Rob Mills will headline a spectacular line-up of entertainment at the Chamberlain Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Gala. Photo: Torre Entertainment.
Red carpet vibes, a live car auction, and Rob Mills heading up an epic live entertainment line-up — the Chamberlain Foundation is turning 10, and founder Peter Chamberlain is pulling out all the stops.
He promises a night of glitz and glamour at the opulent Hotel Realm, with guests treated to an evening rich in superlatives.
“We’re going all out,” he says.
Over the past decade, with Canberra’s generosity and encouragement, the foundation has helped raise more than $750,000 to support mental health and suicide prevention programs across Australia.
This year, they’ve set a lofty goal of surpassing the $1 million mark.
“We’re well on our way, and whether we reach that goal or not, I am very proud of what we’ve achieved so far, as we hit our 10-year milestone,” Peter says.
“It’s humbling to think that three brothers who grew up in an ex-government house in Kambah were able to come together with some amazing people to help run a charity that, over its first decade, has raised close to $1 million in donations.”
The theme is black tie with a hint of glam rock. Think James Bond meets Mick Jagger — bow ties, sequins, leather.
“Make elegance misbehave,” Peter says. “Dress like you’re heading to the opera … then crashing a stadium gig.”
Rob Mills and his band are currently on a national tour and will bring their highly acclaimed Bon Jovi show to Canberra for the Chamberlain Foundation Gala Ball. There will be a special draw for those buying their table early, with the chance to win a meet-and-greet with Rob Mills and his band at sound check.
More big announcements on the entertainment line-up are en route.
The theme is black tie with a hint of glam rock — think formal up top, rock star in the details (pictured, Aasish Ponna and Daniel D’Onofrio nailing the brief at the 2024 Canberra Star Ball). Photo: Torre Entertainment.
ALLBIDS will run the silent and live auctions, aided by the charismatic auctioneering skills of VERV Property’s Jason Roses.
The premium prizes include a Kia car from National Capital Motors, sell your house for no commission from Verv Property, tickets to Ed Sheeran – the Loop Tour, a Prancing Horse Luxury Driving experience for two people to drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other super cars, a barista course with ONA Coffee, as well as some “money can’t buy” experiences like VIP tickets to the 2026 Festival of Speed with a hot lap in a Supercar and much more.
Guests will enjoy a spectacular three-course meal, a Champagne bar sponsored by Adiem Law (where each purchase gets you an entry into the draw for a stunning piece of jewellery), and delicious signature cocktails by winners of Best In Show at Sydney Royal Easter, Ambrosia Distillery.
All proceeds go to the foundation, and the primary beneficiary of the night is Menslink.
With Menslink having already received $45,000 following last year’s lunch, the foundation’s ongoing support signals its own evolution.
“Our focus early in the foundation was on critical services like Lifeline Canberra and Griefline — organisations that help people at times of greatest need,” Peter says.
“As the foundation has matured, and the three brothers have had children and watched them grow, we’ve shifted the focus to mental health more broadly, including education and wellbeing programs.
“We understand that making a difference often means getting in early, building skillsets around resilience, communication and mental fitness in young people.
“To that end we turned our attention to supporting organisations like the Danny Frawley Centre’s work providing mental fitness training to teenagers via sporting clubs and funding the creation of “R U OK? To 6”, a program to teach primary school kids to be superheroes and understand their feelings.
“We love the work Menslink is doing in this space, with its brilliant programs for Canberra’s young men.”
Beyond the diamonds, cocktails and music, the true sparkle of the night will be the impact it creates for young Canberrans.
“The evening promises more than just spectacle — I hope it’ll be a night of connection, where we bring great Canberrans into a room to unite for a cause that matters.”
The Chamberlain Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Gala will take place on Saturday 15 November from 6:30 pm at Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton.
