Latest news with #GreekCommunity
SBS Australia
03-07-2025
- Business
- SBS Australia
Sydney Olympic FC: resilient, rebuilding and ready for the Australian Championship
In an interview long in the making, Olympic's president, Damon Hanlin came to our headquarters in Sydney's Artarmon for an in-depth conversation on the club's journey, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and what lies ahead. A personal story rooted in the Greek community Though his surname might not immediately reveal it, Damon Hanlin proudly claims his Greek heritage — a fact that links him deeply to the club's historical and cultural identity. A successful businessman, Damon Hatzimanolis (as is his Greek surname) got involved with Sydney Olympic out of both passion and commitment, acknowledging that while the financial toll has been significant, the drive to preserve and grow this iconic club remains stronger than ever. 'I'm here because I believe in what this club represents — not just for football, but for the Greek-Australian community,' Mr Hanlin said. Challenges, change and ambition The president spoke candidly about the challenges the club currently faces — from administrative and financial pressures to infrastructure constraints. But he was also clear about the club's focus on youth development, long-term sustainability, and its efforts to modernize. 'We are always working to engage the next generation — young Greek-Australians who can carry the torch forward', Mr Hanlin noted, adding that while the club's traditional supporter base is ageing, steps are being taken to involve families, schools, and young talent at every level. He also added: 'We're always exploring ways to strengthen community engagement. That includes finding mechanisms for further strengthening financial membership, beyond just season tickets holders.' Source: Instagram / Sydney Olympic FC Where are the fans? One of the more sensitive issues discussed was the decline in fan attendance — a noticeable shift since the disbanding of the NSL. With games now held at venues like Belmore Sports Ground and Kogarah (Jubilee Stadium), longtime fans often express nostalgia for the golden days. 'We know we need to do more to bring the fans back,' Mr Hanlin admitted. 'The move to the National Second Tier is part of that effort. We want to give our community — especially the younger generations — a reason to feel inspired again. Also, whilst we embrace wholeheartedly our traditional Greek-origin fanbase, we want to be more be inclusive by embracing the enhanced multicultural mosaic of our region'. On-field performance and what's next On the pitch, Sydney Olympic currently sits in 7th place after 21 rounds in the 2025 NPL NSW season, with hopes still alive for a finals berth. Mr Hanlin remains optimistic: 'We have a solid squad, committed coaching staff, and we're building towards something bigger.' That 'something bigger' is the Australian Championship. Mr Hanlin confirmed that Sydney Olympic's inclusion in the so-called B-League is locked in, and that it came after tireless advocacy — and personal investment — on his part. 'This was never going to be handed to us. We had to fight for it. But we're ready.' A bridge to the future? The new national competition aims to bridge the gap between the NPL and the A-League, and Hanlin believes it could reinvigorate the domestic football scene. Whether it leads to promotion and relegation remains to be seen, but for Sydney Olympic, the opportunity is real. 'We're not just participating — we're preparing to be competitive from day one,' Mr Hanlin said. 'That means upgrading our squad, refining our operations, and engaging at every level.' As for the club's continued involvement in the NPL NSW, Mr Hanlin suggests there will be evolution — not abandonment. 'This isn't the end of one chapter. It's the beginning of a broader story and the NPL can only become stronger from the new competition'. A message to the fans Mr Hanlin's final message was clear: 'To all our supporters — old and new — this is your club. Sydney Olympic is here because of you, and it will thrive with your passion and support. Come with us on this journey. The best is yet to come. Source: Instagram / Sydney Olympic FC
SBS Australia
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
From swords to scarves, Hellenic dancers pay tribute to their heritage
From swords to scarves, Hellenic dancers pay tribute to their heritage Published 13 June 2025, 5:12 am SBS is marking 50 years of broadcasting. Across this period Australia has seen many generations of migration. One Greek community in Brisbane is paying homage to its roots and marking many decades of dancing together.
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
A preview of Halifax Greek Fest
Atlantic Watch The organizers of the 38th annual Halifax Greek Fest give a preview of all the delicious food, music and dance at this year's event.
News.com.au
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
What's on: Barunga, Beer Can Regatta, Finke and GleNTi equals plenty of fun for Territorians
WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND It's arguably the fullest weekend of the year, so if I am honest, I really hope you've already got your plans sorted, Darwin. The Barunga Festival is on this weekend, which will see people pack up and head just a little way out the Central Arnhem Rd (It's far enough to play 'Let's Go' by King Stingray, for sure) to enjoy a three-day program of music, sport, and cultural events. And if you're lucky enough to be heading to the Red Centre for the adrenaline-pumping Finke Desert Race, you're in for a good time. But what if you're staying in town? Have you heard of the Over 30s Club? If it sounds lame, you're probably still in your kebab at 3am on Mitchell St era and I'm so happy for you – but if you're interested in a boogie without the late-night taxi home: The Over 30s starts at 5pm on Saturday at Discovery – and wraps up at 9pm. Delightful. For even more wholesome fun, please head to Mindil Beach on Sunday for the iconic Beer Can Regatta. This event is one of those ones that makes you look around and laugh and think 'gosh I love you Darwin'. It's equal parts chaos and hilarity – it's unpolished community spirit and classic Darwin fun. SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT If you thought I was missing something in the what's on section … don't worry – how could I miss the GleNTi. The Greek GleNTi is a huge festival where the Greek community share their culture … and amazing food, all day Saturday and Sunday. Last year we went for lunch, then came back for an early dinner to try something else, and then stayed for the Ouzo and Loukoumades, which is how I highly recommend you experience all of the food. LOCALS TIP Reminiscing about the Finke while writing this article got me thinking about Central Australia. I've been seeing a lot of love letters to Alice lately, and I also agree that there's just something about the Centre – I still can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel it every time. I think it might be something to do with the complete stillness when you stop for a moment at the top of Kings Canyon, and the feeling you get when floating above the contrasting reds and greens at sunrise. It's probably also the warm days but crisp air at night, and how fresh it feels to dive into a cold desert oasis after a day in the sun. It's the culture and the stories, learning about Arrernte country. Maybe it's the feeling when you're driving through the ranges, and every corner you turn makes you say 'wow look at that' out loud – again. So if this long weekend has you thinking about planning a trip for the next one – consider a trip south down the Stuart Highway.
SBS Australia
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- SBS Australia
Greek-Australian photographer captures the colourful mosaic of Darwin
During our recent trip in Darwin, we knew we had to pay Georgia Politis a visit; A Greek-Australian photographer whose work is entangled with the history of the city's community. Born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory, her love of photography seems destined to blossom. From her first award during her high school years, to the day her husband gave her first camera, Georgia Politis' talent has developed into much more than just a hobby. Opening the doors of her studio, the young photographer refers to her origins, saying that she, her sisters and her parents were born in Darwin, while her grandparents come from the Peloponnese, Kalymnos, Crete and Kos. Darwin is a very multicultural place, especially with the Greeks. So it's about telling the stories of how we got here Georgia Politis – Photographer Growing up in Darwin, in a strong Greek community, she grew up with Greek dances, Greek events and often Greek family picnics and dinners. "My real name was Georgia Tomazos. My family came from the Peloponnese, Kos, Crete and Kalymnos. We have been here since the late 1960s and my families never left. My grandparents from both sides came to work, make a family and stayed," she said. Talking about her passion for photography and the first recognition she gained, she says that always had that bug inside her. Whether it was painting, drawing or photography. Growing up, her husband fulfilled her wish by buying her first camera. Through it, she began to take photos and portraits of her family, with no intention of doing it professionally, she says: 'My first camera was a Polaroid when I was eight years old. I did a lot of arts and crafts. So I won art awards in school, painting, drawing that sort of stuff. And then kept trying to do photography every now and then. I kept forgetting because of my studies or work. And then my husband bought me a camera in 201. I did events and family photos, and it just started by accident', she notes. Georgia Politis recently released her own photo series, 'Darwin DiverCity', which captures the stories of ordinary people living in her city. In this photo tribute, she captures the diversity of the community and the contribution of the Greek diaspora to the multicultural mosaic of the Northern Territory. The Darwin DiverCity series, as she notes, started by accident, just like her business, photographing 55 people and recording 55 different stories, while celebrating the diversity of the Northern Territory and the stories of its people. 'Darwin is a very multicultural place, especially with the Greeks. So it is about telling the stories of how we got here, why we came here 'cause a lot of people don't know. My generation, a lot of us don't know. So, it was really nice to learn about how, you know, some Greek families came here in the 1920s, or most of them between 1950 and 1960. And then learning about, what they went through, through Cyclone Tracy, what they went through for other things like, wars and coming from wars and then also about their culture," she said. Listen the full interview in English, on the podcast that accompanies this article.
