A Look Back at 2025

In 2025, we were thrilled to welcome Shankari Chandran as our keynote speaker. As the winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award and acclaimed author of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens and Safe Haven, Shankari shared powerful narratives of displacement, identity, and survival. Her work as a storyteller and human rights advocate offered a unique lens into the complexities of migration and healing, making last year’s theme, Refugee Stories, truly unforgettable.

Stay tuned as we prepare to announce our inspiring 2026 keynote speaker soon.

Shankari Chandran

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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.

Last Year’s Impact – Fundraising for 2025

The 2025 STARTTS Refugee Ball was more than just an evening of elegance. It was a night where we came together to celebrate the remarkable journeys of refugees and raise critical funds to empower them to build brighter futures. Last year, the funds raised supported both a local program and an international cause.

Local Cause: STARTTS Girls Camp – Building Belonging Through Story

In 2025, funds raised supported the STARTTS Girls Camp, a transformative four-day program for refugee girls aged 14 to 17 who recently resettled in Australia. The camp offered a safe space where young women connected with peers through dance and cultural activities. Storytelling took centre stage, and the girls became co-creators of a video capturing their experience of sisterhood and strength.

International Cause: Supporting the IRCT – When the World Turns Away

STARTTS is a long-standing member of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). In 2025, a portion of the funds raised went directly to IRCT frontline agencies that faced devastating funding losses. These organisations are a lifeline for victims of war and torture in conflict-affected regions. Your support helped ensure they could continue their vital work even in the most challenging times.

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.