Way In Network and NSW Police Force Celebrate International Women’s Day with Inspiring Morning Tea “Stronger Together”
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Way In Network co-hosted a special morning tea event with the NSW Police Force on Tuesday, March 4 at the Haymarket Local Police Station. The event brought together Way In members, NSW Police representatives, community supporters, media friends and distinguished speakers to honour the achievements of women and discuss the challenges they have overcome in their respective fields. Over 50 guests attended the event on the day.
MC – Ms Nicole He
The event was officially opened by Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman APM, the Hon. Dr. Helen Sham-Ho OAM, Founder of the Way In Network, and Jessie Xiao CA, President of the Way In Network.
Opening Remarks – Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman
Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman opened the International Women’s Day morning tea with a heartfelt and inspiring speech, highlighting the power and influence of women in both his personal and professional life. He emphasized the strength and resilience of women, lauding their pivotal roles in shaping society. Furthermore, he expressed his appreciation of the Way In Network and good work that the organisation has been doing to support migrant women, him & his team are proud to be collaborating with the Way In Network.
Opening Remarks – The Hon. Dr Helen Sham-Ho – Founder of the Way In Network
Jessie Xiao – President of the Way In Network
The Hon. Dr Helen Sham-Ho OAM is an exemplary female leader who made history as the first Asian Australian politician elected in 1988. With a lifetime of dedication to community service, Helen has established numerous not-for-profit organizations and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012 for her outstanding contributions. Helen expressed her pride in Way In Network’s continued legacy, supporting migrant women and reaching new milestones, including today’s International Women’s Day morning tea. She offered words of encouragement to the committee and members present, acknowledging the progress made and the collective strength of the community.
Jessie Xiao CA, President of Way In Network, was thrilled to collaborate with the NSW Police in hosting this event. She expressed her gratitude to Detective Superintendent Fileman and Senior Sergeant Nathan Carroll and their team for their support in bringing this event to life. Jessie highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, sharing her excitement about the growing impact of Way In Network in supporting and uplifting women. She also took a moment to recognize various VIP guests in attendance, including Grace Li, Associate Dean (Internationalisation) at UTS, and Dr Lu Liu, Senior Lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, who have both contributed to the Way In Women Empowerment Series in the past by hosting exclusive events for Way In members at their respective institutions.
A highlight of the morning was the panel discussion, featuring a dynamic lineup of female leaders:
- Jessie Xiao CA – President, Way In Network
- Eugenia Lieu JP – Vice President, Way In Network
- Inspector Sohryn Carter – NSW Police Force
- Dr. Maggie Wang – The Westmead Institute for Medical Research
Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman also participated in the panel discussion, where he paid tribute to the significant women in his life – his mother, wife, and daughter – acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the person he has become today. He also spoke passionately about the remarkable achievements of women in law enforcement, celebrating their indispensable contributions to the police force. He proudly referenced the leadership of the female Commissioner, whose empowering presence serves as a beacon of inspiration and strength for all women in the organization. His words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of recognising and celebrating the vital contributions of women in all aspects of life.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dilara Nikolovski, Multicultural Community Liaison Officer, the discussion delved into themes of leadership, resilience, and empowerment. All panellists shared their personal experiences, highlighting key moments in their careers, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring women in their fields.
Key topics included:
- Celebrating Success – Women often downplay their achievements. Panellists reflected on their proudest career moments and the impact of their work.
- Breaking Barriers – Dr. Maggie Wang shared insights on women’s evolving role in medical research and highlighted breakthrough projects at The Westmead Institute.
- Empowering Women – Jessie Xiao & Eugenia Lieu spoke about the challenges of leadership and how the Way In Network fosters a supportive environment for women.
- Women in Law Enforcement – Inspector Sohryn Carter and Leading Senior Constable Catherine Kolokitas discussed their journeys in the NSW Police Force, and the support available for women in the force.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Linda Tang, Honorary Advisor of the Way In Network, thanking all the speakers, attendees & the working committee on both sides that made the event so successful.
Vote of Thanks – Linda Tang (Hon. Advisor – the Way In Network)
The morning tea was expertly emceed by Nicole He, a Committee Member of the Way In Network, attended by dedicated members of the Network & NSW Police, and supported by friends of the organisation including but not limited to the Lions Club of Sydney Waratah, the Lions Club of Sydney Chinese and the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce.
Ms Nicole He and Ms Dilara Nikolovski, NSWPF Multicultural Community Liaison Officer.
This inspiring event reinforced the importance of celebrating women’s achievements, fostering leadership, and encouraging the next generation to pursue their ambitions with confidence. By coming “Stronger Together,” the Way In Network and NSW Police Force continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration in empowering women and creating a more inclusive future for all in the local community.
We thank the following Media Partners:
Australia Chinese Entertainment (TVB Anywhere)
Australia Chinese Daily
Media Today Group
Sydney Impression
2CK Media
Ovideo Media
Polaris Media
