Events & Save the Date

A Night That Celebrated Community

The grand ballroom of Sydney’s Hilton Hotel transformed into something truly extraordinary last Saturday 16 May, a shimmering world of Pommery Champagne, candlelight, and purpose. From the moment guests stepped through the doors, it was clear this was no ordinary gala. This was a night where glamour and community met meaning, and every moment counted.

Before a single note was played or a bid was placed, the room itself told a story. Exquisite My Violet floral displays cascaded across tables - lush arrangements of roses, trailing greenery, and velvet blooms that turned the venue into a living display.

The Hilton's culinary team delivered a worthy dining experience. Course after course arrived with quiet elegance and the beverages flowed generously. The evening ran seamlessly, guided by the mesmerising tones of Peter Overton, our MC for the night, a presence as polished as the occasion itself.

The excitement reached fever pitch when the prizes were drawn, a collection of extraordinary experiences and gifts, all donated by our community. The silent auction drew guests into hushed bidding wars, the air was clearly filled with strategy!

The platinum and gold raffle and live auction brought the room to fever pitch. Hands raised. Prices climbed. Generosity surfaced in the most spectacular way, as guests competed not just to win, but to give. Every hammer fall was a triumph for the IT’S HER TIME Project.

Soprano Amy Manford, Saxophonist Orget Sadiku and DJ Richy Penny provided outstanding entertainment all evening, and the hum of energetic conversations provided a warm and joyful backdrop to the night.

Behind every bid, every toast, and every twirl on the dance floor was a shared understanding: the funds raised go directly to the IT’S HER TIME Project, a building project dedicated to empowering young women and creating an opportunity for growth, community and connection.

The IT'S HER TIME Gala Ball was a culmination of outstanding leadership and collective dedication. Under the guidance of Committee Chair Brooke Cassen, alongside Jessica Pecoraro, Queenie Chan, Tracy Thomson, Steffanie Tzaneros, Danny Doff, Robert Cassen and Mikala Haberfield, this incredible committee brought the night to life. We thank each of them for their efforts.

The event raised just over $2 million on the night, and it is proof that when a community comes together with heart, extraordinary things happen.

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Read a report from the Gala Committee Chair Brooke Cassen in the winter edition of the Soubeiran Magazine, out August 2026.

Rebecca Hambour

Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement