AHEPA Australia hosted its Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, raising over $2,000 for the Heart Foundation and celebrating achievements in cardiovascular medicine.
Organised by the Grand Lodge of NSW in partnership with the Cardio Society of Australia and New Zealand, the event aimed to raise awareness and vital funds for heart health, recognising the ongoing challenge of cardiovascular disease, one of Australia’s leading causes of death.
Guests enjoyed a four-course meal accompanied by presentations on heart research breakthroughs, educational talks on prevention and lifestyle, and videos showcasing Heart Foundation projects such as Research Heroes and 3D Printing Heart Valves to Last a Lifetime.
Each attendee received a Saving Hearts booklet highlighting heart disease statistics and healthy living tips.
The highlight of the afternoon was the Appreciation Award presented to Dr Nikki Leila Raftopoulos, a rising cardiologist recognised for her innovative research with Indigenous communities and her commitment to public health.
Dr Raftopoulos was nominated by the Cardio Society of Australia and New Zealand as a “New Starter” and received a $2,000 grant from AHEPA Australia.
Dr Raftopoulos is set to begin Cardiology Training at St Vincent’s Hospital in 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Medical Science (First Class Honours) from the University of Sydney, a Master of International Public Health from UNSW, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Notre Dame, with additional training in Medical Statistics from Stanford University.
She also holds research positions at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and Notre Dame School of Medicine, and previously developed the first Indigenous Cardiology Registry Database in the Northern Territory.
Her research focuses on heart failure, advanced cardiac imaging, and preventive cardiology, particularly among Indigenous Australians.
With about 50 members and guests in attendance, the event was described as “like a family gathering to support a great cause,” hosted by MC Dimitri Kametopoulos and supported by Bill Mougios and staff at The Grand Roxy.
Funds were raised through private donations and raffle prizes to be presented to the Heart Foundation at a later date. AHEPA Australia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education, prevention, and research to strengthen heart health for future generations.
