Reconciliation SA Fundraiser Gala 2026
Description
Reconciliation SA is pleased to present the 5th annual Reconciliation SA Fundraiser Gala at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre on Kaurna Yerta.
This year’s theme, "Our Path, Our Sound", localises the urgent call of the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme "All In."
True reconciliation is not a spectator sport, it requires building authentic and meaningful relationships. The national mandate is clear: we must be All In.
With 'Our Path, Our Sound,' we are localizing 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 harmonize with First Nations voices in every boardroom, classroom, and community space across the state."
Designed to celebrate the unique and diverse landscape and culture of South Australia, the 2026 Gala is going to be a night to remember!
The Event Program
This very special event will treat guests to a bespoke menu designed by Daniel Motlop from Something Wild in a collaborative effort with AEC Head Chef Brian Smith. The 7 course tasting menu will feature native ingredients and be an immersive journey through 7 Aboriginal Language Groups.
Daniel Motlop will also join the event to give a keynote about his inspiration for the menu and the passion behind using native ingredients.
Hosted by Marcellus Enalanga and Gemma Trueman, the event will feature a live performances including a dance performance: WAYIN:THI produced by The Mill and music performances from Akala Newman, Rob Edwards and Bousta, this is a premier event on the South Australian social calendar.
Event Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors: Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, BAE Systems, Adelaide Oval.
Community Table Sponsors: Department for Energy & Mining, Electranet, RAA, Junction Australia, Walker Corporation, SA Power Networks, SA Housing Trust.
Wine Sponsor: Bethany Wines
The Fundraising
This event allows guests the opportunity to support our organisation's work in promoting and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples rights across SA by bidding during the event's silent auction which boasts an exciting array of items including original art pieces, holidays, seasonal event tickets and so much more. Stay tuned for more details on when and how to bid via our online bidding platform, GalaBid.
Our Fundraiser Gala is integral to raising funds for our organisation to deliver important reconciliation initiatives and projects across the state, and the ongoing work that our organisation does.
Contact Details
Should you have any queries please contact our team via email at events@reconciliationsa.org.au or by phone on (08) 7082 2977.
Lineup
Daniel Motlop - Menu design and Keynote Speaker
Daniel Motlop is a former AFL footballer turned influential Indigenous entrepreneur and spirits maker. A proud Larrakia man from Darwin, Daniel played more than 130 AFL games before returning home to champion Australian native ingredients and cultural storytelling. Through his family business, Something Wild, he has helped lead ethical wild harvesting and supply of native foods across Australia. As founder and Director of Seven Seasons, he transforms traditional knowledge into contemporary spirits that honour the Larrakia calendar. Daniel is nationally recognised for his commitment to sustainability, cultural integrity, and celebrating Indigenous flavours with authenticity and purpose.
Gemma Trueman - MC
Gemma Trueman is a proud Aṉangu and Pitjantjatjara woman from South Australia. She works as a presenter, actor, and Indigenous engagement professional with a passion for storytelling. Gemma supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in education, advocating for culturally safe spaces. Her screen credits include Firebite and Australian Wars, and her dance background shapes her confidence as a storyteller
Marcellus Enalanga - MC
Marcellus Enalanga is a Western Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara and Warlpiri journalist, TV presenter, and speaker.. Currently the SA Correspondent for NITV News, he hosts the award-winning first nations talk show Mob Talks. With a background in government youth strategy, Marcellus is the former Deputy Chair of the SA Aboriginal Advisory Council and an international reporter.
WAYIN:THI - Dance ensemble
WAYIN:THI, produced by The Mill, is a First Nations dance theatre ensemble based in South Australia, grounded in culture, self-determination and performance-making. In Kaurna language, WAYIN:THI means to move or to flow. Co-led by First Nations artists Caleena Sansbury, a Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga woman and Kaine Sultan-Babij, an Arrernte and Gurindji man, WAYIN:THI's work is dedicated to amplifying the voices of South Australian First Nations dance and performance artists. WAYIN:THI creates greater visibility for powerful cultural storytelling through movement and performance.
Rob Edwards
Adelaide-based Western Arrernte singer-songwriter Rob Edwards fuses soulful melodies with powerful storytelling, drawing inspiration from mental health, nature, and his family’s Stolen Generations journey. Blending country, folk, and soul, his warm, authentic sound resonates deeply with audiences. Rob has performed at WOMADelaide and Queenscliff Music Festival, Harvest Rock, Yabaardu and supported artists including Robbie Williams at the Adelaide 500, Christine Anu, Budjerah, and Ash Grunwald.
Akala Newman
Ethereal and Electric. Akala Newman is a Wiradjuri/Gadigal artist creating dark, genre-bending pop that fuses electronic production with language, lineage, and club energy. Named “one to watch” by Rolling Stone after SXSW Sydney, her work moves between the intimate and the explosive — sensual, powerful, and unapologetically sovereign.
Bousta
Introducing Bousta, a proud Arrernte man coming out of Mparntwe/Alice Springs and currently living and studying in Adelaide. Bousta is a Hip Hop artist who writes thought-provoking lyrics in English and Arrernte, and shares his traditional language as a powerful tool to inspire Indigenous kids to chase their dreams.
Estelle
Estelle is an Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji drag queen, performer and resident diva at Mary’s Poppin. Her practice spans drag, performance and choreography. Her performance credits include Poppin’ Out, Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Perth Festival, WOMADelaide, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Feast Festival, FabAlice Festival and Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, alongside performances at numerous community and grassroots events across South Australia. Her screen credits include Top End Bub, where she performed and choreographed for the Logie Award-nominated series. Her work continues to move between Adelaide’s arts, festival, community and nightlife scenes.
DJ Mozzi
MoZzi is the DJ alter ego of Port Augusta-based First Nations artist, storyteller and creative Dre Ngatokorua. Bringing together infectious beats, big energy and a strong connection to culture, MoZzi creates DJ experiences that are made to get people moving. His sets move across genres and moods, blending contemporary electronic sounds with unexpected tracks, crowd favourites and a uniquely First Nations perspective.
FAQs
- What is the dress code?
Dress up! This is a black-tie event and an opportunity to get dressed up for a really special night out.
- How do I update dietaries?
Dietary and Attendee Information:
To ensure all attendee dietary requirements are met, you will be asked to enter names and any special considerations via Humanitix.If you do not have this information at the time of booking your tickets, you will have an opportunity to do so via an automated link via Humanitix sent to buyers in mid September. Alternatively you can open your booking confirmation email at any time and select 'manage order' to edit attendee information as many times as you need to until the cut off date.
The cut off date to receive all dietary and attendee information through Humanitix is 5pm Wednesday 30th September 2026.
All attendee information (names and dietaries) will be provided to the AEC Theatre on this date. Please do not send this information via email, as it will not be entered into the automated system.
- What are the event timings?
Event Date:
Friday 9th October 2026
6.00PM - 10.00PM
Please arrive to the outdoor terrace directly outside the AEC Theatre at 6.00PM for the entree course which will be served as canapes, plus pre-dinner beverages and photos
Formalities begin inside the theatre at 7.15PM sharp. - Is the event 18+?
Yes this is an 18+ event as the tickets include a complimentary beverages package.
- What are the venue details?
Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre
98 Port Road, Hindmarsh, Kaurna Yerta SA 5007
For information on getting to the venue including parking and public transportation please visit this link - I am booking a table, but I won’t have all the names and dietary requirements for each guest right away. Can I add this information at a later date?
The cut off date to add all dietary requirements and names for your table is 5pm Wednesday 30th September 2026.
In September, you will receive an automated email via our ticketing platform, Humanitix, with a link to follow to add all your final dietary requirements, if you are not able to include them at the time of booking your table.
Alternatively you can open your booking confirmation email at any time and select 'manage order' to edit attendee information as many times as you need to until the cut off date.
- Are there any free tickets for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
Thanks to the generous support of our Community Table Sponsors, a limited number of complimentary tickets to our 2026 Gala are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
These tickets are intended to honour and support Elders, Traditional Custodians, Cultural Leaders, Students (18+), Small Business Owners and others within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Tickets will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form on our website at this link.
- Is there any discount on tickets for Reconciliation SA Members?
As a premier fundraising event on the Reconciliation SA social calendar, we are unable to offer any discounts to members for this event. The member benefit is early access to tickets.
- How will I know which table I will be seated on?
Prior to the event, all guests will be emailed with their table number and a seating plan so that you can gauge where in the room to look for your table. Tables will be clearly numbered on the evening. It is the responsibility of the buyer to share your table number with all guests who you have booked for.
- Is the AEC Theatre fully accessible?
Yes the venue is fully accessible. The Adelaide Entertainment Centre is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible venue for all our guests and offers a range of accessibility options and facilities to ensure all patrons have an enjoyable event experience. To view the accessibility information please visit this link.
- How do I register for the Silent Auction as a bidder?
This year we will be using Gala Bid, an online Silent Auction Platform. Guests will be provided information on how to sign up via email prior to the Gala and will be given sign up instructions on the night too. Expect this information to be shared shortly.
- What sort of items are available to bid on in the Silent Auction?
A full catalogue will be sent to guests via email in the lead up to the event and will also be available within the Gala Bid platform, and as a hard copy on your tables. There will be items from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses as well as non-First Nations owned businesses. Expect things like event tickets, vouchers for unique experiences, bespoke furniture, art and gift boxes.
- I bought tickets but can no longer attend the event. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are available up to 30 days prior to the event. After this time, you can change the details against your booking to a different person until 5pm Wednesday 30th September 2026. , when dietary requirements close.
- I want to buy tickets for my organisation but I don't have a credit card. Can I pay via invoice?
Yes, you are able to pay via invoice for this event. Email events@reconciliationsa.org.au or call (08) 7082 2977 to request a link to this payment option sent to you.
- I have a question that has not been answered here. How can I get in touch?
Please contact the Reconciliation SA Events Team at events@reconciliationsa.org.au or (08) 7082 2977.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
