Leading women in hospitality are coming together to support ovarian cancer research at the final Collabor8Women event of the year.
The sold out lunch at Love.fish in Barangaroo will see proceeds go to the Ovaries. Talk About Them, a campaign which aims to fast-track ovarian cancer early detection tests into clinical trials. The campaign features women sharing their experiences with the disease, including Love.fish owner Michelle Grand-Milkovic.
The event, on Wednesday 5 November, marks Grand-Milkovic’s fourth time hosting and 27th time attending.
“Sam [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,” says Grand-Milkovic.
“To have our community raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer means the world to me.”
More than 100 professional women will join the event, alongside hospitality leaders like 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,” says Catalina owner Judy McMahon. “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,” says Bistro Rex owner Baci Moore. “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.”
The evening will see proceeds of a raffle with prizes worth $10,000 go towards the campaign. Collabor8Women will also donate a percentage of its profits.
Eck and Theron founded Collabor8Women in 2021 as an cross-industry invitation-only networking collective for women.
“[Michelle’s] story, and the support it has inspired, show the power of women standing together for a purpose bigger than themselves,” says Theron.
“This event brings together women from every industry and background to champion one another,” added Eck. “It’s a celebration of collaboration and strength — and the perfect way to close our 2025 calendar.”
To donate to the cause or for more information, contact hello@collabor8women.com.
Photography by Sophie Geraghty.
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