The Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria celebrated a milestone last Sunday, marking its 20th anniversary since its inception.
During the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the federation honoured its founding President, Sofia Mastoris OAM, who decided to step down from her role after an exceptional 20-year tenure.
Sofia Mastoris, a visionary leader and advocate for the Greek community, has been a driving force behind the federation’s success.
The members of the federation expressed their heartfelt gratitude and admiration for her “exemplary service as President” stating that her “dedication, courage, and passion have been instrumental in shaping the federation’s mission and achievements over the past two decades”.
“As Sofia Mastoris takes a step back from her role as President, her legacy of empowerment, community service, and dedication to multiculturalism will continue to inspire and guide the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria. The federation remains deeply grateful for her transformative leadership and looks forward to carrying on her vision of inclusivity and unity for years to come.”
Sofia’s vision was clear – to ensure that Hellenic women had representation and visibility at all Greek events and commemorations. She firmly believed that women, just like men, deserve to be equally represented in all aspects of community life.
One of Sofia Mastoris’s most significant accomplishments was being awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her tireless services to the Greek community.
Her impact extended beyond the federation, as she also served as the President of the Greek Women’s Community of Whittlesea, where she worked to uplift and empower Greek women.
Her unwavering commitment to promoting multiculturalism earned her a prestigious VMC Award for excellence in Multiculturalism while it also led her to volunteer at the Grace of Mary Aged Care Facility for over ten years, touching the lives of elderly residents in the community.
The City of Whittlesea further recognised her exceptional contributions, naming her the Citizen of the Year acknowledging that she devoted more than 22 years to volunteering with the Cancer Council, providing support and hope to those battling cancer.
Furthermore, Sofia Mastoris founded the annual ‘Protomayia’ festival, a celebration of cultural diversity that takes place on the 1st of May.
Through this festival, she highlighted the richness of various cultures and fostered a sense of unity and understanding among communities.
Another remarkable project led by Mastoris was the organisation of a multicultural quilt, a creative endeavor that showcased the rich tapestry of cultures within Whittlesea.
Women from different cultural backgrounds actively participated in the project, demonstrating the power of diversity and inclusion.
