Greek Australian Women make history at Parliament House Forum in Canberra

Canberra’s Parliament House was the setting for a landmark moment in Greek Australian history on 25 November, as the Embassy of Greece in Australia and The Hellenic Initiative Australia hosted the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum.

Bringing together 24 distinguished panellists from business, politics and law, health and science, philanthropy, and arts and culture, the event offered an extraordinary breadth of personal stories, professional insights and intergenerational reflections on the achievements and leadership of Greek Australian women across the nation.

Each speaker highlighted the barriers they have overcome, the contributions they are pioneering, and the legacy they aim to pass on to the next generation.

The event marked a significant collaboration between the Embassy of Greece and The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia). The enthusiasm and unity throughout the forum were captured by Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO, THI Board 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 shaping every corner of Australian society,” she said.

“Across every panel, values passed down from our parents and grandparents, resilience, philotimo and philanthropia, were woven into our stories. It was a privilege to work with the Embassy to bring this vision to life.”

Embassy representatives at Parliament House, including Lara Tikaid Venizelou and John Loukadellis, attending the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum.

A celebration of Hellenic identity and values

In his welcome address, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Australia Stavros Venizelos emphasised the enduring influence of cultural identity in shaping purpose and leadership. Throughout the day, speakers echoed this sentiment, drawing on Hellenic values as guiding principles in public service, academia, business, science and the arts.

Representing the Prime Minister, Clare O’Neil MP congratulated the Embassy on hosting the forum at Parliament House and spoke proudly of serving an electorate with a strong Greek Australian presence.

“There is no place in Australia that better embodies the profound positive impact the Greek Australian diaspora has on our national life,” she said, noting her role as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Greek Australians.

Panellists from the Politics & Law session at the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum at Parliament House, Canberra. Photos: Supplied

PANELLISTS

Business

Marika Calfas – CEO, NSW Ports

Kathy Karabatsas – Group CFO, Myer (moderator)

Dr Elena Limnios – Chair, HACCI National Federation

Helen Mastrocostas – Financial Strategist, Aniko Group

Violet Roumeliotis AM – CEO, Settlement Services Australia

Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO offers the vote of thanks, capturing the spirit of pride and unity at the Forum.

Politics & Law

The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP – NSW Minister for Industrial Relations & Work Health and Safety

Fiona Douskou – Councillor, Bayside Council

Erin Feros – Former Managing Partner, Allens Queensland (moderator)

The Hon. Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson – Supreme Court ACT

The Hon. Anthe Philippides – Former Justice, Supreme Court of Queensland

Clare O’Neil MP delivers an address on the contribution of Greek Australians to the nation during the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum.

Health & Science

Prof Vasso Apostolopoulos AM – Professor of Immunology, RMIT

Dr Melina Georgousakis – Founder & Director, Franklin Women

Prof Maria Kavallaris AM – Translational Cancer Nanomedicine, Children’s Cancer Institute

Prof Maria Makrides – Executive Director, SAHMRI

Adj Prof Helen Zorbas AO – Chair, National Breast Cancer Foundation (moderator)

Ambassador H.E. Stavros Venizelos with Federal MP Steve Georganas at the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum in Canberra.

Philanthropy

Vasiliki Antoniou – Founder & Chair, The Children’s Golden Angels

Helen Mantzis – Board Member, The Hellenic Museum

Faye Spiteri OAM – CEO, Fronditha Care (moderator)

Alexandra Vakitsidis OAM – Former President, Port Adelaide Philanthropic Society

Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill – CEO, The Hellenic Initiative Australia

Ambassador of Greece to Australia H.E. Stavros Venizelos with representatives of The Hellenic Initiative Australia at the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum.

Arts & Culture

Effy Alexakis – Documentary Photographer

Nina Angelo OAM – Artist, author and community activist

Elizabeth Kaydos – Associate Producer

Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos – Journalist, academic and documentary maker (moderator)