-- The Northern Rivers community has raised $200,000 at this year’s Women Up North (WUN) 2025 Bloom & Bling Spring Gala, providing critical support for women, children and young people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
Held on Saturday, 8 November at the Lismore Workers Club, the sold-out event welcomed more than 350 guests for an evening of fundraising, live music and celebration of the invaluable efforts of the WUN team.
Hosted by WUN and proudly supported by investment management firm Challenger, the record annual fundraiser total reflects the collective generosity of local residents, businesses and corporate partners committed to creating safer futures for women and children.
WUN CEO Jillian Knight-Smith said the result shows what’s possible when compassion and community come together:
“We’re so grateful to everyone who attended the 2025 Bloom & Bling Spring Gala, from our local community to the incredible businesses that supported us. Your generosity will help us provide safe housing, transport, food and school essentials, giving families the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“We’re seeing more women, children and young people reaching out for help than ever before, and this incredible result means we can keep saying yes when people need us most. Together, we’re making change happen right here at home.”
Nick Hamilton, Chief Executive of Challenger, said the success of the event highlights the power of collaboration between community and business:
“This is our fourth year supporting Women Up North, and our annual Spring Gala is something I look forward to every year. You can’t leave the Spring Gala without feeling moved by the generosity in the room and inspired by the impact Jillian and her team have on women and children across the region.
“Challenger’s proud to be part of that journey. It’s a reminder that business can play a real role in helping communities thrive and in giving people a chance to rebuild their lives with confidence.”
The funds were raised through community donations, raffles, auctions and sponsorships from local and national organisations, including AIA Australia, Global Ripple, Marsh McLennan, Shape, SovTech, Boardroom, Greencape Capital, Jarden, Northern Rivers Toxicology, Wavestone, Zenith, Accenture, CALI, Insignia Financial, Magenta Advisory, MinterEllison, Salesforce and the PGA.
Guests enjoyed a heartfelt Welcome to Country from Jenny Smith, a performance by the Ninhi Nari Gali Bundjalung dance group, and entertainment from Cath Simes Band and Charisma Belle, with local businesses donating raffle prizes and auction items to support the cause.
The annual Women Up North Spring Ball has become one of the Northern Rivers’ most anticipated fundraising events, uniting community, volunteers and businesses to say no to violence and help families across the region rebuild their lives with safety, dignity and hope.
ENDS
Sponsors
- AIA Australia - Platinum
- Global Ripple - Platinum x2
- Marsh McLennan - Platinum
- Shape - Platinum
- SovTech - Platinum
- Boardroom - Gold
- Greencape - Gold
- Jarden - Gold
- Northern Rivers Toxicology - Gold
- Wavestone - Gold
- Zenith - Gold
- Accenture - Silver
- CALI - Silver
- Insignia Financial - Silver
- Magenta Advisory - Silver
- Minter Ellison - Silver
- Salesforce - Silver
- PGA - Silver
Donors
- Lawcadia
- Lonsec
- LPC Australia
- Marketing Pulse
- Spark Foundry
- Stowe Australia
- Zingcorp
ENDS
About WUN
Women Up North is a Northern NSW service for women, children and young people who have experienced domestic or family violence or abuse. We are based in the Northern Rivers, working from Grafton to Tweed Heads. We work to support safe and healthy families in resilient communities.
About Challenger
Challenger Limited (Challenger) is an investment management firm focused on providing customers with financial security for a better retirement.
Challenger operates a fiduciary Funds Management division and an APRA-regulated Life division. Challenger Life Company Limited (Challenger Life) is Australia's largest provider of annuities.
Release ID: 89176106
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