Reconciliation SA launches flagship gala to fund statewide education and anti-racism work

Hero Image: Bousta

Reconciliation SA has officially launched its flagship annual event, its 2026 Fundraiser Gala, taking place on Friday, 9 October at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre (AEC) Theatre on Kaurna Yerta.

The annual Gala is Reconciliation SA's premier cultural gathering and primary fundraiser, with funds raised going directly towards sustaining the organisation's vital, independent operations, including statewide education programs, regional community engagement, and critical anti-racism research initiatives.

Above Image: Marcellus Enalanga

Above Image: Gemma Trueman

This year's event, hosted by NITV presenter and filmmaker, Western Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara and Warlpiri man Marcellus Enalanga, alongside presenter and actor, Anangu and Pitjantjatjara woman Gemma Trueman, embraces the theme of "Our Path, Our Sound," which embodies the urgent call of the 2026 National Reconciliation Week campaign, "All In."

Moving past passive observation, the Gala invites corporate, government, and community sectors across South Australia to step off the sidelines and walk together to ensure that the call for reconciliation reverberates across the state. This will be highlighted at the Gala as corporate allies, policymakers, and community leaders in attendance will be invited to fulfil Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commitments.

"True reconciliation is not a spectator sport, it requires building authentic and meaningful relationships," says Acting CEO Shaun Childs. "The national mandate is clear: we must be All In. With 'Our Path, Our Sound,' we are localising that call. The 'Path' represents our shared responsibility to move forward together through truth-telling, while the 'Sound' demands that we listen to, amplify, and harmonise with First Nations voices in every boardroom, classroom, and community space across the state.”

Above Image: Daniel Motlop

Guests on the night will be treated to a very exclusive culinary experience, a bespoke menu designed by Daniel Motlop from Something Wild, in a collaborative effort with AEC Head Chef Brian Smith. The seven-course tasting menu will feature native ingredients and be an immersive journey through 7 Aboriginal Language Groups.The former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide AFL star will also join the event to give a keynote about his inspiration for the menu, the passion behind using native ingredients, and the development of his business, Something Wild.

Across the night, guests will enjoy entertainment from the state’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural leaders, including WAYIN:THI, a striking new dance work from The Mill, plus a performance from Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji drag queen and resident diva at Mary's Poppin, Estelle.

Above Image: Estelle

The Gala will showcase musical performances from Wiradjuri/Gadigal artist Akala Newman, who performs genre-bending pop that fuses electronic production with language; Western Arrernte singer-songwriter Rob Edwards, who has supported Robbie Williams and Christine Anu; and Arrernte hip-hop artist Bousta, rapping in English and Arrernte.

Above Image: Akala Newman

Above Image: Rob Edwards

The evening also offers guests the opportunity to bid and win across the night in the Gala’s silent auction, featuring exclusive premium items and authentic fine art sourced directly from Indigenous-owned businesses.

With past iterations completely selling out months in advance, organisers urge businesses and allies to secure tables early to demonstrate their active, visible alignment with the "All In" movement. To secure corporate partnership packages, book tables, or learn more about the event, visit the official Reconciliation SA Gala Page - www.reconciliationsa.org.au/gala-2026

RECONCILIATION SA 2026 FUNDRAISER GALA
Friday, 9 October 2026
Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre on Kaurna Yerta.
Tickets and further information: www.reconciliationsa.org.au/gala-2026