Light Up the Night: Support Families Rebuilding After Trauma

On Saturday 8 August 2026, the Southport Sharks Event Centre will come alive with the At The Ark annual Light Up the Night Gala Dinner.

Key points:

This black-tie event is more than just an excuse to get dressed up — it’s an invitation to stand with children and families impacted by child sexual abuse and domestic, and family violence.

At The Ark exists to walk alongside those rebuilding their lives after unimaginable pain, and this event helps make that support possible.

Founded by Simon and Xenia Schembri, At The Ark began in response to their own family’s experience of trauma.

This black-tie event is an invitation to stand with children and families impacted by child sexual abuse and domestic, and family violence.

What started as a personal journey has grown into a mission to bring hope and healing to others.

Today, the organisation offers counselling, education, trauma recovery programs like REBOOT, and advocacy for protective reform.

Everything At The Ark does is centred on the conviction that no family should face crisis alone.

Juice Breakfast host Susie Holt has been a long-time supporter of the event.

The gala will feature a lavish three-course dinner and a generous drinks package, with live entertainment, powerful stories of courage and hope, and the presentation of the Bear Dinkum Awards, honouring outstanding community champions who are making a real difference. There night will also include silent and live auctions and more than $100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

But beyond the glitz, this evening is about impact.

At The Ark exists to walk alongside those rebuilding their lives after unimaginable pain, and this event helps make that support possible.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward At The Ark’s work with families in crisis — funding support for children, parents, and carers walking through deep valleys.

This year’s theme, Light Up the Night, speaks to what At The Ark does best: offering light in some of life’s darkest places.

It’s a celebration of courage, community, and the belief that healing is possible.

Whether you’ve been personally affected or simply want to help others, the gala is an invitation to be part of something redemptive and deeply needed.

To reserve your seat or find out more, visit events.humanitix.com.

Snapshot of event details

Dress Code: Black Tie/Formal
Date: Saturday 8 August 2026
Time: 5.30pm–Late
Location: Southport Sharks Event Centre, Gold Coast QLD

All proceeds directly support At The Ark’s programs, including trauma-informed counselling, crisis care, and education initiatives for those impacted by abuse and violence.

Feature image: All photos supplied by At The Ark and used with permission.

Feature image: Supplied