The achievements, resilience and community contributions of Greek Australian women were celebrated at a special International Women’s Day event hosted by the Organisation of Hellene and Hellene-Cypriot Women of Australia (OEEGA NSW) on Saturday, March 7, at The Grand Roxy Function Centre in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney.
The evening brought together community leaders, representatives from Greek organisations, dignitaries and supporters for a night that combined recognition, philanthropy and cultural celebration.
Guests began arriving from 6.30pm to soft background music before the formal proceedings commenced. At 6.45pm, Master of Ceremonies Maritsa Micos-Dragonas officially welcomed attendees, inviting them to take their seats as the evening’s entrée was served.
Blessing and acknowledgement of dignitaries
The official program began shortly after, with guests asked to stand as His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, delivered the blessing for the meal.
Following the blessing, the Master of Ceremonies acknowledged the dignitaries and official guests attending the celebration.
Among them were Paraskevi Tsintzou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Bayside Councillor Fiona Douskou and her partner; Dr Maria Tsoli, Senior Scientist at the Children’s Cancer Institute; and John and Effie Kallimanis, Honorary President of AHEPA NSW.
Also recognised were Michael and Sevasti Melas of the Kalymnian Association, Anthony Alexandrou, Past President of AHEPA Chapter Prometheus and President of the Hunters, Shooters and Fishing Club, Maria Alexandrou, President of AHEPA’s Daughters of Penelope in Sydney, George and Dora Giakoumidis of AHEPA Chapter Diogenes and the Music Lovers Association, and media representatives.
Members from numerous Greek community organisations were also acknowledged for their support of OEEGA NSW, including Dimitra Micos OAM from the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, President Dina Komis of the Kefalonian Brotherhood, Soula Gerasimou from the Samian Brotherhood of Sydney ‘O Lycourgos’, Michael Melas of the Kalymnian Association of NSW, Cathy Valis of the Athenian Association of NSW, Katerina Vetzikas of the Panachaian Philanthropic Association, and Mary Skalkos of the Pan Laconian Association.
Guests were also encouraged to support the organisation’s fundraising efforts throughout the evening through the purchase of raffle tickets.
President’s address and recognition of community contributions
The formal segment of the evening began when OEEGA NSW President Christine Manolakos addressed the audience.
In her speech, Manolakos reflected on the significance of International Women’s Day and the many roles women play in society and family life.
“Today we honour all the women of the world, as workers, as mothers, as wives, as sisters, as grandmothers,” she said.
She also paid tribute to historic heroines of Greek history, including the Souliote women remembered for the Dance of Zalongo, as well as prominent figures of the Greek War of Independence such as Laskarina Bouboulina and Manto Mavrogenous.
Manolakos emphasised that alongside these historic figures, it was important to recognise the countless women whose contributions are often unseen but vital.
“Let us also honour tonight the unsung heroines of everyday life: the mothers, the grandmothers, the wives,” she said.
She also thanked the members of the OEEGA NSW Board of Directors for their ongoing work and support: Vice President George Giakoumidis, Secretary Maria Alexandrou, Treasurer Anthony Alexandrou, and committee members Despina Kekatos, Christina Kallgas, Cathy Vali, Litsa Diakovasili and Chrysanthe Petridis.
Awards recognising outstanding women
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards honouring four women from the Greek Australian community for their achievements and service.
The OEEGA NSW Awards of Excellence were presented to Maria Alexandrou, philanthropist and businesswoman; Presbytera Patricia Scoutas for her leadership and administrative work within the Greek Orthodox Church of Sydney; educator Kathy Powzun; and Christina Mitsopoulos for her work supporting people with special needs through education.
The first award was presented by Ms Tsintzou from the Consulate General of Greece, while the remaining awards were presented by members of the OEEGA committee. Each recipient received an award certificate and flowers as part of the presentation ceremony.
Flowers were also presented to the Ms Micos-Dragonas in appreciation of her role in hosting the evening.
Special recognition and charity donation
During her address, Manolakos also acknowledged another respected member of the community, Irene Anesti, who was unable to attend due to health reasons but whose efforts were instrumental in raising funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Thanks to the efforts of Anesti and the support of the wider community, $15,000 was raised and presented during the evening to Dr Maria Tsoli to support the organisation’s work assisting children battling cancer.
“But let us emphasise that this amount was also raised with your support, the support of our community and the various organisations that are present here tonight,” Manolakos said.
She also highlighted OEEGA’s broader philanthropic contributions, noting that the organisation has donated more than $500,000 towards the development of the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre currently under construction in Randwick.
The new facility, a $658 million project, will house approximately 900 specialist doctors and scientists dedicated to researching and treating childhood cancer.
Manolakos added that OEEGA would have the honour of attending the official opening of the centre on March 12.
Cultural performance and celebrations
Following the award presentations, Mr Giakoumidis presented an additional award to Bill Mougios, after which guests gathered for a group photograph marking the occasion.
The evening then continued with a surprise performance by the Kalymnian Association of NSW Dance Troupe, who entertained the audience with traditional Greek dances.
The main meal was served shortly afterwards, with background music accompanying the dinner service as guests continued purchasing raffle tickets and supporting the organisation’s fundraising efforts.
Later in the evening, dancing followed before dessert was served, with guests invited back onto the dance floor as the celebration continued.
A night celebrating women and community
As the formal proceedings drew to a close, organisers congratulated the four award recipients and thanked the community for their continued support.
Guests were also invited to join OEEGA NSW or renew their membership as part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its work in the community.
The evening concluded with the raffle draw and closing remarks from the Master of Ceremonies, who thanked attendees for supporting the organisation and helping make the International Women’s Day celebration another memorable gathering for the Greek Australian community.
Music resumed and guests returned to the dance floor, bringing the evening to a festive close.
