Monthly Archives: January 2015

Australian Greens leader Christine Milne joins a demonstration of support for cultural diversity. Photo: AAP Image/Newzulu/Peter Boyle.

Late last year released findings from the 2013 Victorians’ Attitudes to Race and Cultural Diversity Survey suggested Victorians overwhelmingly continue to welcome multiculturalism, despite a fall in numbers.

Accordingly, VicHealth and its affiliates – the University of Melbourne and Deakin University – found 78 per cent of Victorians were in favour of cultural diversity, but close to 40 per cent were at issue with at least one ethnic group.

The survey also suggested groups faced with social backlash may be more susceptible to mental health issues, particularly increases in depression, anxiety, and stress, coupled with lower self-esteem, which can lead to alcohol and drug abuse, obesity and self-harm.

Deakin University researcher Professor Yin Paradies told Neos Kosmos whilst the figures were overall positive, comparatively research conducted in 2006 showed acceptance levels were in decline.

“We’re finding a worsening across a number of outcomes in terms of people’s attitude towards certain ethnic and racial groups in society and a slight reduction in acceptance of cultural diversity in Australia as a beneficial thing to the nation,” he said.

It is believed deteriorating global security issues, asylum seekers and financial conservatism following the global financial crisis have led to increased prejudices against ethnic groups.

“We’re seeing an intensification of nationalism around the world, which does relate to the fears of terrorism security around the world, and also financial problems. People hunker down in a way when you have these difficulties on a global scale and we get this sense of ‘us and them’ that develops more strongly and a sense of ‘we don’t want our way of life to be eroded’, and some of the findings in our survey find that people are concerned about migrants impacting on Australia’s way of life and taking jobs.”

“About 50 per cent say migrants need to be more like Australians no matter who they are and they need to leave some of their baggage, so to speak.”

Professor Paradies said Muslims were most susceptible to criticisms that they don’t complement Australian society.

“You get the sense that these things can get better over time but there is the potential for them to get worse.

“It’s difficult for individuals to say ‘I’m not racist’ – all of us have a racist thought or inclination at some point in our life. For colonial histories like Australia’s it’s unavoidable there’s historical weight and baggage to our nation and the way it was created that leaves those racist undertones and it’s a lot of work to overcome. It’s a matter of tracking that over time and to try to make it better, and in recent years we haven’t seen a lot of that.”

Media-led campaigns pushing greater integration may serve as the key to combating stereotypes and prejudices, he said.

“I think there are a few key ways to combat these issues and one of them is better representation of ethnic diversity in the media, better reporting, more balanced reporting, some more courageous political leadership where we have a sense of politicians wanting to tell better stories of both the advantages and disadvantages of cultural diversity, not engage in tactics which sometimes create more fear, which happens in Australia.”

Chin Tin, chairperson at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, shared Professor Paradies’ view that overall more needs to be done to tackle racial segregation.

“It came as no surprise that eight out of 10 people agree that different cultural groups benefit Australia. Multiculturalism is one of our greatest assets, and our way of life in Victoria.

“[But] the survey tells us that there are areas that need improving – the commission is aware of this through its own research and projects, and is working with communities and government to help change misconceptions and negative attitudes, and increase awareness.”

He said Greek migration to Victoria could be used as an example for other immigrant groups.

“As an established and settled immigrant group, the Greek community can serve as a model for newly settled immigrant communities in our state, and proudly take on a leadership role in promoting harmony and unity within Victoria’s diversity.”

Further intercultural education for young schoolchildren was also suggested.

source: Neos Kosmos

George Behrakis

Businessman and philanthropist George Behrakis has had one mission in mind over the past few years – to save the children of Greece from fatal illnesses caused by smoking.

The retired pharmacist and researcher from Lowell, Massachusetts decided to dedicate a great portion of his time travelling to and from Greece over the last six years after having witnessed young girls aged 11 and 12 being handed free cigarettes in the school yard.

“Due to the demonstrations taking place in the centre of Athens I stayed in a small hotel in Kifissia.

“One morning I took a walk around the area and I happened to walk past a school where I witnessed two women dressed in black giving young girls free cigarettes,” Mr Behrakis told US publication Ethniko Kirika.

“I called my cousin Panagioti Behrakis, a pulmonary physician and lecturer at the university and asked him what was going on.

“Does the government allow people to give out cigarettes to young girls and boys? We have to do something.”

With the knowledge that up to 80 per cent of lung cancer is caused by smoking cigarettes, Mr Behrakis was outraged at what he had witnessed; recognising the negative implications this would have on the future of these children and the country’s healthcare system.

Since that very conversation, the philanthropist has reached out to the prestigious Harvard University and the Hellenic Cancer Society, and has spent more than $10,000 of his personal money.

The campaign against smoking aims to encourage the children of Greece to stop smoking, or better yet, deter them from ever trying it.

In addition to the lectures he has introduced to schools, Mr Behrakis has also self-funded and published a series of small booklets entitled ‘The truth about smoking’.

With a simple and easy to read format, the series covers vital information about the risks associated with smoking with topics including ‘Education for a world without smoking’ and ‘I learn so that I don’t smoke’.

In addition to educating the very young, the campaign is also aimed at adolescents who smoke and in particular pregnant women.

The philanthropist has published a self-help guide for women trying to quit smoking during their pregnancy, with the cover bearing the photograph of a young mother kissing her newborn child entitled ‘Because I love you I don’t smoke’.

When asked whether the time, effort and money spent had so far been worth it, Mr Behrakis confidently responded: “Of course it’s worth it. It feels good to be helping these children.”

“We gather all the children, between eight and nine hundred of them, in a big space. We speak to them and then we give them awards for work.

“For example, we ask them to draw how they will look if they start smoking, and we award the students with the best artwork,” he said to Ethniko Kirika.
According to Mr Behrakis the response to the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I am very impressed with these children. They are very capable and have a lot of knowledge,” he said.

source: Neos Kosmos

Left: The mastermind running the Perdis giant, Emanuel Perdis. Right: The creative soul behind the successful makeup empire, Napoleon Perdis.

Greek Australian Napoleon Perdis and his brother Emanuel founded their internationally successful cosmetics colossus, Napoleon Perdis, in 1995. The two brothers grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney and decided to combine their hard work and passion, establishing a beauty giant in times of economic recession. They have propelled themselves not only into the top lists of Australia’s makeup brands but into America’s as well. The family owns a company worth over $80m, counting thousands of stockists, many counters and over 72 concept stores in Australia and New Zealand. The Perdis empire is even more popular in the US and as Napoleon revealed, Greece is the next stop.

Napoleon is one of the leading makeup artists in the circuit, best known for his ability to play with colour. His skills are found in high-gloss magazines, fashion runways, not to mention red carpets, since Hollywood celebrities love to get dolled-up by his magic brushes. His website is always up-to-date with girls’ eye-candy and endless inspirational beauty tips. He discovered his love for makeup at the age of 13, when he helped his mother prepare for a night out. As one of the most established professionals in his world, he launched his first makeup academy back in 1995. Napoleon Perdis is also a permanent backstage creative, for both Australia’s and New York’s fashion weeks.

Emanuel, on the other hand, has an eye for business, an unquenchable thirst for success and perfectly understands the mechanics of the fashion/beauty and celebrity industry. He has also established Alpha-Omega marketing consulting agency, again with his brother, aiming at boutique retail clients. He is an accredited counsellor plus a homeopath, managing hundreds of employees, providing them as well as his customers with empowerment techniques and effective motivational training.

Napoleon’s wife, Soula-Marie Perdis, is also of Greek descent and plays a key role in the company’s expansion. She’s the chief operations officer and has worked in finance for over 15 years. Soula-Marie has experience in every facet of the Perdis business, from brainstorming innovative new products to managing the brand’s economics and growth alongside her brother-in-law. Apart from being mother to four daughters she is Napoleon’s muse and owns the ideas behind some of Perdis’ best selling products.

NAPOLEON PERDIS Q&A

Napoleon, did you always dream of becoming a makeup artist?

From a young age, I would watch my mum lay out her cosmetics like precious jewels. Watching her apply makeup ignited my interest, and
after picking up my first makeup brush at age 13, I started experimenting with colour. I then dreamt of becoming a makeup artist and mum – who was my first muse – always encouraged and supported my love of beauty.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I live and breathe art and culture so I find they help me to stay inspired. I’m heavily influenced by music, architecture … also by my surroundings. After much time spent in Palm Springs, for example, I created my recent limited-edition Slim Aarons Collection, inspired by resort living. I’m also a huge hunter and collector of unique pieces; I’m always on the lookout for items that speak to me! From local boutiques to designer stores, I love a hidden gem. Finding the perfect ornament or gift is what drove me to open my first Life.Style store at the heritage Woollahra Post Office in 2012. My Life.Style stores currently house collections including accessories, vintage, ready-to-wear fashion, homewares, fragrance – and of course, cosmetics!

Why did you decide to use both models and everyday women in your campaigns?

I have a passion for enhancing a woman’s natural beauty so wanted to use models who portray the dynamic of my brand in visual campaigns. My customer is the everyday woman and she is my empress who I look to cater to. I’m surrounded by beautiful women; my mum, my wife Soula-Marie, and our four daughters, plus staff and customers. I see beauty everywhere and there isn’t only one ideal face shape globally. I create my products for every woman and believe a beautiful face can take many forms. Makeup can transform a woman’s face; it’s for this reason that I’m so passionate about my brand and product.

How do you manage to stay innovative and ahead of trends?

I like to stay innovative by ensuring that my products are always delivering exactly what they promise to the best of their ability. My products include quality ingredients sourced from all over the world. My Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser includes organic Donkey Milk (rumoured to be part of Cleopatra’s beauty regimen) as the key ingredient to soothe, soften and cleanse your skin. It’s innovative and truly one-of-a-kind. I’m constantly searching for new trends and opportunities to push boundaries beyond beauty trends. I engage with key staff in brainstorms to determine what will be next for the business and our customers.

What trends would you suggest to Neos Kosmos readers for this season?

I’m loving a modern matte finish on the skin with an underlying radiance. Complement your makeup look this season with a bright, bold lip – try Mattetastic Lipstick Audrey or DéVine Goddess Lipstick Calypso.

You have created a successful international cosmetic brand, produced a reality TV show, and published a book. Where do your career expectations stop? Do they?

I’m quite proud of my new multi-level retail store on Chapel Street in the heart of South Yarra, which includes Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics, the Life.Style collection of brands, and Makeup Academy. New courses have been developed and will be offered at my academies nationally, in addition to existing courses like my one-day Personal Makeup Skills Workshop and nine-week Certificate Course. I never stop, I’m always looking at ways to stay
ahead of the curve. I will be moving to Greece in early 2015 with my wife and daughters. We will be based in Athens, which allows me to focus on growing the brand in Europe – and beyond.

How Greek do you feel? In spite of the crisis, fashion and beauty still seem to be doing very well in Greece. Would you ever consider expanding your brand to Greece?

I feel very connected to my Greek heritage – both of my parents are from Greece originally, and I speak the language fluently. I’m also Greek Orthodox, so we love tradition. My wife Soula-Marie is a wonderful cook and makes delicious fried zucchini and eggplant which is my absolute favourite. When we move to Greece, I want to infuse my Australian Greek values to my daughters and this move seemed like a great opportunity to immerse them in the Greek culture. The girls are being tutored to increase their fluency in the language and I can’t wait to show them more of Greece!

How did the idea to co-found a makeup company come to you and Emanuel and what are the advantages of working so closely with each other?

My passion for starting a makeup brand was a key factor that motivated my wife Soula-Marie, brother Emanuel, and I to launch the cosmetics brand in 1995. They were both instrumental in helping me to start the business and realise my dream. From there, I stayed incredibly ambitious and worked hard to build the business. We bring our individual dynamic talents and diversity from entrepreneurship to finance to marketing and creativity to forge a relationship that is well balanced. The advantage of working so closely with each other means that we are more efficient and effective for the benefit of the business.

EMANUEL PERDIS Q&A

Emanuel, you are the dynamic managing director and co-founder of Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics. How has the ride been so far?

The ride has been exciting, but also challenging and unpredictable. At the end of the day, the most rewarding part is succeeding as part of a family business. I am proud of what Napoleon, Soula-Marie, and I have accomplished as we near our 20th year in business this year. Of course, it takes a lot of inspiration and great knowledge in terms of makeup techniques and trends to create such an empire, but managing the financial and investment section is important.

What do you feel in hindsight was the key to your success?

The key to my success as managing director of Australasia of the Napoleon Perdis business has been a focus on priorities and values. You have got to know what is important, stick to it and not get distracted.

Where do you see the brand in the next five years?

I see the brand continuing to open in new retail environments as we look to expand further across the country. I also see the brand creating a customised retail experience for our consumers so they are always receiving the service and it is being fulfilled.

How is working with Napoleon and spending so much time together? In what ways are you two similar and/or different?

Like all sibling relationships, it has its ups and downs – far more ups than downs otherwise I wouldn’t still be here. Napoleon has a great energy and when the highs are high, they’re definitely incomparable to working for someone you don’t really know. Napoleon and I grew up together so we have a close relationship. Our parents instilled a strong work ethic in us from a very young age. We are very similar in terms of our core business values and have a high level of integrity when it comes to respecting and honouring the consumer. Both of us are also focused and strong willed. In other ways, we are different – Napoleon is probably more of a hawk and I’m more a dove, it’s as simple as that. We balance each other really well that way because there is a time for strength and a time for being supple and tactful.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own business?

The best advice I can give is to make sure that you have a plan and always love what you are doing! Keep focused and work hard to reach your goals.

Would you consider taking the brand to Greece? Even as an online version?

Of course – our mum and dad are originally from Greece. The country is experiencing hardship, no different to other Mediterranean countries, but Greece is a sophisticated, educated market. The Napoleon Perdis brand would have to work for us commercially when we decide to open there.

What goals did you have when you first established the brand? Did you see this coming?

In the initial stages, our first goal was to survive and the second was to make money and live well. At the very minimum, we wanted to live a lifestyle that we were accustomed to when we were growing up. Over the last 15 years, as the brand has grown, our goals have become loftier and more ambitious. However, you always have to watch your back no matter how resourced you are, especially with the recent downfall of food franchise Pie Face, which had multi-millionaire backers. Survival is always a question on the tip of your tongue and at the top of your mind. Whatever you do, you always have to stay afloat and keep moving.

You’re also a homeopathic counsellor. How did this come about?

I’m not currently practicing, however I do it as an amateur. It was just an investment for the future, in case one day I ever retire from cosmetics and retail. I keep my knowledge nurtured and sustained to stay up-to-date with trends, information and science.

Where does education fit into the Napoleon Perdis brand and values?

Education fits in right at the heart of the business, from our casual staff to makeup artists to key management. As Napoleon says, “education is everything!”. It permeates everything we do, say and everything we are.

source: Neos Kosmos

The Socceroos skipper has picked up an ankle injury but Ange Postecoglou’s side will be eager to secure passage from the group as soon as possible.

Australia will be out to build on their stunning Asian Cup opening when they take on a desperate Oman in Sydney on Tuesday.

Ange Postecoglou’s side made a real statement of intent in their Group A opener on Friday, crushing Kuwait 4-1 in a fluent, attacking display that confirmed them as one of the favourites for the title.

But they will be wary of an Oman outfit that pushed South Korea hard before going down 1-0 and Paul Le Guen’s side also have a good recent record against the Socceroos.

Like they did against South Korea, Oman is likely to sit deep and try to hit the Socceroos on the counter-attack, but they also desperately need a win.

Australia have been dealt a blow for the clash with influential skipper Mile Jedinak ruled out with an ankle injury.

The Crystal Palace midfielder is a real leader for the Socceroos and his absence does leave a hole, especially in a new-look midfield.

Mark Milligan is the most likely replacement although veteran Mark Bresciano or youngster Terry Antonis could also be considered for the holding role.

The back four is expected to stay the same although Postecoglou will demand an improvement from set-pieces.

It was that area in which Kuwait looked the most threatening – and scored the opening goal – and with Oman possessing dead-ball talents like Qasim Said and Amad Al Hosni Australia will need to be diligent.

Further forward the Socceroos boss may look to freshen things up with Tommy Oar and Nathan Burns the options, given the huge amount of work the likes of Robbie Kruse, Mathew Leckie and James Troisi got through on Friday.

Oman will no doubt rely on their defensive solidarity but do have a couple of outlets which the Socceroos will need to shackle.

Eid Mohammed and Raed Ibrahim Saleh provide quality and creativity in the middle of the park.

Le Guen went with Abdulaziz Al Muqbali as the lone striker against South Korea and he is likely to go that way again, but he might partner him with Al Hosni to put pressure on Australia’s inexperienced defence.

There is sure to be a fascinating duel between the Socceroos’ veteran forward Tim Cahill and Oman’s no-nonsense central defence of Jaber Al Owaisi and Ali Al Busaidi.

Cahill’s aerial prowess caused Oman all sorts of problems when the two sides last met in 2013 and the pair will need to find a way to limit the impact of Australia’s greatest goalscorer.

But if there is one thing the Socceroos can take from the opening match it is that they do now look to have options other than Cahill in attack.

The impressive Massimo Luongo and Troisi both got on the scoresheet while Leckie, Kruse, Burns and Tomi Juric were also dangerous against Kuwait.

source: goal.com

Η έκκληση του Abbott στον αυστραλιανό λαό.

Ο πρωθυπουργός, Τony Abbott, κάνει έκκληση στον αυστραλιανό λαό να μην επιτρέψει την τρομοκρατική επίθεση στο Παρίσι -που είχε ως συνέπεια να χάσουν τη ζωή τους δώδεκα άνθρωποι-, να τους φιμώσει και να τους αφαιρέσει την ελευθερία του λόγου.

Ο κ. Abbott ανάφερε ότι επικοινώνησε με τον Γάλλο πρόεδρο, Francois Hollande, το βράδυ της περασμένης Παρασκευής, προκειμένου να εκφράσει «τη συμπαράσταση, τη φιλία και τη λύπη του αυστραλιανού λαού» προς το λαό της Γαλλίας, για το τραγικό γεγονός, εξήρε, δε, τη στάση του Γάλλου προέδρου για τον τρόπο που διαχειρίστηκε την κρίση που ακολούθησε την τρομοκρατική επίθεση.

Την εν λόγω επίθεση καταδίκασαν, επίσης, ηγέτες της Μουσουλμανικής κοινότητας, οι οποίοι δήλωσαν ότι η προσβλητική γελοιογραφία στο περιοδικό δεν δικαιολογούσε τέτοια αγριότητα.

Από την πλευρά του, ο κ. Abbott τόνισε ότι μπορεί να καταλάβει ότι ο κόσμος έχει όντως τρομοκρατηθεί μετά την επίθεση αυτή, σε καμία όμως περίπτωση δεν θα πρέπει να φοβηθεί να εκφράζει ελεύθερα τις απόψεις του, μετά αυτό που συνέβη στη Γαλλία.

«Θα πρέπει να είμαστε πάντα προετοιμασμένοι να εκφράζουμε ελεύθερα τις απόψεις μας. Να λέμε τα πράγματα με το όνομά τους και όπως εμείς τα αντιλαμβανόμαστε. Αυτό, φυσικά, είναι επόμενο, σε κάποιο στάδιο να ενοχλήσει κάποιους. Προσωπικά, ως πολιτικός, μερικές φορές, ανοίγοντας την εφημερίδα, σκέφτομαι «Ω Θεέ μου, αυτό είναι τόσο άδικο». Από την άλλη όμως πλευρά, είναι μέρος μιας ελεύθερης κοινωνίας. Η σύγκρουση ιδεών, η ικανότητα των ανθρώπων να εκφράζουν ελεύθερα τις απόψεις τους, είναι αυτό που μας καθιστά μια ελεύθερη κοινωνία. Βέβαια, καλό είναι να είμαστε ευγενείς. Αν αυτό όμως δεν μπορεί να επιτευχθεί, ας το δεχτούμε και ας μη μας διαφεύγει ποτέ ότι ο ακρογωνιαίος λίθος μιας προηγμένης κοινωνίας, είναι η ελευθερία λόγου».

ΔΙΑΧΩΡΙΣΜΟΣ ΘΕΣΕΩΝ

O Samier Dandan, πρόεδρος του Συνδέσμου Λιβανέζων Μουσουλμάνων, καταδικάζοντας την τρομοκρατική επίθεση, δήλωσε ότι «οι τρομοκράτες, αυτοί που διέπραξαν την επίθεση, δεν μας εκφράζουν. Δεν εκφράζουν την πίστη μας. Μπορεί να εκτελούν αυτές τις πράξεις στο όνομα της θρησκείας μας, σίγουρα όμως δεν εκπροσωπούν το 99% της μουσουλμανικής κοινότητας».

Την ίδια ώρα προέτρεψε τους Αυστραλούς να μην επαναδημοσιεύσουν προκλητικές γελοιογραφίες του περιοδικού για τον προφήτη Μωάμεθ, τονίζοντας ότι «από την πλευρά μας, δεν συμφωνούμε με τη δημοσιοποίηση προσβλητικών εικόνων οποιουδήποτε προφήτη, συμπεριλαμβανομένου και του Ιησού. Το μόνο που ζητάμε είναι σεβασμός προς τη θρησκεία μας. Είναι πολύ; Οι άνθρωποι και βέβαια δικαιούνται ελευθερία λόγου, την ίδια ώρα όμως οφείλουν να επιδεικνύουν σεβασμό».

Ο ίδιος τόνισε ότι «οι Αρχές οφείλουν να εξακριβώσουν το λόγο των τρομοκρατικών επιθέσεων και να φτάσουν στη ρίζα του κακού. Να εντοπίσουν δηλαδή γιατί μερικοί μουσουλμάνοι φανατίζονται και καταλήγουν σε βίαιες πράξεις».

Πηγή: Νέος Κόσμος

Η 38χρονη Katrina Dawson με τον σύζυγό της σε ευτυχισμένες στιγμές

Η Katrina Dawson, θύμα της πολιορκίας του ισλαμιστή Man Haron Monis, και της επακόλουθης αστυνομικής επιχείρησης στην καφετέρια Lindt στο Martin Place του Σίδνεϊ, σκοτώθηκε επειδή πλήγηκε από αστυνομικά πυρά. Αυτό συμπεραίνεται από τα μέχρι τώρα πορίσματα της Αστυνομίας όσον αφορά την 16ωρη περιπέτεια στην εν λόγω καφετέρια, η οποία συνέβη στις 15 Δεκεμβρίου 2014.

Αν και οι συνθήκες κάτω από τις οποίες ξετυλίχτηκε το όλο δράμα καθώς και η αστυνομική επιχείρηση απεγκλωβισμού των ομήρων που κρατούσε ο παρανοϊκός Haron Monis, διερευνώνται ακόμα και τίποτε δεν είναι τελεσίδικο, αστυνομικές πηγές δήλωσαν στα ΜΜΕ ότι ο θάνατος της 38χρονης Katrina Dawson, προήλθε από αστυνομικά πυρά κατά το τελευταίο στάδιο των επιχειρήσεων. Φαίνεται, όμως, ότι η βολή που έπληξε την 38χρονη δεν ήταν ευθεία βολή εναντίον της, αλλά πιθανόν εξοστρακισμός βλήματος, κατά την τελική επίθεση των δυνάμεων ασφαλείας στην καφετέρια.

Ωστόσο, σύμφωνα με πηγές της Αστυνομίας, δεν πρόκειται να γίνει γνωστό επίσημα τίποτε εάν πρώτα δεν ολοκληρωθεί η όλη έρευνα και δεν υπάρξει επίσημη ανακοίνωση του ιατροδικαστή της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας. Εκπρόσωπος του πολιτειακού υπουργού Αστυνομίας, Stuart Ayers, δήλωσε ότι από την πλευρά του υπουργού και της κυβέρνησης δεν πρόκειται να υπάρξουν ανακοινώσεις πριν την ολοκλήρωση της έρευνας.

Τα θύματα, η 38χρονη Katrina Dawson, και ο 34χρονος Tori Johnson, διευθυντής της καφετέριας, ήσαν ανάμεσα στους 18 ομήρους που κρατούσε στην καφετέρια ο Haron Monis, σε μια πολιορκία που κράτησε 16 ώρες και άρχισε στις 10 το πρωί της 15ης Δεκεμβρίου. Κατά τη διάρκεια της πολιορκίας, 12 από τους ομήρους κατάφεραν να διαφύγουν της προσοχής του Monis και να εγκαταλείψουν το κτίριο, ώρες πριν η ειδική αστυνομική δύναμη αρχίσει την τελική επίθεσή της. Ο ίδιος ο Monis σκοτώθηκε κατά τη διάρκεια της επιχείρησης, ενώ τρεις γυναίκες τραυματίστηκαν από τα πυρά, οι οποίες και διακομίστηκαν αμέσως σε νοσοκομεία όπου τους παρασχέθηκε κάθε δυνατή βοήθεια.

Εξάλλου, στη μνήμη της Katrina Dawson, έχει ήδη δημιουργηθεί Ίδρυμα (Katrina Dawson Foundation), με κύριο αντικείμενο να «διατηρήσει τη μνήμη της και όλα όσα η ίδια είχε δημιουργήσει. Σύμφωνα με τον αδελφό της Katrina, Sandy Dawson -ονομαστό νομικό του Σίδνεϊ- ο απώτερος σκοπός του ιδρύματος θα είναι η εκπαίδευση των γυναικών κάτι που αποτελούσε σκοπό και της ίδιας της εκλιπούσας. Να σημειωθεί ότι από τα ιδρυτικά μέλη του Ιδρύματος είναι και η πρώην γενική κυβερνήτης της Αυστραλίας,Quentin Bryce.

Πηγή: Νέος Κόσμος

Και κάτω από τα 50 δολάρια το βαρέλι στη διεθνή αγορά

Λιγότερο από $1 το λίτρο θα πληρώνουν την τιμή της βενζίνης όσοι καταναλωτές αποφασίσουν να χρησιμοποιήσουν το δελτίο ειδικής έκπτωσης που παρέχουν τα σούπερ μάρκετ της χώρας στους πελάτες τους, εντός των επομένων ημερών.

Επί του παρόντος, η τιμή της βενζίνης κυμαίνεται στο $1,13 το λίτρο και το ποσόν έκπτωσης που παρέχουν οι μεγάλες αλυσίδες σούπερ μάρκετ κυμαίνεται γύρω στα 14 σεντς.

Εν τω μεταξύ, όσον αφορά την τιμή του πετρελαίου στη διεθνή αγορά, αυτή βρίσκεται στο χαμηλότερο επίπεδο των τελευταίων έξι ετών και χθες είχε διαμορφωθεί κάτω από τα 50 δολάρια το βαρέλι, σε μία αγορά που κυριαρχείται από τις ανησυχίες για υπερβάλλουσα προσφορά.

Η τιμή του WTI (αργό πετρέλαιο) παράδοσης Φεβρουαρίου υποχώρησε κατά 2,11 δολάρια στα 47,93 στο Nymex, στο χαμηλότερο επίπεδό του κατά το κλείσιμο από τις 21 Απριλίου 2009.

Πηγή: Νέος Κόσμος