Terra Nullius Cyprus

In the 28th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Elly Symons, vice president of the Australian Parthenon Committee, co-founder Acropolis Research Group, cultural heritage activist, former model, media professional, businesswoman and public speaker - and a mother of three boys. With roots from Agros in Pitsilia, Troodos, she is a well-known member of the Cypriot diaspora in Melbourne, Australia.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 28: Cultural heritage activist, media professional, diaspora personality & mother of 3 boys. Meet Elly Symons (10/4/2025) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 27th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Navid Constantinou, an oceanographer who has studied, lived and worked in Athens – Greece, San Diego – USA, New South Wales – Australia and is now a ‘new-ish’ member of the Cypriot diaspora in Victoria, Australia. He is a senior lecturer at the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Melbourne University and chief investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 27: Oceanographer – physicist by heart, geophysical fluid dynamicist at heart: Meet Navid Constantinou (22/3/2025) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 26th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet George Iordanou, a human rights activist and a political animal among other things - and he is behind the Fatherhood Diaries. He shares with the world stories of being a dad, anecdotal stories with his kids and what life is like as a father and as a husband. There’s no room for toxic masculinity in the family space! Check out iordanou.org to follow George!

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 26: The Fatherhood Diaries – the art of being dad. Meet George Iordanou (23/1/2025) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 25th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Raluca Ioana Man, an expert business consultant, strategist, and board advisor with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. She is the founder of RSEVEN Ltd, a consultancy focused on delivering strategic, results-driven solutions that prioritize innovation, collaboration, and sustainable business success.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 25: Expert business consultant, strategist and brand maker. Meet Raluca Ioana Man (11/1/2025) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 24th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Sertac Sonan. An intelligent, likeable and empathetic political and international relations expert, and a ‘go to’ source for everything relating to the Turkish Cypriot political realm. A founding member of the bicommunal Cyprus Academic Dialogue (CAD), an activist for reunification and a tertiary teacher sharing his knowledge with Cypriots and foreign students alike.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 24: Political & international relations expert, podcaster. Meet Sertaç Sonan (19/12/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 23rd episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Yiannis Milides. A refugee from Morphou, now living the past decades in Melbourne, Yiannis is a mentor of youths, a teacher in Greek and English schools, a poet, an author and an advocate for reconciliation. No student of his is left unchanged and all leave his classes inspired. A much loved teacher with a passion for peace, reconciliation and holds close to his heart indigenous Australia. His writings include compilations edited with his students. Teachers like Yiannis are diamonds in the rough.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 23: Te...

In the 22nd episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Dr Craig Barker. An expert in Classical Archaeology, he is the Director of the Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project that has been uncovering a major site in antiquity at Fabrika Hill within the Nea Paphos UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Check out 👉🏼 paphostheatre.org . He is based at the University of Sydney and is Head of Public Engagement at the incredible Chau Chak Wing Museum. He also hosts the Objects Matter Podcast 👉🏼 sydney.edu.au/museum/news/podcasts.html . Dr Barker delivered the lecture ‘Trowels, Tombs and Trials: The History of Australian Arc...

In the 21st episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Anaïs LLobet. Having lived and worked for 5 years in Cyprus, and as a citizen of the world, Anaïs calls Nicosia one of her homes. She’s a journalist, writer and a contributor to the group exhibition ‘Imagining Home Between the Walls’ in the Buffer Zone at the Ledra St / Lokmaci crossing. Check it out until 31 October 2024.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 21: Writer, Journalist and Part of Buffer Zone Exhibition. Meet Anaïs LLobet. (20/10/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 20th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Dr Alex Willem Copper Willheim. Also known as ‘Dr Xynisteri’, he is an expert on Cypriot wine, with a strong focus on the indigenous Xynisteri and Maratheftiko varieties. He introduced these drought resistant grapevines to Australia, in particular in South Australia, and the rest is history! From the foothills of Troodos in Limassol to the plains of Down Under, he is leading the way for the future of Australian wine, and taking the famous Cypriot variety to the global stage. Great to discuss the richness of the Cypriot cultural heritage in i...

In the 19th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Dr Maria Kavallaris. Dr Kavallaris is a cancer researcher at NSW Uni Children's Cancer Institute. Born in Sydney, she went to primary school in Morphou, Cyprus, until war broke in 1974. Her family returned to Australia. At only 21 years old she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This inspired her to compete a PhD in cancer research. During her studies her 30 year old brother passed away from pancreatic cancer. Today her research focuses on childhood cancer, using nanotechnology to develop cancer therapies, and to determine mechanisms which lead to anti-cancer drug resistance...

In the 18th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Helena Kidd. With family hailing from Skarinou in Larnaca and born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, she set out to share with the world the sufferings of her mother, and that of many mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of Cyprus and the world. Her brave book ‘When The Past Awakens’ received a Commendation at the Victorian Community History Awards in 2020 and she won the CYDIA Award for Literature at the 2024 Cyprus Diaspora Awards in Limassol. Helena has also written ‘When The Past is Left’ where she continues to inspire by further...

In the 17th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Kay Pavlou. Born in Adelaide and now living in Sydney, she was the daughter of one of the earlier Cypriots from Rizokarpaso to migrate across the globe to Australia. This experience is part of her inspiration to film ‘Two Homelands - Documentary’ - an interview of six Cypriots of the diaspora in Australia and to delve into their experience of living double lives, one as Cypriots and another as Australians. Her successful productions have aired on the Discovery and History Channels globally, premiered at prestigious global film festivals and soon her...

In the 16th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Dr Erato Kozakou Marcoullis. Born in Limassol to Cypriot and migrant parents, she has come a long way from a rough - yet very proud - family history. From proudly representing Cyprus as Ambassador in key posts such as Washington, USA, to twice serving as Cyprus’ Foreign Minister and also as Minister of Communications and Works. She has sat on the negotiating tables as part of the Cyprus reunification attempts during key pivotal moments and is a staunch activist for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Many NGOs and civil soci...

Cyprus is filled with big hearts and big emotions – a hot, sleepy island, with hot tempers! On the surface it looks ‘normal’, but below the surface are many layers, filled with history – both beautiful and painful. An island full of amazing people, with incredible stories, doing amazing things. Join social and political analyst […]

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 15: Filmmaker, director, producer and fabulous cultural ambassador for Cyprus. Meet Stelana Kliris (6/7/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 14th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Hulusi Kilim. Hulusi is a young and refreshing activist who grew and matured through his activism in Famagusta’s medieval old town where he worked with the Bicommunal Famagusta Initiative fighting to save the historic city, and continued to drive for the reunification of Cyprus with various peace building activities. Recently he was one of very few Turkish Cypriots to stand in the European Parliament elections as a candidate for Cyprus representing a new party, Volt Cyprus, a bold move in these stagnant times for the island.

The po...

Cyprus is filled with big hearts and big emotions – a hot, sleepy island, with hot tempers! On the surface it looks ‘normal’, but below the surface are many layers, filled with history – both beautiful and painful. An island full of amazing people, with incredible stories, doing amazing things. Join social and political analyst […]

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 13: Talented musician, Windcraft Music Fest organizer & music teacher. Meet Elli Michael (24/6/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 12th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Heather Mitcheltree. Heather is based in Melbourne and Cambridge, and has helped conduct some very innovative architectural heritage scanning projects in the buffer zone of Cyprus. Currently she working on a PHD looking at the architectural needs of women’s refuge shelters, helping to compare and identify the key needs for women and children that most of us would never have thought of!

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 12: Innovative architectural heritage expert, academic, researcher and women’s needs advocate. Meet Heather Mitcheltree (21/6/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 11th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Elena Strouthos. Elena is the co-owner of the very successful Cocoon Creations, an innovative Cyprus-based tech company. Elena also hosts the Breaking the 20% podcast where she tackles the low number of women in the tech industry in the ‘western world’.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 11: Tech guru & advocate for women ‘breaking the 20%’, meet Elena Strouthos (12/5/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 10th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Nicholas Tryfon. Nicholas is a well known small business owner and civil society champion. He is a human rights campaigner, the President of ACCEPT-LGBTI Cyprus, co-owner of innovative Misfit Union food and beverage company (and catering) and through his brand Tryfonic, co-runs the successful Nostalgia parties.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 10: Civil society champion, ACCEPT President and businessperson, meet Nicholas Tryfon (1/5/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 9th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Oya Kutsal. Oya decided during the pandemic to shift focus in life and work for more charitable goals, from feeding foreign students during the lockdowns, to her wonderful work promoting the fragile and disappear shared common heritage across Cyprus. Her videos at historic, religious and cultural sites across the island raise awareness to the rich tapestry of our home.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 9: The island’s cultural, historical and religious sites delivered to your screen, meet Oya Kutsal (14/4/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the 8th episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Iasonas Senekkis. Iasonas is a scientist focusing on road safety and is currently working with the European University Cyprus’ CERIDES. He has worked as the road safety adviser to the Cyprus Minister of Justice and Public Order and has extensive experience collaborating and sharing best practice with experts from Melbourne’s Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Australia’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the World Health Organisation and with the Municipality of Nîmes in southern France.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 8: Road safety scientist and expert, helping t...

Cyprus is filled with big hearts and big emotions – a hot, sleepy island, with hot tempers! On the surface it looks ‘normal’, but below the surface are many layers, filled with history – both beautiful and painful. An island full of amazing people, with incredible stories, doing amazing things. Join social and political analyst […]

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 7: Human rights & gender equality activist, first female leader of a major Turkish Cypriot party, meet Mine Atlı (28/2/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

yprus is filled with big hearts and big emotions – a hot, sleepy island, with hot tempers! On the surface it looks ‘normal’, but below the surface are many layers, filled with history – both beautiful and painful. An island full of amazing people, with incredible stories, doing amazing things. Join social and political analyst […]

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 7: Human rights & gender equality activist, first female leader of a major Turkish Cypriot party, meet Mine Atlı (28/2/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the fifth episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Demetris (Jimmy) Roussounis. He grew up between the UK and Cyprus and has been living some years now on the island. He was an active member of the Cypriot diaspora and coordinated a bicommunal peace building group in London. He’s passionate about developments in Akamas. He’s an established actor, his latest work includes appearances in British sitcom Stath Lets Flats. One claim to fame is his appearance in the opening scenes of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’ as the Greek Cypriot speaking pirate fighting over a stray ha...

In the fifth episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Dimitrios Ikonomou. He grew up bouncing around Europe and North America, before finally settling back in Cyprus. Home is where the heart is for Dimitrios, and that heart belongs to his daughter. As a father he navigates the questions of life and continues to be an innovative, creative and active civilian. He’s working on some really cool Green Line / Buffer Zone innovative outreach projects and is quite the ‘tipster’ (tech hipster).

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 5: Young, cool, innovative, witty – he’s an artist & a father: Meet Dimitri...

In the fourth episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides. She was born near Phoenix, Arizona, raised in the Phillipines and Los Angeles, California, and now calls Cyprus home with her daughter. She’s an editorial genius over at Kathimerini English Cyprus (Knews) and brings us the latest in news and views from across the island and the world. She’s as open minded as she’s a realist, having seen Cyprus change in the last near two decades she’s lived here. Shemaine has contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of Cypriot residents and look...

In the third episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, meet Efi Xanthou, candidate for the leadership of the Greens Party. She a witty, knowledgeable and dedicated woman with a cause. It’s not just about greening Cyprus, it’s about affordable housing, political transparency, social welfare, law and order. She packs a punch and is a force to be reckoned with, yet she’s full of love and excited about the potential of Cyprus’ future.

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 3: I’m not ‘green’ with envy, she’s earned her stars, meet Efi Xanthou (6/11/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.

In the second episode of Terra Nullius Cyprus, it made sense to chat with the first person to ever podcast interview me. Meet Eleni Antoniou, aka Mumma Mu (well, she’s not my mum, but she is one!). Together we chat about her successful podcast, we analyze our views on the Israel-Gaza conflict and stray into gender equality, politics (of course) and some general 'couscous' as usual!

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 2: She’s Mamma Mu, but not my mum! Meet Eleni Antoniou (2/11/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.

Cyprus is filled with big hearts and big emotions – a hot, sleepy island, with hot tempers! On the surface it looks ‘normal’, but below the surface are many layers, filled with history – both beautiful and painful. An island full of amazing people, with incredible stories, doing amazing things. Join social and political analyst […]

The post Terra Nullius Cyprus – Episode 1: A first podcast with (possibly) Cyprus’ first podcaster Magda Zenon (2/8/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.