International Women’s Day Lunch 2026
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Monash Business School at our annual lunch, where we’ll embrace the 2026 UN global theme: Balance the Scales.
This year, our keynote speaker is Mary Coustas, the much-loved Australian actor, writer and comedian. Just in time for International Women’s Day, Mary has written the book Marypause, which tackles the hard menopausal questions with help and humour.
We look forward to welcoming you to this annual event.
Keynote Speaker
Mary Coustas, Australian actor, writer and comedian
Mary Coustas is a writer/performer well known for her performance in stage play Wogs out of Work, and for her character Effie developed for the high rating TV sitcom Acropolis Now.
She won a Best Comedy Performer Logie Award for performing the character Effie.
Back on stage, she then went on to appear in the record-breaking theatrical shows Wog A Rama and her one-woman show Waiting for Effie, which toured nationally.
Mary’s other TV credits include Skirts, Wildside, Grass Roots and The Secret Life of Us.
As Effie had so much to say, Mary allowed her to write a book, Effie’s Guide To Being Up Yourself, in 2003, which was acclaimed for tackling youth self esteem.
In the years since, Mary continued to perform in a range of high-profile one-woman and ensemble stage shows, and had ongoing TV appearances.
Host
Michelle Clarke, Faculty General Manager, Monash Business School
Michelle brings more than three decades of leadership experience across Australia’s leading universities, with a career distinguished by strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a sustained commitment to organisational development. She has led major portfolios spanning education, research and engagement, governance and compliance, institutional planning, student services, and large-scale workforce and service transformations.
Recognised for her integrity, judgement, and ability to drive positive change, Michelle has shaped institution-wide initiatives in load planning, accreditation, crisis response, and professional services realignment. Her leadership is marked by an emphasis on data-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and the creation of high-performing, values-driven teams.
Event Details
- Date:
- 6 March 2026 at 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Venue:
- Hotel Chadstone, 1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone, Melbourne, Victoria
- Categories:
- Alumni; General
Description
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Monash Business School at our annual lunch, where we’ll embrace the 2026 UN global theme: Balance the Scales.
This year, our keynote speaker is Mary Coustas, the much-loved Australian actor, writer and comedian. Just in time for International Women’s Day, Mary has written the book Marypause, which tackles the hard menopausal questions with help and humour.
We look forward to welcoming you to this annual event.
Keynote Speaker
Mary Coustas, Australian actor, writer and comedian
Mary Coustas is a writer/performer well known for her performance in stage play Wogs out of Work, and for her character Effie developed for the high rating TV sitcom Acropolis Now.
She won a Best Comedy Performer Logie Award for performing the character Effie.
Back on stage, she then went on to appear in the record-breaking theatrical shows Wog A Rama and her one-woman show Waiting for Effie, which toured nationally.
Mary’s other TV credits include Skirts, Wildside, Grass Roots and The Secret Life of Us.
As Effie had so much to say, Mary allowed her to write a book, Effie’s Guide To Being Up Yourself, in 2003, which was acclaimed for tackling youth self esteem.
In the years since, Mary continued to perform in a range of high-profile one-woman and ensemble stage shows, and had ongoing TV appearances.
Host
Michelle Clarke, Faculty General Manager, Monash Business School
Michelle brings more than three decades of leadership experience across Australia’s leading universities, with a career distinguished by strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a sustained commitment to organisational development. She has led major portfolios spanning education, research and engagement, governance and compliance, institutional planning, student services, and large-scale workforce and service transformations.
Recognised for her integrity, judgement, and ability to drive positive change, Michelle has shaped institution-wide initiatives in load planning, accreditation, crisis response, and professional services realignment. Her leadership is marked by an emphasis on data-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and the creation of high-performing, values-driven teams.