The annual Bobby Goldsmith Foundation gala auction event is back for its 18th year, raising funds to support individuals living with HIV.
The theme is Cirque du Noir and this year’s event – an evening of glamour, entertainment and community solidarity – will be hosted by drag queen Hannah Conda.
The foundation has been providing support for people living with HIV for just over four decades and is Australia’s oldest HIV charity.
Nick Lawson, chief executive of the foundation, said the event was critical in continuing the important work carried out by the group.
“The Cirque du Noir Gala Auction not only brings us together for an unforgettable evening but also fuels our mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of those living with HIV,” Lawson said.
All proceeds go directly towards the foundation’s health and wellbeing programs, financial counselling and community support services.
Held at Sydney’s Town Hall, guests at the gala will be treated to over three hours of performances and entertainment.
It comes as HIV notifications have declined by 37 per cent since 2016 in Australia. According to the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, the nation is on track to end HIV transmission by 2025.
But despite the successes, there are still almost 30,000 people in Australia living with HIV.
Many of the people the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation supports are among the first generation to age with HIV and have complex health and social needs.
The gala will be held on October 6 and feature an auction with everything from luxury getaways to artworks.
Tickets are $300 and include a three-course sit-down meal, a beverage package and entry to the auction.
$50 from each ticket purchase is tax-deductible.
The charity was founded in 1984 when a group of friends got together to give their dying friend Bobby Goldsmith the care he needed in the comfort of his home.
The foundation has since gone on to provide that same individualised care to thousands of Australians.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: [email protected]
