cuts to battle a slump in ratings and losses in advertising revenue.

Her security pass was cancelled and email account closed and she even had to announce it herself, tweeting before she boarded the plane: “Fall down seven times. Get up eight. Big love to my supporters.”

“It wasn’t done in a spiteful, negative way, it was done in an insensitive way,” Kapalos said.

“I would have loved the opportunity to be able to thank viewers, to farewell colleagues, to properly pack up my office and belongings and wardrobe.”

But she is determined to stay positive and said she holds no bitterness towards the embattled network, focusing instead on her next chapter.

She has had talks with Foxtel, Sky, Al Jazeera, CBS and CNN, and was offered a summer radio gig with Triple M.

She said she was hoping to be able to announce a new Melbourne-based TV role by the end of this week.

Co-anchor Mal Walden had been “really distressed” in the one conversation they’d had, Kapalos said, and she would miss him the most.

The outpouring of support from the public and colleagues, even from rival newsreaders Peter Hitchener and Jennifer Keyte, has moved her and buoyed her spirits.

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett sent her a text message saying, “I’m sorry to hear about your boning”, while strangers on the street have said “we love you”.

Her mobile phone ran hot with support, and she racked up a $2600 bill within her first four days in the US.

“There wasn’t any time to digest it in a negative way because of all the goodwill and public sentiment. I felt almost like it lifted me… out of the mess,” Kapalos said.

“What it established for me importantly was that I had a genuine connection with viewers which is what you strive for as a presenter.

“From that point on, I thought I had to look ahead. I’m a positive force, and positive forces can’t be extinguished.”

Kapalos said it had been a turbulent year at Ten, but hoped the embattled network could “find their feet”.

She would not buy into suggestions of sexism in the industry – “I’ve seen men treated just as shabbily as women” – pointing out that male readers had also been sent packing.

“I felt like it was a business decision, I didn’t take it personally whatsoever … if he (Walden) had a year contract it was probably a sensible decision to keep him on,” she said.

“Obviously I wasn’t ecstatic about not being on there with him but I didn’t feel that there was any sexism with that decision at all.”

Despite some reports, Kapalos said she did not plan to take legal action over her sacking as she was grateful for her time at Ten.

Welcome distractions have included volunteering in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, and reporting on her blog.

Upon returning home, she has filmed a part in a movie for Tropfest, and made an appearance at the Melbourne Victory game on Friday night.

Ten spokesman Neil Shoebridge said the decision was “no reflection” on Kapalos but a cost-cutting measure as part of the move to single newsreaders, starting from tomorrow’s bulletin.

“We made the best efforts to handle this in the best way we could,” he said.

AFTER more than 100 years in operation, the company which owns Aussie tomato sauce brand Rosella has gone into receivership

Source: News

Food manufacturer Gourmet Food Holdings and Waterwheel was placed into receivership following the appointment of voluntary administrators on Friday.

The group’s interests include sauce, spice and chutney manufacturer Rosella, based at Seven Hills, NSW; Auckland-based organic soups and pre-made meals maker Pitango; and crispbreads and cracker maker Waterwheel, based at Dandenong, Victoria.

Receivers Ferrier Hodgson said they will be undertaking an “urgent assessment” of the financial position of the group.

“We will be engaging in discussions with key stakeholders including employees, customers and suppliers to determine whether operations can be continued,” said partner Steve Sherman.

Former employee Ben O’Neill who worked at the Rosella factory as a cook for four months until three weeks ago, said his former colleagues were ”not very happy”.

”They just said there’s no more work. They’ve finished work today,” Mr O’Neill said.

“I’m sad to see it go because it’s an Australian company.”

An expressions-of-interest campaign will be launched in the next few days to find potential buyers for the group or its individual businesses.

The group employs about 275 people, who’ve been warned that their jobs could be affected by some restructuring of the companies.

Ferrier Hodgson has released a statement to employees, saying they are unable to determine whether employee entitlements will be paid in full due to the uncertainty surrounding the realisable value of floating charge assets and the prospects of securing a sale of the business.

“The receivers cannot guarantee continued employment, however, it is the receivers’ intention to explore all options to ensure that your employment can be preserved,” Ferrier Hodgson said in a statement to employees.

“We will endeavour to provide you with a further update as soon as possible.

“At this stage, we are unable to determine whether employee entitlements will be paid in full due to uncertainty surrounding the realisable value of floating charge assets and the prospects of securing a sale of the business.”

NASA warns Emos at risk from ‘end of the world’

Source: News

Computer generated image of Sydney completely devastated after a mega Tsunami. This image shows what Sydney might look like if Mayan prophecies were fulfilled and life ended 21/12/2012. Picture: Sony

WHILE many are planning their large-scale end of the world celebrations, others are already hiding under their beds in anticipation of the Mayan Apocalypse of 2012, according to NASA.

NASA has issued warnings ahead of the reported ‘Doomsday’ on December 21 saying some people have been so distressed by reports of the end of the world they are already not eating or sleeping.

It all started because December 21 is the last day in an ancient Mayan calendar, and the internet has been circulating rumours that a rogue planet called Nibiru would slam into Earth, destroying us all.

Last week the Russian Government tried to put an end to the doomsday talk after people started panicking and storing up supplies so they would still have kerosene and matches after the world was smashed to smithereens.

People everywhere were taking it so seriously National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientists have been forced to hose down the situation, publishing a fact sheet: Beyond 2012: Why the World Won’t End.

They say there’s no planet coming to destroy us, the Earth’s rotation is not going to suddenly reverse, there’s no danger from giant solar storms, and no evidence of impending doom.

“The world will not end in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012,” they say.

“Just as the calendar you have on your kitchen wall does not cease to exist after December 31, the Mayan calendar does not cease to exist on December 21, 2012.

“This date is the end of the Mayan long-count period but then – just as your calendar begins again on January 1 – another long-count period begins for the Mayan calendar.”

While the idea that the world is about to end is bunkum, the anxiety people are feeling about it is real.

NASA Ames Research Center astrobiologist David Morrison has warned that they received emails from young people who said they were too worried to sleep or eat, and some said they were suicidal.

“(Scientists), both within NASA and outside, recognize that this hoax with its effort to frighten people is a distraction from more important science concerns, such as global warming and loss of biological diversity,” he writes on the NASA website.

“We worry about the effect of this fear on impressionable children.

“(If) you will just use common sense I am sure you can recognise the lies.”

Sydney socialite, entrepreneur and racing driver Aaron Zerefos partners with OPA! Magazine to become their brand ambassador

Sydney socialite, entrepreneur and racing driver Aaron Zerefos partners with Australia’s most awarded and loved lifestyle magazine OPA! to become their ‘brand ambassador.’

Aaron Zerefos is a young entrepreneur, racing driver and social figure. Having promoted the popular FIJI Water brand in Australia, through his company, Aaron Zerefos Enterprises, he has now diversified into dairy products, horse racing, real estate and polo. He is also a motoring journalist for Latte Life newspaper. He is a successful brand ambassador for Porsche and Bulla Dairy and now has re-connected with his Greek heritage to partner with and become a key member of the nation’s most popular and most awarded Greek themed lifestyle magazine, OPA!

At 2 years young, OPA! Magazine, the brainchild of publisher Steve Agi has already achieved enormous success, growth and distribution and now with becoming Zerefos’ media partner it takes it’s profile to another level.
“When Aaron approached me to look at partnering I was stoked,” explained OPA! Magazine publisher Steve Agi. “He is such a great guy who is so active and an inspiration to all. A great role model! These are the sort of people we love to get behind and celebrate!”

Outside of his business activity and success, Aaron has raced and tested in Carrera Cup Australia, Mini Series, NASCAR USA, V8 Super cars, Australian G T and the Bathurst 12hr. He has also won r aces in the Lotus 500 series, Porsche Car Club NSW and the Aroca 6hr with Team Porsche.

“It feels great to get the support from a publication like OPA! Steve and I have really connected on a number of levels, ever since they ran their first profile on me and now with a monthly column, the ‘brand ambassador’ status and their media support I feel it will take my career and profile to another level, “ comments Aaron.

Aaron will be the newly appointed ‘brand ambassador’ of OPA! Magazine as well as a monthly contributor to the title, while OPA! will take prominent branding on his race car and uniform as the official MEDIA PARTNER of team Zerefos – truly a match made in heaven

George Lucas plans Bay Area park featuring Yoda and Indiana Jones statues

Source: Hitfix

Star Wars fans might soon have another Yoda statue in the San Francisco Bay area to visit.

Filmmaker George Lucas plans to help build a small park in Marin County that would feature a bronze sculpture of the popular Star Wars character, along with one of Indiana Jones.

Lucas’ estate manager, Sarita Patel, said the Yoda statue would be similar to one in San Francisco’s Presidio neighborhood. That one — a full-sized replica of the Jedi sage — lies atop a fountain outside an arts center where Lucas moved most of his operations in 2005. It has become a big draw for fans.

Lucas applied for a permit Wednesday to demolish a building on the site of the planned park in San Anselmo, the town where he lives, the Marin Independent Journal reported (http://bit.ly/YsKH3u)

He announced over the summer that he planned to donate the land where the building sits to the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce, and donate the statues for the proposed park. Lucas has since also agreed to pay for the building’s demolition.

The chamber hopes to raise $150,000 to $200,000 to create the park.

San Anselmo Town Manager Debra Stutsman said the demolition application, which includes a historical analysis of the building, will be reviewed by the town’s Planning Commission and Historical Commission.

The building, as well as a fresco inside, date back to 1945.

Patel said Lucas plans to donate the fresco to the Spanish consulate in San Francisco.

Lucas built his film operation in Marin County and had planned to put up a palatial new digital media production studio there. But he abandoned those plans earlier this year in the face of opposition from neighbors and what he said were delays in the approval process.

Australia is World’s 2nd Best Birthplace

Source: ibtimes.co.uk

A pregnant mother living in Australia is in one of the best places in the world, according to a recent survey done by The Economist’s Intelligence Unit.

In a survey by The Economist’s Intelligence Unit, the resource-rich nation, out of a possible 10 satisfaction points, scored 8.12, just 0.1 behind Switzerland, the world’s best country for a baby to be born into next year. The US, which topped the 1998 list, came in 16th.

Next in the top five were Norway, Sweden and Denmark, all Scandinavian states. New Zealand landed on the seventh place with a score of 7.95, while the last at the 80th spot was Nigeria with 4.74 points.

The list, the first after 24 years, was compiled based on a combination of surveys. Respondents were basically asked how happy they are, with objective determinants about the quality of life. On the 1998 index, Australia ranked 18th.

“Being rich helps more than anything else, but it is not all that counts; things like crime, trust in public institutions and the health of family life matter too,” Laza Kekic, the unit’s director of country forecasting services, said in a statement.

The Economist’s Intelligence Unit used indicators such as geography, demography, social and cultural characteristics, government policies and the state of the world economy.

Australia in 2011 placed second to Norway in the annual United Nations Human Development Index.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard introduces National Disability Insurance Scheme legislation

Source: ABC

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced into Parliament legislation establishing the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The bill sets out the structure and eligibility criteria for the scheme and will be voted on early next year.

Ms Gillard says she believes the scheme will be the greatest change to Australian social policy in a generation.

“The scheme to be established by this bill will transform the lives of people with disability, their families and carers,” she said.

“For the first time they will have their needs met in a way that truly supports them to live with choice and dignity.”

Labor has announced $1 billion to establish the scheme, but long-term funding still remains unclear.

Proposed by the productivity commission, the NDIS aims to shift funding for disability away from a welfare to one based on social insurance, to which all taxpayers contribute.

Instead funding of being allocated to service providers, individuals will instead be given direct access to funding, which they can then administer either directly or through brokers.

The focus of the scheme will be on early intervention, building on the concept that significant initial financial outlay can offset greater costs incurred if problems are left untreated.

The scheme aims to cover 360,000 people with a profound or severe disability, with a separate National Injury Insurance scheme to cover people who suffer a catastrophic injury.

Ένας Σερραίος φαβορί για πρόσωπο του Versace!

Source: Star

Ένας 22χρονος Έλληνας, ο Ηρακλής Κόζας, είναι φαβορί για την νέα παγκόσμια καμπάνια του οίκου Versace και, μάλιστα, μπήκε στους τρεις επικρατέστερους ξεπερνώντας μοντέλα από όλη την Ευρώπη!

Ο 22χρονος πέρασε από κάστινγκ μαζί με μοντέλα από κάθε γωνιά της Ευρώπης προκειμένου να βρεθεί το νέο πρόσωπο του γνωστού οίκου μόδας.

«Είμαι πολύ χαρούμενος! Δεν ξέρω ποιο θα είναι το αποτέλεσμα, μόνο και μόνο όμως που κατάφερα να είμαι στους τρεις επικρατέστερους, είναι πολύ σημαντικό για μένα», λέει ο ίδιος στην εφημερίδα «Espresso».

Με καταγωγή από τις Σέρρες, ο Ηρακλής ζει μόνιμα στη Θεσσαλονίκη και «οργώνει» πασαρέλες και φωτογραφικούς φακούς, με αποτέλεσμα εδώ και περίπου έξι μήνες να είναι με μια βαλίτσα στο χέρι.

Πρόσφατα δε, πρωταγωνίστησε στη νέα καμπάνια της «Modus Vivendi», υποδυόμενος τον hot ψαρά!

«Είναι δύσκολη περίοδος για όλους. Αναλόγως πως θα κυλήσουν τα πράγματα, θα εξαρτηθεί και αν θα μετακομίσω μόνιμα στην Αθήνα. Ποτέ δεν προγραμματίζω τι θα κάνω στη ζωή μου.

Πάντα κοιτάω να κάνω αργά και σταθερά βήματα», αναφέρει ο σέξι μελαχρινός.

Τονίζοντας ότι έχει βαρεθεί τα one night stands, ο Ηρακλής παραδέχεται ότι είναι φρεσκοχωρισμένος: «είμαι μόνος μου εδώ και ενάμιση μήνα. Πέρασα δύσκολα μετά τον χωρισμό μου, όμως, τώρα είμαι καλά και κοιτάω μπροστά».

Κι αν ενδιαφέρεσαι, το μοντέλο αποκαλύπτει πως ζητάει από μια γυναίκα χιούμορ, αυθορμητισμό, ειλικρίνεια και ανεξαρτησία, ενώ επισημαίνει πως ο ίδιος δίνεται 100% στη σχέση του!

Community issues top the Greek Consultative Committee agenda

Maria Vamvakinou MP
Federal Member for Calwell

Steve Georganas
Federal Member for Hindmarsh

MEDIA RELEASE
28 November 2012

Aged care, supporting the Greek Language and community mental health were top priorities for discussion at the second meeting of the Greek Ministerial Consultative Committee yesterday.

Speaking at the second meeting of the committee to be held at Parliament House, Canberra, co-chair Maria Vamvakinou MP said the committee had the opportunity to personally meet with the Minister for Education Peter Garrett and the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler to discuss their concerns.

The committee also raised issues with a senior advisor for Families and Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin.

Ms Vamvakinou said she was pleased the committee was the first to have high level discussions about issues affecting the Australian Greek Community.

Co-chair Steve Georganas said the meeting was essential in providing a further platform for Greek community members to share their views with the Government.

The committee also had the opportunity of meeting with the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic His Excellency Haris Dafaranos.

The committee was then invited to the opening of an exhibition of art by Theofilos –a folk painter of neo- Hellenic Art at the Hellenic Club in Canberra.