Honouring 15 Years of Service and as a result we created our Mental Health Charity

On 13 May 2026, MP Jacqui Scruby NSW Parliament formally acknowledged the work of Kerry Gleeson, honouring more than 15 years on the frontline of suicide prevention, postvention, mental health support and trauma care.

“Her work is real, practical, and deeply human… changing lives, restoring dignity, and reminding us of what real support looks like.” NSW Parliament, Community Recognition Statement

This acknowledgement reflects the very heart of what this night is about, standing together to ensure no one in our community is left behind.

Why Your Ticket Matters;

When you purchase a ticket, you’re doing far more than attending a ball you’re helping someone by ensuring no one in our community has to navigate distress alone.

Every day, across our community, people are losing hope through systems. We provide support, connection, and tools for hope before crisis

When you buy a ticket, you’re helping us show up for the people who feel forgotten, overwhelmed, or “too complex” for the system the very people Kerry has been walking beside for more than 15 years.

“Kerry supports our community members that have lost hope. The ones who feel failed by services, hospitals, and crisis responses.”

Your support allows us to keep doing exactly that: reaching people early, before crisis takes hold; sitting with those turned away from hospital; supporting those carrying long‑term trauma; advocating for families navigating the unimaginable; and restoring dignity for those who’ve been told they’re “not eligible.”

What Your Ticket Makes Possible;

Early intervention support — reaching people and providing a safe space and tools before crisis
Compassionate after‑hours care — sitting with those turned away from hospital
Trauma‑informed support — walking beside people carrying long‑term trauma
HOPE - Providing an open door, and different modalities to connect and offer hope through your darkest days
Advocacy for families — guiding people through the unimaginable
Weekly community connection evenings — creating belonging, hope and a space for community to gather for support and connection
Support for those deemed “too complex” — ensuring no one is left behind by systems
A space for anyone, just as you are

Buying a ticket isn’t just attending an event. It’s choosing to reduce suicide by making sure no one in our community has to walk through distress alone and reaching them when they most need, through shared understanding and connection.

Our goal is to have our centre one day in the near future on the Northern Beaches for all to arrive just as they are and be seen, heard and held in a space of safety, and shared lived experience to provide hope.

The Kerry Gleeson Centre;

The Kerry Gleeson Centre is not simply another mental health charity. It is a community movement built on lived and professional experience, compassion, advocacy, and evidence that connection at the right time empowers someone to stay.

Lived Experience at the Centre;

Kerry’s lived experience sits at the core of The Kerry Gleeson Centre. Alongside her professional skills, her journey allows her to offer real hope, genuine understanding and the kind of empowerment that helps people stay, feel hopeful and reconnect with their lives.

Why a Masquerade?

A mask can hide many things anxiety, grief, loneliness, depression, or the smile we wear so no one sees us struggling.

Our Masquerade Ball symbolises the courage to remove those masks. It represents acceptance without judgement, connection instead of isolation, and hope instead of despair.

Behind every mask is a person with a story someone worthy of kindness, understanding and belonging.

On this night, we honour the courage it takes to be seen and the compassion it takes to truly see others.

Contact the host of The Kerry Gleeson Centre - Mental Health Masquerade Gala on Mental Health Day 2026