The annual  STARTTS Refugee Ball has established itself over the past fifteen years as a key event in the social calendar of the multicultural and community services sector in Australia, every year raising vital funds for and awareness of the work that STARTTS does to assist people who have survived torture and trauma.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the 15th Refugee Ball and Fundraiser for a memorable evening of engaging speakers, fundraising, and an energetic mix of world-class live music and cultural performance as we come together to help heal refugee trauma and promote respect for human rights.

The Refugee Ball is Proudly presented in partnership with Friends of STARTTS
Friends of STARTTS (FOS) is an Australian registered charity that supports the work of STARTTS (Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors) and refugee transition programs.

Where your money goes – Fundraising for 2024

This year, funds raised at the Refugee Ball will go towards supporting a local program alongside an International cause.

The 2024 STARTTS Refugee Ball is more than just an evening of elegance and exquisite entertainment. It’s a night where we come together to celebrate the remarkable journeys of refugees and raise critical funds to empower them to build brighter futures.

The Journey: Embracing Our Stories, Redefining Masculinity

Every journey is unique, yet interconnected by common threads of courage, resilience, and the quest for belonging. In 2024, the STARTTS Refugee Ball will focus on supporting ‘The Journey’ program, which is designed to empower teenage boys from refugee backgrounds as they navigate their personal hero’s journey and redefine masculinity in ways that benefit both the individual and the community.

Inspired by Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey,” ‘The Journey’ utilises storytelling as a powerful tool for connection. It recognises that, while our narratives may emerge from diverse backgrounds, their fundamental structures resonate universally, fostering a shared language among participants. Through 12 engaging topics related to masculinity, young men will engage in storytelling, reflection, and discussion, gaining insights into their beliefs and behaviours. The goal is not to impose values but to facilitate a critical exploration of the type of men they aspire to be, celebrating masculinity as a positive force.

By focusing on ‘The Journey’, the Refugee Ball aims to equip young men with the tools to embrace their masculinity constructively, fostering a spirit of solidarity and support within their communities. Each participant becomes the hero of his own story while contributing to a larger narrative of community strength. This program creates a safe and empowering space where young men can redefine their futures, promoting positive settlement and integration into Australian society.

Join us at the Refugee Ball as we come together to support ‘The Journey’ and champion the resilience and potential of young men in our community.

Can’t Attend The Ball? Make a donation instead.

STARTTS works with refugee survivors of war, violence, torture or forced migration. These experiences can be overwhelming and traumatic. By donating to STARTTS you will be contributing to the many innovative and life-changing programs we run to assist individual refugees, community groups and young people. Each year STARTTS helps over 6,000 people start new lives in Australia. Your donation can help us do more.

*STARTTS is a registered charity and all donations over $2 are tax deductible.*

How can you and your company contribute to The Refugee Ball? Be part of our fundraising activities.

There are many benefits to sponsoring the Refugee Ball beyond simply helping a good cause. The Ball pulls together a diverse crowd and is an excellent place to have your brand seen by a network of influential and prominent guests. STARTTS’ close connection to the refugee, migrant and multicultural community is well-established. Over 34 years of uninterrupted service provision we have developed close contacts with community leaders from across the spectrum. Many of these leaders – and also members of their communities attend the Ball every year.