Or second gala dinner took place on Thursday 14 March 2024 at Dockside in Darling Harbour.
Thanks to all those who came to the Dementia Research Community Gala Dinner. We had a blast and hope that you did too!
MC Steph Brantz led from the stage, Brad Blaze entertained us with his amazing skills, and Owen Wright captivated us with stories from his incredible career and family journey.
Balloons and raffle tickets were bought and auction items were bid on, all in aid of dementia research.
Over $49,000 was raised which will go directly to the research project led by Dr Caitlin Finney from the University of Sydney (more details below).
Official photos from the event are available on this link thanks to Paul McMillan and Henrique Fanti.
Event Program
Hosted by Stephanie Brantz – television sport and events presenter, reporter, producer and commentator.
A history of the Dementia Research Community, future plans and the announcement of a research project.
Keynote speaker Owen Wright.
Entertainer Brad Blaze.
Amazing prizes and good times.
Keynote speaker – Owen Wright
Professional surfer and Olympic Bronze medalist Owen Wright is our keynote speaker for the gala dinner.
Owen’s journey is one of strength and resilience, as he overcame a traumatic brain injury to make it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where he claimed a Bronze medal, the first ever time surfing has been featured in the Olympics. We’ll also hear about how dementia has impacted his family’s life.
Entertainer – Brad Blaze
One of the most popular entertainers going around and recently announced Australian Entertainer of the Year – speed painter Brad Blaze will enthral you with his amazing skills!
Three incredible paintings will be available for purchase after the event.
Prizes and auction items
A huge range of amazing prizes and auction items including the Balloons Bonanza, with all proceeds going to dementia research.
Sporting memorabilia – signed South Sydney Rabbitohs jersey, signed Tadej Pogacar Tour de France jersey, signed Cadel Evans Tour de France jersey, Jai Hindley Giro d’Italia jersey, Sydney Swans jersey.
Experiences – Sydney Harbour yacht trips, Singapore F1 experience, hot air balloon trip, Bali holidays and hotel vouchers.
Paintings & artwork – Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall.
Lego – Star Wars, Chewbacca, Audi Quatro, Statue of Liberty.
Raffle and Balloon prizes – Koala mattress, Young Henrys, MJ Bale, Yeti, Bunnings, Cork & Chroma, Dan Murphys, Coles, Muze cycling kit.
Live auction – Oracle Healthcare health package.
Live Auction – ‘Friday at the Stables’ with Gai Waterhouse PLUS 4 member reserve passes to the Autumn Carnival.
Live Auction – Corporate Box at the SCG or SFS with food and beverages included.
Live Auction – Bali Pool Villa in Seminyak, – 7 nights for 6 guests.
Live Auction – Competitive Yacht racing on Sydney Harbour on board luxury yacht, “Astraea” for 4 people.
Live Auction – Private Dining Experience for 10 people – gourmet 5 course dinner including 10 bottles of matching wines.
Dementia research
All proceeds from the gala dinner will go to fund research by Dr Caitlin Finney from the University of Sydney.
Ester Gin pop up bar
Felix and the team will be setting up the best of the best – Ester gin and spirits pop up bar.
Serving their Ester Strong Gin which one world’s best navy gin in 2021 and their delicious Negroni, their simply sensational Pina Colada will also be on offer.
Platinum Table Partners
Thanks to our Platinum Table Partners for supporting the gala dinner and our quest to fund crucial research to help find a cure for dementia, and help combat this devastating disease.