The Embassy of Greece in Australia proudly hosted the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum together with The Hellenic Initiative Australia on November 25 at Parliament House, Canberra.
The event was a powerful celebration of achievement, identity and leadership. With 24 panellists across business, politics and law, health and science, philanthropy, and arts and culture, guests were treated to an extraordinary collection of personal and professional stories.
Each speaker highlighted the challenges they have faced, the progress they have forged, and the legacy they hope to build for the next generation of Greek Australian women.
In his official welcome, H.E Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Australia, reflected on the importance of cultural identity in shaping professional purpose and inspiring others. The centrality of Hellenic values was echoed throughout the day, as panellists shared how these principles have guided their work in public service, academia, business, and the arts.
The Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, representing the Prime Minister of Australia, congratulated the Ambassador on hosting the event at Parliament House and spoke with pride about representing a significant Greek Australian community in her Victorian electorate.
Speaking about her constituents, Ms O’Neil said, “There is no place in Australia that better embodies the profound positive impact the Greek Australian diaspora has on life in our great country.”
The audience welcomed the news that the Minister is the co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Greek Australians.
The Hellenic Initiative Australia was delighted to partner with the Embassy of Greece in Australia to deliver the milestone event. The energy and enthusiasm among participants and attendees was captured beautifully by Adj Professor Helen Zorbas AO, THI Director and moderator of the Health and Science Panel.
“We all left this memorable Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum feeling prouder, more connected, and deeply inspired by the exceptional Greek Australian women who are making a significant impact across every aspect of Australian society,” Ms Zorbas said.
“Throughout the discussions, a common thread was the strength of Hellenic values we all drew from our parents and grandparents – those who made Australia their home decades ago. Words such as resilience, philotimo, and philanthropia echoed through all our stories.
“What a privilege it was to work with the Embassy to realise its vision for this event.”
Recordings of each panel session will be available shortly, offering the opportunity to revisit the powerful conversations and emotional stories shared by our distinguished speakers.
PANELLISTS
Business
- Marika Calfas, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Ports
- Kathy Karabatsas, Group Chief Financial Officer, Myer (moderator)
- Dr Elena Limnios, Chair, Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation
- Helen Mastrocostas, Financial Strategist, Aniko Group
- Violet Roumeliotis AM, Chief Executive Officer, Settlement Services Australia
Politics & Law
- The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Work Health & Safety, NSW Government
- Fiona Douskou, Councillor, Bayside Council
- Erin Feros, Former Managing Partner, Allens Queensland (moderator)
- The Hon. Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson, Resident Judge, Supreme Court ACT
- The Hon. Anthe Philippides, Former Justice, Supreme Court of Queensland
Health & Science
- Prof Vasso Apostolopoulos AM, Professor of Immunology, RMIT University
- Dr Melina Georgousakis, Founder and Director, Franklin Women
- Prof Maria Kavallaris AM, Head, Translational Cancer Nanomedicine, Children’s Cancer Institute
- Prof Maria Makrides, Executive Director, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)
- Prof Helen Zorbas AO, Chair, National Breast Cancer Foundation (moderator)
Philanthropy
- Vasiliki Antoniou, Founder & Chair, The Children’s Golden Angels
- Helen Mantzis, Board Member, The Hellenic Museum
- Faye Spiteri OAM, Chief Executive Officer, Fronditha Care (moderator)
- Alexandra Vakitsidis OAM, Former President, Port Adelaide Philanthropic Society
- Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill, Chief Executive Officer, The Hellenic Initiative Australia
Arts & Culture
- Effy Alexakis, multi-award-winning documentary photographer
- Nina Angelo OAM, Artist, author, storyteller and community activist
- Elizabeth Kaydos, Associate Producer, Freelance
- Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos, Walkley Award-winning journalist, academic and documentary maker (moderator)
