Friday 23 May 2025 | Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
In today's ever-changing world, listening to the voices of those speaking from the heart has never been more important.
The Odyssey Women’s Lunch raises vital funds for alcohol and drug treatment programs. By attending the event you will be supporting Odyssey House NSW to help families impacted by substance use to turn their lives around.
You’ll hear from an inspirational line-up of women who have pushed the limits of what’s deemed possible. Be inspired by our diverse panel and hear directly from someone who has overcome the challenges of substance use first-hand.
Join us to ignite hope, build connections, and drive collective action. Together, we can be part of the change we all wish to see.
Opposite: Carmel Tebbutt, Odyssey House NSW CEO and Julie Babineau, Odyssey Women's Lunch Committee Member and former Odyssey House NSW CEO.
A Million Dollars Raised and Counting
Odyssey House NSW is one of Australia’s largest and most successful alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services.
Now in its 14th year, Odyssey Women’s Lunch is a celebration of accomplished women from diverse backgrounds who come together to share their inspiring stories of leadership, personal growth, and resilience.
The funds raised support Odyssey’s Parent’s & Children’s Program, which offers tailored support for parents with alcohol and drug use issues to overcome their own challenges whilst creating healthy relationships with their children.
Our Impact in 2024
141
Parents helped through our Reconnecting Families Programs.
3500
Safe bed nights provided for Parents and Children at our Family Recovery Centre.
1094
Women and non-binary people supported through our Recovery Programs.
Introducing your Host
Natalie Barr
Natalie Barr is an experienced Australian broadcast journalist and co-host of the breakfast TV show, Sunrise, on the Seven Network.
Natalie worked in Los Angeles for several years at stations KABC, KTLA and KCOP. She won a Golden Mic for Best Newscast Writing in 1994 and a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award nomination for her work on KCOP’s coverage of the OJ Simpson car chase. She has co-hosted Carols in the Domain on many occasions and has reported on countless important cultural and political events.
“I’m excited to be returning to host Odyssey Women’s Lunch for another year. I am proud to have supported the event since 2016 and believe the work Odyssey does for families is life-changing.”
Fantastic panel. Excellent and shareable stories to promote female leadership and connections.
- Previous Odyssey Women’s Lunch Attendee
Announcing our 2025 Speakers
Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM
Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM completed her term as Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist on 31 December 2024. Before that role, she had an extensive career at Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, including as the agency’s Chief Scientist.
Dr Foley is an internationally recognised physicist with major research achievements in superconductors and sensors which lead to the development of the LANDTEM sensor system to locate valuable deposits of minerals deep underground. Her scientific excellence and influential leadership have been recognised with numerous awards and fellowships, including election to the Australian Academy of Science in 2020, and an Order of Australia for service to research science and to the advancement of women in physics. She received the Australian Institute of Physics Medal for Outstanding Service to Physics in 2016. She is a Fellow of Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (2008) and an honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics (2019).
Dr Foley is an inspiration to women in STEM across the globe and focused strongly on equality and diversity in the science sector.
Bonnie Hancock
Bonnie Hancock is the fastest and youngest person in history to paddle a surf ski solo 12,700km around the Australian coastline.
Sharks and crocodiles were just some of the physical dangers she faced during the challenge, but it was the mental resilience she needed that provided the biggest opportunity for growth.
Bonnie is an inspiring storyteller and has published a bestselling book (The Girl Who Touched The Stars), created a documentary and presented a TED talk.
Larissa Behrendt
Larissa Behrendt – a Euahleyai/Gamillaroi woman – is an award-winning author and filmmaker, an academic based at the University of Technology Sydney and the host of Speaking Out on ABC Radio.
Larissa was awarded the 2009 NAIDOC Person of the Year award and 2011 NSW Australian of the Year. She was awarded an Order of Australia (AO) in 2020 for her work in Indigenous education, the law and the arts. Larissa received the Human Rights Medal in 2021 from the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Sarah Macdonald
Sarah Macdonald is a Broadcaster, Writer and communicator of much experience and passion. Presenting on Triple J in her early years and most recently on ABC Radio Sydney she has always tried to help us better understand Sydney, the world and each-other.
Her best-selling book 'Holy Cow - an Indian adventure' has been translated into several languages and became a travel bible for India. Sarah has co-hosted the Full Catastrophe story-telling event and loves to help others tell their stories through media and presentation training. She is now writing for the SMH and various publications.
past speakers
Anna Bligh AC
Former Premier of Queensland
Prof. Hon. Verity Firth AM.
Former Minister for Women of New South Wales
Christine Nixon, AO.APM.
Former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police
SPONSORED BY
Sponsorship Opportunities
Become an event sponsor or donate a prize to support our fundraising efforts.
Partnering is an amazing opportunity to illustrate your brand’s commitment to social impact and increase your visibility with our captivated audience.
For enquiries please contact:
Odyssey Events Team
Phone: 02 9030 3921
Email: donations@odysseyhouse.com.au
Cant make it to this year's event?
Make a donation to Odyssey House NSW in lieu of attending.
To make a tax deductable donation please email:
donations@odysseyhouse.com.au
In the spirit of reconciliation Odyssey House NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country where we live, work and heal. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
