Canberra sparkles for a cause – Hive Star Ball creates unforgettable moments for sick kids

Posted on 6 October, 2025

When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, a family’s world is turned upside down.

With life consumed by hospital and treatment, it can be scary and overwhelming. That’s what the Starlight Children’s Foundation exists – because happiness matters to sick kids and their families, helping them get through their toughest times.

On Saturday 18 October Canberra gets a chance to frock up and step out for a night of fundraising for Starlight’s programs. Canberra real estate favourites Hive Property are the major sponsors behind the ball – the biggest event on the fundraising calendar for Starlight in Canberra. 

“The Canberra community always turns out in style for the gala event, and this year’s Hive Star Ball will be no exception,” says Canberra Star Ball Committee Chair Vicky Papas. 

“It’s a black tie affair – that means a rare chance to don tuxedos and gowns. We invite guests to wear their best ‘glitz and glamour’ for a packed night of entertainment and enjoy the delicious cuisine of the National Arboretum.’

Each year, Star Ball raises funds to drive programs like the Starlight Express Room and Captain Starlight, so sick kids can take a break from their medical treatment and enjoy some therapeutic smiles and laughter. The event is locally driven, with a volunteer event committee behind the event organisation and Canberra businesses providing live and silent auction items and experiences for guests to bid on – many of which money can’t buy outside of the event.   

The live performances add to making the Hive Star Ball an unforgettable evening.

“As much as it’s about dressing up and enjoying a night out, it’s important to remember the event is about giving back what sickness takes away. Just because you’re sick doesn’t mean you stop being a child,” Vicky says. 

“That’s why the Canberra community gets behind Starlight. Because happiness matters.”

The gala will feature performances from Series of Events and music from Aussie blues and rock singer-songwriter Nathan Cavaleri, Sydney party band Let’s Groove Tonight, and the tres sophisticated and playful trio Les Femmes. Multi-award-winning commercial radio and TV broadcaster Bianca Dye will MC the evening, and Hive Property’s Bree Prince will rile up the crowd for the always exciting live auction.

The opportunities to contribute on the night are endless and the local support is immense. Beer drinkers will enjoy Capital Brewing Co froths, while those who fancy a bubbles can purchase a bottle or glass of Piper-Heidsieck champagne from the Supaexpress Deakin and Yarralumla Diamond Champagne Bar. Every purchase earns an entry into the draw for a stunning set of diamond earrings, created and donated by internationally acclaimed jewellers, Vangeli. You can also grab a bespoke glittery cocktail from award-winning small batch local distillery, The Canberra Distillery – because you can never have too much sparkle.

Guests can buy ‘wish balloons’, to grant wishes to Canberra-based children who are hospitalised or seriously ill. And there is a huge list of silent and live auction items – many you won’t find outside of the Hive Canberra Star Ball. 

The Hive Star Ball supports programs like Captain Starlight and the Canberra Playspace.

Foodies can bid for a private dining experience for 10 people donated by acclaimed chef Hao Chen of Raku Dining, including a 12-course degustation cooked by Raku chefs and served with top shelf Nick O’Leary wines. Canberra businesses will be vying for a high-value, high-reaching TV, radio and print advertising package. Thinking about selling your home? Hive’s Anthony and Katrice will sell it for you – and won’t take a single dollar of commission – if you win the Hive sell-your-home package. 

There are some very nice getaways on offer too. A Fiji holiday for two, including airfares, is thanks to the Canberra Airport, and accommodation from Capital Travel Manuka. You can take a luxurious two-week roadtrip in a five-birth Jayco Let’s Go Motorhome. Or keep it local and stay at the highly sought Jamala Wildlife lodge at the National Zoo and Aquarium.

Music fans can bid on a Lady Gaga Gold VIP package for two, including accommodation in Sydney. In the silent auction, you’ll find a double pass to the sold-out Spilt Milk music festival in ‘Top Shelf’ style – plus a very long list of items and experiences for every budget.

“The support of the Canberra business community has been unbelievable and we can’t thank all of the people and businesses who have contributed to this event enough,” says Vicky. “We now hope to see lots of Canberra community members frock up and turn out at the 2025 Hive Star Ball in support Starlight’s programs, bringing happiness to sick kids, and take home one – or more – of these amazing items and experiences.”

The 2025 Hive Star Ball is on 18 October at the National Arboretum in Canberra. 

Tables and tickets to the event are on sale and available at starlightstarball.org.au/canberra.

Images supplied.