Mary Kostakidis

Mary Kostakidis is one of Australia’s most respected media figures, human rights advocates, and public speakers. She was the first woman to present a national prime-time news bulletin in Australia, serving as weeknight presenter of SBS World News Australia for over 20 years. As a founding member of SBS, Mary developed key policies, including subtitling, program preparation, and children’s programming, shaping the network’s reputation for innovation and integrity.

Since leaving SBS in 2007, Mary has become a prominent voice in public life, championing social justice, human rights, pluralism, and media integrity. She regularly delivers keynote addresses, chairs public forums, moderates panels, and hosts major events, including the Walkley Awards, World Congress of Anaesthetists, and global conferences on broadcasting. Her keynote topics span women’s leadership, human rights, education, and the nature of truth in media.

Mary’s distinguished career also includes editorial commentary in mainstream and independent media, and she has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including the National Human Rights Consultation Committee, the Sydney Peace Foundation, and the Republic Advisory Committee, among others. She has been recognized for her contributions with the Alumni Award for Community Achievement for her leadership in human rights and public advocacy.