Special Olympics Australia 50th Anniversary Luncheon
Description
Celebrating 50 Years of Special Olympics in Australia: The Next 50 Starts Here
In 2026, Special Olympics in Australia marks 50 years of empowering athletes and building communities through sport. This milestone recognises the thousands of athletes, families, volunteers, coaches and supporters who have helped create a movement defined by inclusion, opportunity and belonging.
Join us at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for our anniversary luncheon - an event to kick-off a year of celebration - honouring our legacy and the impact achieved over five decades. Together, we will reflect on the moments that have shaped our journey and look ahead to the next 50 years of inclusion through sport.
Event Highlights
Three course lunch and beverages
Special guest appearances
A celebration of the people who make our movement extraordinary
Event Details
Venue: MCG, Olympic Room (enter via Gate 3)
Date: Thursday 26 February, 2026
Time: 12.30pm
The next 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia start here.
Master of Ceremonies
Russel Howcroft
Russel Howcroft is one of Australia’s most recognisable media and marketing voices. Best known as a long-standing panellist on ABC’s Gruen, Russel also co-hosts Melbourne’s #1 breakfast radio show, 3AW Breakfast with Ross & Russel. A former CEO of Y&R Brands and PwC’s first Chief Creative Officer, he is an accomplished author, board chair and 2023 inductee into the Advertising Hall of Fame.
About the Venue
The MCG is more than just a sports venue. It’s a place where memories are made and childhood dreams come alive.
Nestled in Yarra Park, about a 10-minute walk from the heart of the city, the MCG is open every day of the year for events and functions, and tourists and the general public alike can visit seven days a week.
Inside the Olympic Room, guests will be inspired by magnificent views of Yarra Park on one side, and the hallowed turf on the other. The room’s fresh modern design is complimented by an abundance of natural light.
Special Guests

Eliza Hull OAM: Panel Host and Event Entertainment
Eliza Hull OAM is an acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter, performer and accessibility advocate, recognised for her powerful storytelling and captivating live performances. Her recent single Running Underwater, first performed on ABC’s Q&A, reflects her lived experience with Charcot-Marie-Tooth and marks a new chapter in her evolving artistry. Eliza has performed at iconic venues including the Sydney Opera House, Hamer Hall and Ability Fest, and showcased internationally at SXSW and The Great Escape. Beyond music, she is a leading voice for accessibility in the arts, consulting with organisations such as ARIA and APRA and speaking at Parliament House and major cultural forums.

Paul Nunnari: Panellist
Paul Nunnari - Paralympian, Performer and CEO. Paul is an experienced speaker whose work sits at the intersection of sport, film, and cultural change. As a person with disability, Paul explores how authentic representation of disability can both reflect and reshape broader conversations around access, identity, and equity. He is known for creating thoughtful spaces that challenge assumptions about ability and performance, and for advocating systems that promote dignified outcomes for all.

Keiran Corry: Panellist
Keiran has been an active member of Special Olympics for more than 20 years, contributing as both an athlete and a leader. A competitive swimmer, he has represented his club and state at national and international events. Beyond competition, Keiran has mentored young athletes at Junior National Games and volunteered in official and marshal roles at State events. As an Athlete Leader, he brings a practical, common-sense perspective and is a strong advocate for athlete voice. Keiran represents athletes on the Special Olympics Australia Board and across the Asia Pacific region, ensuring athlete perspectives are heard and valued.

Mack Horton: Panellist
Mack Horton is one of Australia’s most respected swimmers, renowned for both his athletic achievements and principled leadership. Born and raised in Melbourne, he is the only male swimmer from Victoria to win an individual Olympic gold medal, claiming the 400m freestyle at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Across a 17-year career, Mack won six gold medals at Olympic, World and Commonwealth level and became widely known for his unwavering advocacy for clean sport. Mack’s tireless work has left an indelible mark on world swimming, he is renowned for his integrity, values and courage to stand up for what he believes in. He remains involved in the sport as President of the Australian Swimmers Association, alongside his role as a Consultant in Deloitte’s Infrastructure Advisory team.

Ruby Lawler: Guest Speaker
Ruby is an athlete leader, mentor, and advocate within Special Olympics Australia and across the Asia Pacific region. In her local club, Ruby trains and competes in swimming and tenpin bowling. Ruby is a qualified Learn to Swim teacher and is actively involved in community initiatives and committees focused on inclusion and accessibility. After completing the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Leadership Academy she is now an Athlete Advisor. Ruby brings authenticity, courage, and a deep commitment to inclusion. She is passionate about ensuring athletes are heard, respected, and represented at every level of decision making.
Event Program
- 12:15 pm - 12:30 pm
Guest Arrival
Guests seated by 12:30pm
- 12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
Official Welcome
Arrival of the Flame of Hope, Acknowledgement of Country, Q&A with Special Olympics Australia Athlete Board Director Ruby Lawler
- 12:45 pm - 1:00 pm
Entree served
- 1:00 pm - 1:10 pm
Opening Address: Minister Ros Spence, Minister for Community Sport, Carers and Volunteers
- 1:10 pm - 1:15 pm
Special Olympics International video message
- 1:15 pm - 1:25 pm
Main course served
- 1:25 pm - 2:00 pm
Panel Discussion
Hosted by Eliza Hull OAM, and featuring Special Olympics Athlete Board Director Keiran Corry, Olympian Mack Horton and Paralympian Paul Nunnari
- 2:00 pm - 2:10 pm
Address from Grant Ramage, CEO Metcash Food
- 2:10 pm - 2:15 pm
Address by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush CZNM and LETR Victoria President Acting Inspector Kate Lockyer
- 2:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Dessert served
- 2:30 pm - 2:50 pm
Address from Jamie O'Connor, Special Olympics Australia CEO
- 2:50 pm - 3:00 pm
Musical performance: Eliza Hull OAM
- 3:00 pm - 3:05 pm
Closing Remarks
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