Canberrans love a good gala, but this one was extra special. Photo: Ben Appleton, Photox.
A few hundred Canberrans just raised more than $140,000 for mental health support in a single evening, and they did it all in rock n’ roll style.
Dolled up in their finest black-tie-meets-glam-rock attire, 380 generous supporters flocked to Hotel Realm for the Chamberlain Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Gala.
Their mission? To raise critical funds for mental health support and suicide prevention in the nation’s capital.
Headlining were Aussie entertainer Rob Mills and his band, who made a special stop on their national tour to perform their highly acclaimed Bon Jovi show.
Local journalist Alice Matthews expertly MC’d the event, which also included live auctions and a thrilling DJ set by Fiction Club regular, Edster.
As drinks flowed and guests tucked into a delicious three-course meal, passionate speakers took to the stage to share their stories of love, loss, and above all, hope.
Co-founder Peter Chamberlain was especially blown away by the $30,000 pledged in live, on-the-spot donations.
“We know Canberra really values the spirit of giving, but we were floored by the generosity of our sponsors, partners, event organisers, and of course, our awesome guests,” he told Region following the event.
“A special shoutout goes to SUPERCURIOUS, Copper Live and Sidestage for styling, and Jason Roses of Verv Property for handling our live auction.
“These locals created an electric atmosphere that was completely out of this world, donating and discounting their time to bring our ideas to life.”
The Chamberlain Foundation was formed in 2015, when brothers Ray, Brian and Peter lost a close friend to suicide. They decided to push for change, and have since worked tirelessly towards a future where mental health is prioritised and no one feels alone.
The foundation’s mission was expertly put into words by last-minute call-up Duncan Brede.
“You need to dig the well before you become thirsty,” he said.
“Growing up in Canberra in the 80s and 90s, mental health was simply not a thing.
“As kids, we were told ‘always look your best’, ‘don’t be soft’, ‘toughen up’ … We had no one showing us the roadmap out of depression because we simply did not know what depression was.”
Duncan told the story of his brother, Dale, who lost his life to suicide in 2023. He described Dale as a wonderful man who loved a good time. Duncan looked up to him his entire life.
“His story is a tragic reminder of how important it is to support organisations building awareness around mental health,” Duncan said.
“They’re giving as many locals as possible the tools for their toolbox, so when they need it, whenever that is in their life … We have dug the well.”
As Peter finished up on the night, he said the most important thing people can give one another is their attention.
“Our presence, our willingness to listen, our courage to check in … that is connection, that is community, and that is how change begins,” he said.
“Let’s commit to staying connected, to noticing those around us, to reaching out.
“Tonight is proof that when people come together, hope grows.”
For more information, and to get involved, visit The Chamberlain Foundation.
