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The Power of Connection: Collabor8Women Doubles Its Fundraising Goal for Ovarian Cancer Research

Collabor8Women/eckfactor

More than 100 professional women gathered at Collabor8Women’s final event for the year, a sold-out lunch on November 5 at love.fish Barangaroo, celebrating women in hospitality and to raise funds for ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ – CAMILLA AND MARC’s groundbreaking ovarian cancer campaign.

The event paid tribute to Michelle Grand-Milkovic who is currently undergoing treatment for terminal ovarian cancer and is the powerhouse behind love.fish Barangaroo. Michelle also featured in CAMILLA AND MARC’s ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ 2025 campaign, sharing her story and highlighting the power of women’s voices to drive awareness and change for vital ovarian cancer research.

Thanks to the generosity of the Collabor8Women community, $12,000 was raised at the event, more than doubling the original fundraising target, to help fund research for an early detection test for ovarian cancer.

Camilla Freeman-Topper, Creative Director, CAMILLA AND MARC said: “We’re incredibly humbled and inspired by the support of Michelle Grand-Milkovic who so bravely – and with such vulnerability – shared her story as part of the Ovaries. Talk About Them. 2025 campaign and who continues to inspire us. The funds raised from this Collabor8Women’s event will go directly towards developing an early detection test for ovarian cancer — a cause very close to my heart.” 

“The highlight of my monthly calendar, this was my 27th Collabor8Women event, and my fourth time hosting,” said Michelle Grand-Milkovic. 

“Samantha Theron and Karen Eck have created something genuinely unique: a space where women can connect without the hustle, share openly and leave inspired. I love the energy, warmth and generosity that fill every event, and I’m deeply moved that this one supports a cause so close to my heart. To have our community raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer means the world to me,” she added.  

“Today is really a collective celebration - a true collaboration. A celebration of women (and our ovaries!). What we bring to each other, what we bring to everything around us, and what a force we are when we come together,” said Michelle to guests. 

The event united 12 female leaders in hospitality in support of Michelle and the campaign, including Judy and Kate McMahon (Catalina), Baci Moore (Bistro Rex), Marilyn Annecchini (Pilu), Laura Goldberg (Hurricanes), Karina Barry (Bells at Killcare), Michelle Bishop (Bangalay Luxury Villas), Rebecca Lines (Odd Culture Group), Nina Alidenes (Fink Group), Rebecca Yazbek (Edition Hospitality), and Hayley Hardcastle (Chillis Group). . 

“Michelle’s courage and spirit reflect what makes this industry special,” said Judy McMahon, owner of Catalina. “It’s about people, heart and community, and this event captures all of that.”

“When women in hospitality come together, we lift each other up," added Baci Moore, owner of Bistro Rex.  "Supporting Michelle and this campaign is something we’re deeply proud to do. "It’s inspiring to see Collabor8Women leading the charge — choosing this important cause as the charitable focus for its final event of the year at Michelle’s beautiful restaurant.”

This bold campaign by CAMILLA AND MARC aims to fast-track the world’s first DNA-based early detection test for ovarian cancer into clinical trials. Despite being the deadliest female cancer, there is still no test. Chronic underfunding and systemic bias in women’s health mean this disease, which affects millions worldwide each year, has not had the attention it deserves. 

The campaign amplifies the voices of women who share their powerful experiences with ovarian cancer.

“Michelle embodies what Collabor8Women is all about — courage, generosity and connection,” said Co-Founder Samantha Theron. “Her story, and the support it has inspired, show the power of women standing together for a purpose bigger than themselves.”

“This event brings together women from every industry and background to champion one another,” added Co-Founder Karen Eck  “It’s a celebration of collaboration and strength — and the perfect way to close our 2025 calendar.”

About Michelle Grand-Milkovic

The co-founder of love.fish Barangaroo, Michelle has been a long-time supporter of Collabor8Women and a leading advocate for sustainable dining in Sydney.

A much-loved culinary destination for Sydneysiders and visitors, love.fish is known for its commitment to the highest-quality sustainable produce and authentic, accessible seafood dining. Originally founded in Rozelle — where it gained a reputation as “the fish bar with a green heart” — love.fish has grown into a harbourside institution now in its 15th year, thanks to Michelle’s passion and leadership.

At Barangaroo, the restaurant proudly lists the provenance of all its seafood, featuring premium catches from Australian and New Zealand waters, with thoughtful menu options for non-seafood eaters.

About us:

About Collabor8Women: Networking Done Differently

Founded by Sydney business executives Karen Eck and Samantha Theron in December 2021, Collabor8Women is an invitation-only networking collective connecting professional women across industries and leadership levels in a relaxed, engaging environment. With a growing network of nearly 2,000 women across Australia, it has become a sought-after community known for authentic connections, thought-provoking conversations and premium dining experiences. By redefining networking, Collabor8Women fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration in exceptional venues and proudly supports women leaders in hospitality, including owners, head chefs and sommeliers.

What’s Next

Collabor8Women returns on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with a special cocktail launch, unveiling its 2026 program in collaboration with new and on-trend venue partners.

For more information and to register for an invite: www.collabor8women.com  

LinkedIn: Collabor8Women   Instagram: @collabor8women

Contact details:

Media Contact: eckfactor 0438 532 569 Karen@eckfactor.com 

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