By Simella Georgiadou
On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day was commemorated with a heartfelt event at The Patris, a newly opened café in Brunswick, Victoria.
The gathering was more than a celebration – it was a tribute to one of the Greek community’s most pioneering activists in the North, Sofia Mastoris OAM, and a symposium on “Women in Community Activism.” The event brought together an inspiring group of women, each dedicated to their communities, who shared their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs.
The atmosphere at The Patris was nothing short of welcoming. As soon as I stepped into the venue, I felt the warmth of camaraderie and excitement. It was clear that this was more than just an event; it was a safe space for learning, sharing, and reflection. The space echoed with stories of dedication, strength, and resilience. It was indeed a symposium – a term I learned describes a meeting with several speakers discussing a particular topic before an audience. This event embodied that definition perfectly.
Hosted by Anthea Sidiropoulos, Co-Vice President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, and presented under the auspices of the Greek Community of Melbourne, the event showcased four incredible women who have shaped their communities through activism. The symposium, which unfolded with a mix of personal stories and powerful messages, was a profound exploration of the heart of community work.
The Acknowledgment of Country and Sofia’s legacy
The afternoon began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of country by Sidiropoulos, followed by a special welcome to the guests, speakers, and, notably, the many women in the audience who hold leadership roles within the Greek community. Sidiropoulos took a moment to reflect on her own journey – how the loss of her father led her to seek comfort in the Greek community, where she became more deeply involved as a volunteer, honouring his memory through service.
Sidiropoulos acknowledged the presence of several remarkable women in attendance, including Mary Elizabeth Calwell, daughter of Australia’s first immigration minister Arthur Calwell; Cathy Alexopoulos, President of the Greek Australian Cultural League; Roma Siachos, Founder and President of the Maria Callas Australian Society; Dr Christos Fifis, academic and author; Whittlesea Councillor Ms Christine Stow; media representatives; and several other community leaders and educators.
But the most moving tribute was saved for Sofia Mastoris OAM, who was honoured posthumously by the President of the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria, former Mayor of Whittlesea and Municipal Association of Victoria, Mary Lalios, who delivered a touching tribute to Sofia’s extraordinary life. Lalios reflected on Sofia’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to unite people from all walks of life.
“Sofia’s vision and guidance helped shape the Federation, which she founded, into the strong and supportive network it is today,” Lalios said. “Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.”
Sofia was remembered as a role model for many, especially for her work in advocating for Greek Australian women. Her involvement in the community and her focus on equality and representation inspired countless individuals to follow in her footsteps. Lalios shared a powerful anecdote, recalling how Sofia, at the age of 85, continued to attend multiple events throughout the day, embodying tireless energy and dedication to her cause.
An afternoon of empowering stories
The symposium was not just a look back at Sofia’s legacy but an opportunity to hear from modern-day activists who continue her work. The panel included:
- Maria Vamvakinou MP – The first Greek-born woman to serve in Australia’s Federal Parliament, Vamvakinou delivered a heartfelt speech about her journey into politics. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced and how she rose to prominence as an advocate for multiculturalism and women’s rights. Her message to the audience was simple but powerful: “You can do it. If you tell yourself you can’t, you won’t. But if you believe in yourself, you will.”
- Helen Politis, Deputy Mayor of Merri-Bek City Council, shared her story of growing up with a deep sense of empathy for others. Politis reflected on how her childhood experiences shaped her commitment to public service. She shared her dedication to ensuring her community remains safe, fair, and inclusive. “As a lifelong local,” Politis said, “I’m immensely proud to work towards making our community a place where everyone belongs.”
- Emily Dimitriadis, as the Deputy Mayor Darebin, she is a passionate advocate for public health and safety, who spoke about her work with the elderly and vulnerable communities. As a lawyer and pharmacist, she has become an influential figure in her local council. Dimitriadis emphasised the importance of not letting gender hold anyone back from pursuing their dreams. “We must support and nurture women to achieve everything they are capable of,” she said. “If you’re thinking of running for city council, I highly recommend it. Just do it.”
- Maria Dimopoulos AM, is a human rights advocate and Board Chair at Safe and Equal, and organisation predominately working for women in domestic violence and gender injustice. Along with all the speakers, Dimopoulos opened with a powerful Acknowledgement to Country, passionately letting everyone know that “their rights are indeed, our rights” and we need to continue discussing the importance of standing up for human rights and equality. She shared her personal journey, which was marked by love, loss, and resilience. Dimopoulos also expressed concern about the erosion of women’s rights on a global scale, particularly as she was attending the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action in the New York. “We must create a future that embraces justice, equality, and human rights,” she said, urging the audience to continue the fight for gender equality.
A heartfelt conclusion
The afternoon concluded with a Q&A session, where the audience was able to interact directly with the speakers and ask questions about their experiences and views on community activism. As the event wrapped up, Sidiropoulos took a moment to reflect on the profound impact of the day. She spoke about the importance of standing in solidarity and supporting one another.
“If you feel uncomfortable to speak out, stand up and speak out, or sing out!” she urged the audience, adding a touch of humour to break the tension that often accompanies taboo topics.
Sidiropoulos shared an insightful metaphor drawn from her visit to Dodoni, Greece, where she learned about the Oracle of Dodona. She likened each speaker to a part of an oak tree, whose leaves whisper wisdom.
“Each of you,” she said, “is part of that tree. You are all part of something greater than yourselves, shaping a better and fairer society.”
The event ended with a moment of collective reflection, where attendees were invited to close their eyes and give thanks to the speakers, the venue, and themselves for being a part of this powerful gathering. It was a subtle yet profound reminder of the importance of community, activism, and the legacy of women like Sofia Mastoris OAM – a legacy that lives on in every woman present that day.
It is important to note that a portion of the ticket sales was donated to Sophia’s chosen charity the Pancare Foundation, represented by Ms Christine Constantinou a survivor of pancreatic cancer who also attended the event.
Conclusion: A Living Tribute to Sofia Mastoris OAM Our Women in Community Activism was a reminder of the incredible power of women working together to create change. It was a celebration not only of Sofia Mastoris’ remarkable contributions but also of the women who continue to build on that legacy. The event, full of inspiration, solidarity, and a call to action, proved that the fight for women’s rights and equality is ongoing – and it’s a fight we must all continue to champion, together.
