In a powerful display of industry solidarity, 11 female leaders from some of Sydney’s most renowned restaurants came together for a sold-out lunch that raised $12,000 for ovarian cancer research — more than double the original fundraising target.
The event held this week at love.fish Barangaroo, organised by networking collective Collabor8Women, honoured Michelle Grand-Milkovic, co-founder of love.fish and a 15-year veteran of Sydney’s dining scene, who is currently undergoing treatment for terminal ovarian cancer.
The gathering brought together a who’s who of female hospitality leaders, including Judy and Kate McMahon of Catalina, Baci Moore of Bistro Rex, Marilyn Annecchini of Pilu, Laura Goldberg of Hurricanes, Karina Barry of Bells at Killcare, Michelle Bishop of Bangalay Luxury Villas, Rebecca Lines of Odd Culture Group, Nina Alidenes of Fink Group, Rebecca Yazbek of Edition Hospitality, and Hayley Hardcastle of Chillis Group.
“When women in hospitality come together, we lift each other up,” said Baci Moore, owner of Bistro Rex. “Supporting Michelle and this campaign is something we’re deeply proud to do.”
Judy McMahon, owner of Catalina, added: “Michelle’s courage and spirit reflect what makes this industry special. It’s about people, heart and community, and this event captures all of that.”
‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’
The funds raised will support Camilla and Marc’s ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ campaign, which 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 currently no early detection test available.
Grand-Milkovic, who featured in Camilla and Marc’s 2025 campaign, has been a vocal advocate for ovarian cancer awareness while continuing to lead love.fish Barangaroo, known for its commitment to sustainable seafood sourcing.
“To have our community raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer means the world to me,” Grand-Milkovic told the more than 100 professional women gathered at the event.
The lunch marked the final event of 2025 for Collabor8Women, an invitation-only networking collective founded in December 2021 by Sydney business executives Karen Eck and Samantha Theron. The group has grown to nearly 2,000 professional women across Australia and is known for championing women leaders in hospitality, including restaurant owners, head chefs, and sommeliers.
“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.”
Collabor8Women will return on 4 February 4 2026, with a special cocktail launch unveiling its 2026 program.
