Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney’s 007-themed Gala Dinner at the William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm, on 22 June attracted 450 elegantly dressed guests who helped raise $112,000 to meet the increasing demand for Lifeline’s crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Guests couldn’t help but be impressed by the show-stopping entrance and room styling by Ab Fab Events that set the scene for a night of glamour and numerous photo opportunities, many with “Bond girls” from WB Productions, who also provided some sensational entertainment.
MC Sarah Ryan OAM and co-host Steve Wisbey OAM contributed to the dazzling event with professionalism and commitment to detail, demonstrating how much they cared about making guests feel comfortable, sharing the spirit of giving, and ensuring the evening was a special experience.
A highlight was the NSW Police Band, performing as string and wind quartets, and as a rock band, but most spectacularly as a big band with the amazing Belinda on lead vocals. The performance of classic movie themes, including “Diamonds are Forever”, “Goldfinger”, “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Live and Let Die” had everyone reminiscing.
Brad Blaze entertained the audience and raised some funds with his unique show of speed painting, audience interaction, and comedy – even managing to include a Bond painting in his repertoire.
Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney CEO Veronica Macdonald described the evening as “an opportunity to network, to make new friends, to share, and to demonstrate that we genuinely care for our community”.
She said, “There is nothing worse than losing a loved one – or someone we care about. That is why we’re here tonight – to provide hope to thousands within our community who face the darkest of times.”
Ms Macdonald said, “As CEO, my focus is to ensure awareness of mental health and wellbeing – to be there for those in need.
“We are all here to help Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney continue saving lives for years to come.”
The Chair of the Board of Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney, Tina Rendell-Thornton, said there had never been a more critical time to meet the demands of the community for those suffering severe emotional challenges, financial hardship and loss.
“From experiences of domestic violence, grief, community incidents, the cost of living and rental crises, Lifeline has seen a significant increase in demand for our services.
“In the financial year 2023, our team responded to 107,040 crisis calls on 13 11 14, providing the empathy and support required to prevent suicide, initiate a plan and provide after care where needed.”
The combined efforts of sponsors, donors and guests, including local businesses, clubs, service groups, chambers of commerce and individuals, who donated or bid for vouchers, products, services and experiences in auctions and raffles on the night, contributed to the success of the evening … financially and as a spectacle.
Raffle winners
June Young OAM drew the winners of the main raffle:
· 1st Prize, 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant – R. Proietti
· 2nd Prize, Travel/Holiday Open Voucher – R. Lopresti
· 3rd Prize, Sydney Harbour Helicopter Scenic Flight – L. Mingay
Event sponsors
Principal Sponsor: Perich Group
Thunderball Sponsors: Hunt Family Community Foundation, Fairfield RSL
Casino Royale Sponsors: Marsdens Law Group, Inglis, Cameron Brae, Liverpool City Council, Walker Corporation, InvictusX, Camden Golf Club, Quota Club of Liverpool, TRN
Goldfinger Sponsors: Parramatta Nepean Presbytery, Liverpool City Council, Kelly+Partners, South West Sydney Tourism Taskforce, Holdfast Distillery
Media Partner: HeyYa TV
How the money raised will help save lives
Crisis Support remains Lifeline's core business, costing $44 to answer each call to 13 11 14.
Fifteen per cent of the 3,000 calls a day to 13 11 14 are specific to financial hardship.
Forty-three per cent of Australian males have experienced a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime but men face a range of barriers to getting help when they’re experiencing poor mental health.
In the past decade, rates of psychological distress among young people have risen sharply across the country.
Consequently, funds raised from the 007 Gala will be allocated to:
Crisis Support
Free Financial Counselling
Community Outreach focusing on men’s mental health and youth mental health
Photographs
All the official Happy Medium Photo Co. photos from the007 gala are available here.
A gallery of photographs can be found here.
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