2026 PIYP Charity Gala

Please join us for the fourth annual 'Power in You Project Charity Gala' to raise funds for those battling addiction, mental health issues and incarceration in Geelong and South-West Victoria. Since our inaugural gala in 2023, the generosity of our community has driven extraordinary growth. What began as a passionate first event, raising over $13,000 quickly gained momentum, doubling to more than $25,000 in 2024, and reaching an incredible $40,000 last year. We are excited to welcome Tahlia Issac as our guest speaker to share her experience with incarceration at this year's gala. 

THE DETAILS:

Hosted at Provenance Wines, with live music to get people moving on the dance floor!

We will again have a silent auction, raffle and a live auction conducted by Damian Mahoney.

Arrive: 6pm (concludes 11pm)

Ticket includes: 2 courses and roaming desserts, 5 hours drinks package (6pm-11pm, beer, wine, cider, non-alcoholic beverages)

Dress code: Formal

ABOUT POWER IN YOU PROJECT:

In just 9 years, founder and former drug addict Kane Nuttall has grown the organisation from just one staff member - himself - and one client battling addiction to over 30 staff across two locations and over 130 clients. 

The Power in You Project is an organisation like no other, with a focus on peer support and leaving judgement at the door. PIYP believe that everyone deserves a second chance, despite working with clients who have complex histories. Not only does this support lift that person out of their darkest moments, but it also makes our region safer.

Kane and the PIYP team's work and peer-focused model has resulted in philanthropic support over the years. However, the demand for addiction, mental health and reintegration support continues to outweigh the resources PIYP has to offer those who need them.

The Charity Gala is a fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds going towards free programs run by PIYP.

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER, TAHLIA ISSAC:

Tahlia Isaac brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the national conversation on women and the criminal justice system. 

She is the founder of non-profit social enterprise Project:herSELF, established in 2024 to support previously incarcerated women to rebuild their lives. The organisation delivers a structured release program, one-on-one peer mentoring and prison reform advocacy. It is the only service-delivery social enterprise in Australia employing exclusively women with conviction histories. 

A former ice user, Tahlia was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in 2018 for drug supply. Following her release, she completed degrees in business and criminology. She is married with two children and lives in Townsville.

We will also hear from PIYP founder & CEO Kane Nuttall during the night. 

We look forward to having you join us for a fun, purposeful night!

We are always looking for raffle and auction items to raise more money for this incredible charity. If you know of any local businesses or are in a position to make a donation, please contact Savannah below.

For any ticketing enquiries, please text event organiser Nattalee Ayres on 0400 265 855