Step into a night of whimsy for a worthy cause. Photo: Neesh Photography.
In a world where too many women wake each day to struggle, silence and survival, Women Illawarra has been a steady light in the dark for more than four decades. This week that light becomes a dazzling dream.
The organisation invites the Illawarra community to trade the weight of the everyday for wonder, whimsy and a worthy cause at its 3rd Annual Fundraiser, May Daze: Dreaming Big for a Better Tomorrow.
“We work in dark spaces all year, so our annual event is a chance to step into the light, and bring joy, levity and whimsy back into the role,” Women Illawarra general manager Michelle Glasgow says.
“This is no oppressive, lecture-y fundraiser on a Friday night. It is a celebration of two things — the organisation and the resilience of our workers and our community.”
So, they’re going big and beautiful.
Held at the beachside Obar in Towradgi, this cocktail-style evening blends magic with meaning — an enchanted celebration of resilience and community spirit.
Guests will be greeted by the sounds of a local harpist as they walk into A Midsummer Night’s Dream-inspired interior wonderland – a whimsical visual feast dreamed up by XXX.
There will be incredible food and drink, live entertainment from local artists including belly dancing and Circus Monoxide performances, fun games, raffles, photo opportunities and more. Dressing up and dancing are highly encouraged.
But beyond the fairy lights and flowing drinks lies a very real purpose: raising vital funds for the Women Illawarra Building Fund, supporting services for women and children facing violence, poverty and social exclusion.
Established in 1979, Women Illawarra is a leading not-for-profit charity providing critical social supports, advocacy and services to women and children experiencing domestic violence, isolation, marginalisation, discrimination, poverty and other vulnerabilities in the region.
Specifically, funds raised on the night will go towards the organisation’s building fund and an investment in its infrastructure – namely the building on Corrimal Street it has occupied since 1985.
“It has been an incredible base for 40 years, but is no longer fit for purpose. For some time we’ve had to rent an additional commercial space as the whole service doesn’t fit into the one place,” Michelle says.
Women Illawarra is looking to redevelop the centre for purpose, building a women’s centre that meets the needs of the community and brings the team together in one building.
“It’s about having a more trauma-informed response to our clients’ needs, ensuring they can come to one location and access all the support services they need,” Michelle says.
“Ideally when we rebuild, it will become more of a women’s community centre open to the broader community — a place where members can come together and use the facilities to promote their community engagements and projects, and support women starting businesses in the community sector.
“We have a big vision for it, and if we’re dreaming big, we would build short-term accommodation for women escaping domestic violence in our new premises. And that’s what our fundraiser theme is – dream big for a better tomorrow.”
May Daze: Dreaming Big for a Better Tomorrow takes place this Friday 16 May from 6:30 pm at Obar, Towradgi Beach Hotel. Tickets are $125 per person including signature event cocktail the Purple Daze cocktail on arrival, a selection of 10 canapes and a drinks package with local tap beer, craft tap beer, house red, white & sparkling, soft drink and juice. Tickets are limited — book now via Humanitix.
