Last Saturday, the Turf Club transformed into a place of purpose, power and possibility as we welcomed guests to the Resilience & Empowerment Luncheon - a joint fundraiser hosted by Wounded Heroes Australia and the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation.
More than just an event, the luncheon was a carefully curated experience designed to inspire, connect and ignite change. With a shared focus on crisis support, community safety and long-term resilience, our two organisations came together for one powerful afternoon - uniting purpose with people.
And what a day it was.
Two Organisations, One Vision
At the heart of this event was a shared mission: to provide critical support to those facing unimaginable challenges.
-
Wounded Heroes Australia delivers 24/7 crisis support to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members - past and present - and their families.
-
The Allison Baden-Clay Foundation works to prevent domestic and family violence through advocacy, education and awareness.
While our causes serve different communities, our purpose is the same: to restore safety, dignity and hope. The luncheon marked a rare and meaningful collaboration between two impactful Australian charities - each with a strong legacy and a future-focused outlook.
A Sold-Out Event Full of Impact
Set against the sophisticated backdrop of the Turf Club, the event attracted a full house of supporters, donors, sponsors, corporate guests and community champions.
Guests arrived to a warm welcome, premium hospitality and an electric atmosphere filled with connection, empathy and generosity. It was a space where stories were shared, partnerships were formed and the spirit of giving was front and centre.
This wasn’t just another charity lunch. It was a resonant experience - one where every detail was aligned with our mission, every dollar raised had a direct impact, and every attendee left knowing they were part of something bigger.
Libby Trickett: A Keynote That Hit Home
We were honoured to welcome Libby Trickett - Olympic swimming champion, author, mental health advocate and proud mum - as our keynote speaker.
Libby’s speech was as uplifting as it was raw. She spoke about the hidden challenges behind success, the mental health struggles so many face silently, and the importance of asking for help. Her vulnerability, strength and authenticity made a lasting impression on the entire room.
She reminded us that resilience is not the absence of struggle - it’s the ability to move through it with support, courage and care. It was a message that beautifully aligned with the missions of both host organisations.
Raffles, Winners & Generous Giving
Of course, no fundraiser is complete without a bit of fun - and thanks to our community’s generosity, the raffle prizes did not disappoint.
Guests eagerly purchased tickets throughout the event, all in support of our causes. From indulgent hampers to experience vouchers, wellness products and exclusive local items, the prizes brought an added sense of excitement to the room.
Congratulations to all our raffle winners! And more importantly, thank you to every single guest who bought tickets. Every entry was a donation that directly supports veterans in crisis and victims of domestic violence.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event possible:
-
Our guests, who showed up with generosity and compassion.
-
Our sponsors, whose support underpinned the success of the day.
-
Our volunteers, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
-
Our partners and donors, who contributed prizes and resources.
-
And of course, the incredible team at the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation - thank you for your trust, your collaboration and your shared commitment to positive change.
Together, we created more than a fundraiser—we created a movement.
A New Tradition Begins
Based on the overwhelming response, we’re proud to announce that the Resilience & Empowerment Luncheon will return next year - bigger, better and even more impactful.
This event is set to become a cornerstone in our annual fundraising calendar, offering a meaningful way for individuals, businesses and community groups to show support, raise awareness and drive change.
We’ll be releasing expressions of interest for 2026 partnerships, sponsorships and ticket sales in the coming months - so stay tuned.
Why This Matters
Behind every raffle ticket, every table booking and every round of applause is a deeper story:
-
A veteran family who won’t face crisis alone.
-
A woman leaving an unsafe home with the resources she needs to start over.
-
A community that refuses to turn a blind eye.
This is why we do what we do. And it’s why your support matters - not just today, but every day.
What’s Next?
We’ll be sharing highlights, professional photos and guest testimonials across our social media and websites over the next few weeks. Keep an eye out and tag yourselves in the memories!
And if you missed this year’s event - don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways to get involved:
-
Make a donation.
-
Partner with us for upcoming events.
-
Nominate your workplace to attend next year’s luncheon.
-
Share our mission with your network.
Together, we’re building a more resilient Australia.
Until Next Year…
The 2025 Resilience & Empowerment Luncheon was a powerful example of what happens when purpose meets community. It reminded us all that behind every act of bravery is a support system - and behind every support system is a village of people who care.
We can’t wait to grow this event into something even more impactful in the years to come.
On behalf of Wounded Heroes Australia and the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, thank you for being part of our story.
See you in 2026.
