The Greek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with The Greek Herald, will present its third consecutive International Women’s Day event in 2026, building on the overwhelming success of its sold-out celebrations in 2024 and 2025.
While each year’s event carries a distinct theme and title, the International Women’s Day program has grown into one of the festival’s most anticipated gatherings, bringing together women and men from across the Greek and Cypriot community for an afternoon of meaningful discussion, connection and celebration.
This year’s event, titled Restoring Balance: Hellenic Women Leading Change, will be held at The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, on Sunday, March 8, from 3.30pm. The event will feature a dynamic panel discussion examining how Hellenic women are shifting the scales across leadership, community, culture and public life. Through lived experience, honest reflection and forward-looking dialogue, the discussion will explore balance, equity and representation in shaping a more inclusive future.
The afternoon will be led by returning emcee Marika Kontellis, a respected communications professional with strong ties to the Greek Australian community. The panel discussion will be facilitated by Andriana Simos, Digital Editor of The Greek Herald, an award-winning journalist recognised for her work on social issues, community storytelling and women’s voices across multicultural Australia.
Panellists include Melina Haritopoulou-Sinanidou, a recipient of The Greek Herald Woman to Watch Award, who grew up in Greece before moving to Australia to study Biomedical Sciences. She is currently undertaking a PhD in neuroimmunology and neurotrauma, researching molecular links between inflammation and fibrosis following spinal cord injury, supported by leading Australian research institutions and competitive grants.
Also joining the panel is Margaret Skagias, a qualified social worker and public health professional with nearly 30 years’ experience across child protection, carer support and health promotion, and the founder of CaringKids, a national charity providing practical support to young carers through its Joy Box program.
The panel will also feature The Honourable Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson, a highly respected jurist who served as a Resident Justice of the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory from 2018 until her retirement in late 2025. Born to Greek migrant parents, Justice Loukas-Karlsson built a trailblazing legal career spanning public defence, prosecution and international law, leaving a lasting legacy of integrity, leadership and mentorship.
A centrepiece of the afternoon will be the announcement of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Award, one of the community’s most respected honours recognising outstanding leadership, service and impact. Previous recipients include Anais Menounos (2024) and Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou (2025), both celebrated before capacity audiences. The program will also include the presentation of The Woman to Watch Award, acknowledging emerging voices making a meaningful contribution.
Adding a powerful cultural dimension to the event, guests will also experience a curated exhibition by emerging creative Evangeleah Plakias, titled Echoes of Hellenes. The exhibition is a collection of artworks celebrating Greek history and tradition, bringing familiar stories to life through a contemporary lens while honouring the courage of our ancestors and the enduring legacy of Greece’s heritage.
Guests will be welcomed with complimentary drinks and canapés, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection alongside reflection and celebration.
Blending thoughtful dialogue, cultural storytelling and a warm communal setting, Restoring Balance promises to be a compelling and unmissable International Women’s Day event on the Greek Festival of Sydney calendar.
Event Details
- When: Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Arrival: 3:30pm | Start: 4:00pm
- Venue: The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney
- Free event | Registrations essential here
