Team Agapes marked International Women’s Day with a fundraising event, collecting $8,345 for the mental health charity Beyond Blue.
Held on 2 March at Merrimu Receptions, the event brought together a diverse group of women and speakers, with strong support from attendees and sponsors contributing to its success.
Keynote speaker Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis commended Team Agapes for its efforts and shared insights from her work as a GP, highlighting mental health challenges within the Greek Australian community. She also shed light on the hardships and trauma experienced by many migrant parents as they built new lives in Australia.
“We were honoured and humbled to have A/Prof Magdalena Simonis as our keynote speaker celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 who is one of Australia’s foremost women’s health experts and gender equity advocates,” Team Agapes said in their media release.
Attendees also had the chance to hear from representatives of Victoria Police who shared insights into the front-line, and improvements to laws for women regarding sexual assault and domestic violence.
Among the speakers were Acting Sergeant James McKay from Bayside Police Station and Detective Sergeant Kellie Maher from the Bayside Family Violence Investigations Unit.
Comedian and social media personality Anastasia Katselas remarked in a heartfelt yet humorous speech on her own experiences with mental health struggles, depression and anxiety and growing up as a young woman and her journey to better health.
She stressed the need to not be silent and to not be afraid of opening up and talking when you are dealing with those struggles.
“Our inspiration comes from empowering and spreading awareness while encouraging kindness and love and that is why we share the day with magnificent women, and that is why we consider all the attendees and sponsors a part of the TEAM Agapes family,” the organisation said.
