The STARTTS Annual Refugee Ball is an invaluable opportunity to transform lives. Year after year, this gala gathers essential funds to support vital programs that help refugees rebuild their futures with dignity and hope.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of powerful stories, great food, meaningful connections, fundraising and celebration, all in support of people and communities affected by refugee trauma.

For 17 years, the STARTTS Refugee Ball has brought together refugee communities, business, government, health, education, community leaders and supporters for one very special night.

In 2026, around 450 guests will come together not only to raise vital funds, but to hear directly from people with lived experience and celebrate the strength, contribution and potential of refugee communities.

Partner With Us in 2026

Embrace the Cause, Elevate Your Brand

Become a champion for human rights and support the vital work of STARTTS by sponsoring the 2026 Refugee Ball. We invite you to choose a partnership package that aligns with your organisation’s goals, allowing you to gain valuable benefits while making a lasting impact on the lives of refugees.

Can’t Attend? You Can Still Make a Lasting Impact.

Even if you’re unable to join us in person for the 2026 Refugee Ball, your support can still transform lives.

By donating today, you directly fund STARTTS’ vital programs, helping refugees and asylum seekers heal from trauma, rebuild their lives, and thrive in our communities. Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial role in championing human rights and fostering hope.

With thanks to our 2026 Sponsors and Partners

A Look Back at 2025

In 2025, we were thrilled to welcome Shankari Chandran as our keynote speaker. As the winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award and acclaimed author of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens and Safe Haven, Shankari shared powerful narratives of displacement, identity, and survival. Her work as a storyteller and human rights advocate offered a unique lens into the complexities of migration and healing, making last year’s theme, Refugee Stories, truly unforgettable.

Stay tuned as we prepare to announce our inspiring 2026 keynote speaker soon.

Shankari Chandran

Last Year’s Impact – Fundraising for 2025

The 2025 STARTTS Refugee Ball was more than just an evening of elegance. It was a night where we came together to celebrate the remarkable journeys of refugees and raise critical funds to empower them to build brighter futures. Last year, the funds raised supported both a local program and an international cause.

Local Cause: STARTTS Girls Camp – Building Belonging Through Story

In 2025, funds raised supported the STARTTS Girls Camp, a transformative four-day program for refugee girls aged 14 to 17 who recently resettled in Australia. The camp offered a safe space where young women connected with peers through dance and cultural activities. Storytelling took centre stage, and the girls became co-creators of a video capturing their experience of sisterhood and strength.

International Cause: Supporting the IRCT – When the World Turns Away

STARTTS is a long-standing member of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). In 2025, a portion of the funds raised went directly to IRCT frontline agencies that faced devastating funding losses. These organisations are a lifeline for victims of war and torture in conflict-affected regions. Your support helped ensure they could continue their vital work even in the most challenging times.

View Highlights from the Refugee Ball!