Videos

Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO, Director of The Hellenic Initiative Australia, delivers the Vote of Thanks at the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, held at Parliament House, Canberra. Her remarks acknowledge the speakers, partners and attendees who contributed to a powerful day of dialogue, leadership and connection across the Greek Australian community.
Vote of Thanks | Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO | Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum
The Arts & Culture Panel from the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, hosted at Parliament House, Canberra. Moderated by Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos, this panel brings together leading voices across photography, storytelling, media and the arts to explore how culture, creativity and storytelling shape identity, community and representation within the Greek diaspora. Through personal reflections and professional experiences, the speakers discuss the role of art in preserving heritage, challenging narratives and amplifying voices across generations. Moderator Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos, Walkley Award–winning journalist, academic and documentary maker Speakers Effy Alexakis, Multi–award–winning documentary photographer Nina Angelo OAM, Artist, author, storyteller and advocate Elizabeth Kaydos, Associate producer, freelance About the Forum The Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum is an initiative of the Embassy of Greece in Australia, in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia. The Forum celebrates the achievements, leadership and influence of Greek Australian women across a wide range of fields, fostering dialogue, connection and inspiration.
Arts & Culture Panel | Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum | Parliament House Canberra
The Embassy of Greece in Australia and The Hellenic Initiative Australia proudly present the Politics & Law Panel from the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, held at Parliament House in Canberra on 25 November 2025. Moderated by Erin Feros, former Queensland Managing Partner and National Board Member at Allens, this panel brought together distinguished Greek Australian women from politics, local government, and the judiciary to explore leadership, public service, and the role of law and governance in shaping an inclusive and just society. Panel participants include: ● Fiona Douskou, Councillor, Bayside Council ● The Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Safety ● The Hon Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson, Justice, Supreme Court of the ACT ● The Hon Anthe Philippides, Former Justice, Supreme Court of Queensland About the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum Presented by the Embassy of Greece in Australia in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia, the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum is a new platform for recognition, collaboration, and dialogue. The Forum celebrates the contributions of Greek Australian women across Business, Philanthropy, Politics & Law, Health & Science, and Arts & Culture, while strengthening the connection between Greece and Australia. About The Hellenic Initiative Australia The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) is a non-profit organisation mobilising the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic development and humanitarian initiatives that empower the Greek people and strengthen long-term prosperity. Oli Mazi. All Together.
Politics & Law Panel | Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum 2025 | Parliament House Canberra
The Embassy of Greece in Australia and The Hellenic Initiative Australia proudly present the Philanthropy Panel from the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, held at Parliament House in Canberra on 25 November 2025. Moderated by Faye Spiteri OAM, Chief Executive Officer of Fronditha Care, this panel brought together Greek Australian women leading philanthropic organisations to discuss purpose-driven leadership, community care, and the role of philanthropy in creating lasting social impact. Panel participants include: ● Vasiliki Antoniou, Founder and Chair, The Children’s Golden Angels ● Helen Mantzis, Director, Hellenic Museum ● Alexandra Vakitsidis OAM, Former President, Port Adelaide Philanthropic Society ● Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill, Chief Executive Officer, The Hellenic Initiative Australia The discussion explored the power of collective action, values-led giving, and how Hellenic principles continue to guide philanthropic leadership across generations. About the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum Presented by the Embassy of Greece in Australia in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia, the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum is a platform for recognition, collaboration, and dialogue. The Forum celebrates the contributions of Greek Australian women across Business, Philanthropy, Politics & Law, Health & Science, and Arts & Culture, while strengthening the connection between Greece and Australia. About The Hellenic Initiative Australia The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) is a non-profit organisation mobilising the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic development and humanitarian initiatives that empower communities and strengthen long-term prosperity. Oli Mazi. All Together.
Philanthropy Panel | Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum 2025 | Parliament House Canberra
The Embassy of Greece in Australia and The Hellenic Initiative Australia proudly present the Health & Science Panel from the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, held at Parliament House in Canberra on 25 November 2025. Moderated by Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO, Chair of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this panel brought together leading Greek Australian women in health, medical research, and science to discuss innovation, leadership, and the impact of research on public health and wellbeing. Panel participants include: ● Prof Vasso Apostolopoulos AM, Distinguished Professor of Immunology, RMIT University ● Dr Melina Georgousakis, Founder and Director, Franklin Women ● Prof Maria Kavallaris AM, Head of Translational Cancer Nanomedicine, Children’s Cancer Institute ● Prof Maria Makrides, Executive Director, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute About the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum Presented by the Embassy of Greece in Australia in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia, the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum is a platform for recognition, collaboration, and dialogue. The Forum celebrates the contributions of Greek Australian women across Business, Philanthropy, Politics & Law, Health & Science, and Arts & Culture, while strengthening the connection between Greece and Australia. About The Hellenic Initiative Australia The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) is a non-profit organisation mobilising the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic development and humanitarian initiatives that empower communities and strengthen long-term prosperity. Oli Mazi. All Together.
Health & Science Panel | Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum 2025 | Parliament House, Canberra
GENERAL RECAP VIDEO EMFASIS
The Embassy of Greece in Australia and The Hellenic Initiative Australia proudly present the Business Panel from the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, held at Parliament House in Canberra on 25 November 2025. Moderated by Kathy Karabatsas, Group Chief Financial Officer at Myer, this panel brought together leading Greek Australian women from across business, finance, infrastructure, and commerce to discuss leadership, strategy, and the role of cultural identity in shaping professional purpose. Panel participants include: ● Marika Calfas, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Ports ● Helen Mastrocostas, Financial Strategist, Aniko Group ● Violet Roumeliotis AM, Chief Executive Officer, Settlement Services Australia ● Dr Elena Limnios, Chair, Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry National Federation About the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum Presented by the Embassy of Greece in Australia in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia, the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum is a new platform for recognition, collaboration, and dialogue. The Forum celebrates the contributions of Greek Australian women across Business, Philanthropy, Politics & Law, Health & Science, and Arts & Culture, while strengthening the connection between Greece and Australia. About The Hellenic Initiative Australia The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) is a non-profit organisation mobilising the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable economic development and humanitarian initiatives that empower the Greek people and strengthen long-term prosperity. Oli Mazi. All Together.
Business Panel | Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum 2025 | Parliament House Canberra
We are honoured to present the address delivered by The Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Cities, at the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, held at Parliament House in Canberra on 25 November 2025. As a special guest speaker, Minister O’Neil acknowledged the contributions of Greek Australian women to Australia’s public life, culture, and civic landscape, and reflected on the importance of platforms that celebrate leadership, connection, and shared values across generations. About the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum Hosted by the Embassy of Greece in Australia in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia, the Forum brought together women from across Australia for a day of discussion and inspiration across Business, Politics & Law, Health & Science, Philanthropy, and Arts & Culture. The event shines a light on the achievements, challenges, and enduring influence of women of Hellenic heritage in Australia. About The Hellenic Initiative Australia The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) is a global, non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting sustainable economic development and humanitarian programs that empower communities and strengthen the future of Greece. Oli Mazi — All Together.
The Hon. Clare O'Neil MP - Guest Address - Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum 2025
The Embassy of Greece in Australia and The Hellenic Initiative Australia proudly present the Welcome Address delivered by His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Australia, at the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, held at Parliament House in Canberra on 25 November 2025.The Forum brought together Greek Australian women from across the country to explore leadership, influence, and the ongoing contributions of women of Hellenic heritage across Business, Politics & Law, Health & Science, Philanthropy, and Arts & Culture. About the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum The inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum marks a significant new platform for recognition and collaboration. The event celebrates the stories, leadership, and achievements of Greek Australian women, while fostering dialogue on challenges, representation, and the values, such as philotimo, that connect generations and communities. About The Hellenic Initiative Australia The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) is a non-profit organisation mobilising the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to support sustainable development and humanitarian programs that strengthen Greece’s long-term prosperity. Oli Mazi – All Together. Learn more: hellenicinitaive.org.au
Welcome Remarks by H.E. Stavros Venizelos - Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum 2025
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