Women in Hospitality Unite for Ovarian Cancer Awareness at Sold-Out Collabor8Women Event
eckfactor/Collabor8Women
More than 100 diverse professional women from across industries, backgrounds and levels of leadership will gather on Wednesday, 5 November, for the final Collabor8Women event of 2025, a sold-out lunch at love.fish Barangaroo, celebrating women in hospitality and raising funds for Camilla and Marc’s Ovaries. Talk About Them. campaign.
The event will honour Michelle Grand-Milkovic, the powerhouse behind love.fish Barangaroo and a long-time supporter of Collabor8Women. The campaign also features Michelle’s inspiring story, highlighting the power of women’s voices to drive awareness and change for vital ovarian cancer research.
Guests will enjoy an afternoon of connection, conversation and purpose overlooking Sydney Harbour, with prizes worth $10,000 donated by Collabor8Women’s partners and supporters. All proceeds will go directly to the Ovaries. Talk About Them. campaign.
“The highlight of my monthly calendar, this will be 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.
The event is uniting 12 female leaders in hospitality in support of Michelle and the campaign, including Judy and Kate McMahon (Catalina), Baci Moore (Bistro Rex), Anna Pavoni (Maestro Hospitality), 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), 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. This movement exists to change that.
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 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.
For more information and to register for an invite: www.collabor8women.com
LinkedIn: Collabor8Women Instagram: @collabor8women
Contact details:
Images available HERE
Karen Eck
eckfactor & Power of Visibility
0438 532 569
