The winners of The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Awards 2026 have been announced at a special International Women’s Day event held on Sunday, March 8 at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, celebrating the achievements and leadership of Greek and Cypriot Australian women across the country.
Presented in collaboration with the Greek Festival of Sydney, the awards recognise women who are making meaningful contributions in their professions, communities and public life while inspiring the next generation of leaders within the Hellenic Australian diaspora.
The Greek Herald Woman of the Year 2026
Marina Kyriakou (VIC) was named The Greek Herald Woman of the Year 2026, recognised for her leadership, impact and contribution to the community.
The award was presented by the Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP and Dimitra Skalkos, Publisher of The Greek Herald.
The award celebrates women aged 30 and over who have demonstrated excellence and influence in their respective fields while uplifting others through mentorship, advocacy and service.
Kyriakou is a tireless advocate whose work has significantly advanced endometriosis awareness, care and support across Australia. Drawing on her own lived experience, she works to educate GPs, nurses and health professionals to improve early diagnosis, patient support and clinical pathways for the often misunderstood condition.
Her advocacy extends beyond healthcare into workplace policy reform, including within Indigenous communities, promoting culturally safe and flexible support for women living with chronic pelvic pain.
Marina also dedicates her time to listening to and guiding women who feel unheard, offering empathy and practical support. Through participation in government roundtables and national discussions, she helps shape policy, funding priorities and strategies for endometriosis care, quietly transforming the future of support for countless patients.
Accepting the award, Kyriakou said the recognition reflected the experiences of countless women who continue to live with the condition.
“This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a recognition for every woman who has suffered from endometriosis and been dismissed,” she said.
Kyriakou also used her speech to raise awareness about the condition and the need for earlier diagnosis and greater understanding.
“Women’s pain is real and it needs to be acknowledged. We need to stop the suffering and stop being dismissed. We are here to be heard now – we’re not invisible anymore.”
Sharing her own journey, she reflected on the personal impact the disease has had on her life.
“I’ve had 17 surgeries for endometriosis, two bowel resections and no children,” she said.
“But today is about raising awareness for every young Australian woman.”
Kyriakou called on the audience to continue the conversation about women’s health beyond the event.
“Go home today and talk about it – in your homes, in your schools, with your families. We still need early diagnosis and we need to talk about it.”
Kyriakou was selected by an independent judging panel from a strong field of finalists representing diverse industries and community initiatives across Australia.
Woman to Watch 2026
The Woman to Watch Award, recognising emerging leaders under the age of 30, was awarded to Tia Christodoulou from NSW.
The award was presented by 2025 Woman to Watch recipients Melina and Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou, continuing the tradition of past winners recognising the next generation of emerging leaders.
Christodoulou is a powerful example of resilience and leadership within Australia’s Hellenic community. Born in Sydney to a Cretan mother and Cypriot father, she was born without her right hand and later underwent major spinal surgery for severe scoliosis at the age of 12. Rather than allowing these challenges to define her, Tia has built a life centred on strength, discipline and service.
Now a primary school teacher at St Joseph’s, she inspires students daily while maintaining a rigorous 4am training routine. Using a prosthetic hand, she became a trainer and was named Trainer of the Year at F45 Training.
At just 23 years old, Tia also runs her own gym in Engadine with more than 120 members and is currently leading a charity fundraiser for Stillbirth Foundation Australia, demonstrating the power of resilience, determination and community spirit.
Accepting the award, Christodoulou thanked her family and the community that has supported her journey.
“Thank you so much for hosting such an amazing event that highlights so many powerful and resilient women in our community,” she said.
“It’s really amazing to see everyone come together.”
Reflecting on her journey, she said resilience had shaped her path from a young age.
“Growing up with a limb difference really did teach me to be resilient, especially at a young age… and community is so important. I don’t think anyone would be here without a strong community and a strong foundation behind them.”
Christodoulou also shared that her gym had recently hosted its first charity fundraiser in support of the Stillbirth Foundation Australia, raising almost $10,000 for the cause.
Independent judging panel
Finalists and winners were selected by an independent panel of judges, including:
- Sophie Cotsis MP, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety
- Kat Theophanous MP, Victorian Member for Northcote
- Anastasia Mavrides, Chair of Neolea SA
The panel assessed nominees based on leadership, community impact, professional achievements and their ability to inspire others.
Celebrating women across the Hellenic diaspora
Launched by The Greek Herald to highlight the achievements of Greek and Cypriot Australian women, the awards have quickly become an important platform for recognising leadership across business, academia, the arts, community service, public life and emerging industries.
This year’s finalists represented a wide cross-section of professions and community initiatives, reflecting the strength and diversity of women contributing to the Hellenic Australian story.
The awards were presented during the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Greek Festival of Sydney, bringing together community leaders, professionals and supporters to honour the achievements of women who continue to shape and strengthen the community.
As the awards continue to grow, The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Awards remain committed to celebrating the achievements of women whose work, leadership and dedication are helping build a stronger and more inclusive future.
