The Greek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with The Greek Herald, has officially sold out its third consecutive International Women’s Day event for 2026, confirming the program’s place as one of the festival’s most anticipated and in-demand gatherings.
Building on the overwhelming success of sold-out celebrations in 2024 and 2025, this year’s event – titled Restoring Balance: Hellenic Women Leading Change – reached capacity days ahead of Sunday, March 8, reflecting the community’s strong appetite for meaningful dialogue, connection and celebration of women’s leadership.
While registrations have now closed, those still wishing to attend are encouraged to join the official wait list here.
Held at The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, on Sunday, March 8 from 3.30pm, the event will feature a dynamic panel discussion exploring how Hellenic women are shifting the scales across leadership, community, culture and public life. Through lived experience, honest reflection and forward-looking dialogue, the conversation will examine 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, recipient of The Greek Herald Woman to Watch Award, who moved from Greece to Australia to study Biomedical Sciences and is currently undertaking a PhD in neuroimmunology and neurotrauma. Her research investigates molecular links between inflammation and fibrosis following spinal cord injury and is 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 founder of CaringKids, a national charity providing practical support to young carers through its Joy Box program.
The Honourable Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson will also feature on the panel. A highly respected jurist, she 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 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 experience a curated exhibition by emerging creative Evangeleah Plakias, titled Echoes of Hellenes – 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 has already proven itself an unmissable International Women’s Day highlight on the Greek Festival of Sydney calendar.
Wait List Information: Although the event is now sold out, interested attendees can join the official wait list via the registration link to be notified if places become available.
Event Details
- When: Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Arrival: 3:30pm | Start: 4:00pm
- Venue: The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney
- Free event | Registrations now closed – join the wait list here
