One unforgettable night with lasting impact

The 6th Gold Ribbon Gala was a night to remember. An unforgettable evening filled with music, laughter, celebration and an extraordinary display of generosity for families facing childhood cancer.

On Saturday 8 August, the Adelaide Convention Centre was transformed into an enchanted garden as hundreds of guests came together for the Childhood Cancer Association’s biggest night of the year.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was something special. The beautiful garden-inspired styling created a magical backdrop for an evening of celebration, while guests enjoyed great food, wonderful company and the excitement of knowing they were helping make a difference to children with cancer, and their families.

The entertainment was just as memorable.

John Standley, aka Johhny Jukebox, got the evening underway, bringing his enthusiasm and musical talent to the stage. Later, the fabulous The 60 Four took over, delivering their signature high-energy performance and having guests up on the dance floor and singing along.

But while there was plenty of fun, laughter and dancing, there was also a powerful reason for everyone to be in the room.

Together, our generous guests raised an incredible $232,029.

That’s more than a fundraising total. It represents ongoing support for more than 450 families each year through the Childhood Cancer Association’s 30+ free services.

It means counselling for a parent navigating the challenges of a diagnosis. A place to stay for a regional family needing to be close to the hospital during their child’s treatment. Support for siblings who may be struggling with the changes happening around them. Education assistance, equipment loans and practical help when everyday life has been turned upside down.

Childhood Cancer Association Chief Executive Cath O’Loughlin said the incredible generosity shown throughout the evening would have a lasting impact.

“The Gold Ribbon Gala is always a special night. To see so many people come together, celebrate, have fun and then dig deep to support families facing childhood cancer is incredibly moving,” Cath said.

“The generosity shown at the Gala means we can continue to bridge the gap between medical treatment and the many practical and emotional challenges families face outside the hospital.”

The evening also provided an opportunity to remind guests why this support is so important. While medical teams provide critical treatment, childhood cancer affects every part of family life, and many of the challenges families face sit outside the healthcare system.

The Childhood Cancer Association works alongside hospital teams to provide professional, practical and emotional support that is tailored to each family and available completely free of charge.

“Every week, families are referred to us following a childhood cancer diagnosis,” Cath said.

“The Gala may be one special night, but the impact of the generosity in that room will continue for months to come. It will help us be there for families from diagnosis, throughout treatment and into survivorship or bereavement.”

A huge thank you to everyone who made the 2026 Gold Ribbon Gala possible — our sponsors and partners, entertainers, MCs Hayley Pearson and Jarrod Walsh, volunteers, donors, auction bidders, raffle ticket buyers and every guest who helped make the evening so memorable.

And to everyone who joined us: thank you for making the room sparkle, the dance floor come alive and, most importantly, for turning one magical evening into lasting support for families facing childhood cancer.

We can’t wait to do it all again at the 7th Gold Ribbon Gala.