Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration for our 2026 Westerman Jilya Institute Indigenous Child Suicide Prevention Fundraising Gala — being held in Sydney for the first time
This event is dedicated to funding the Indigenous Psychology Treatment Arm of Jilya, a vital initiative offering life-changing support to Aboriginal communities that currently exists without operational funding.
Mental wellbeing should not be solely for the privileged. The Treatment Arm will ensure that Indigenous people in critical mental health need can access an Indigenous psychologist free of charge. With our students now graduating at significant rates, every dollar raised will directly fund access to our graduated Indigenous psychology students.
Background
This inspiring fundraiser commenced in 2021 with a marquee event in Perth, drawing national attention to the unacceptable rates of Indigenous child suicide — four times that of non-Indigenous children. The fundraiser was triggered by the 13 deaths by suicide of Indigenous young people in the Kimberley region, the subject of the Fogliani inquiry.
Compelled to act, Dr Tracy Westerman AM founded personally funded the Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program. This spoke to decades of inquiries which concluded that children and families continue to suffer due to ‘system failure’ — or more accurately, a lack of access to culturally competent services.
“Imagine having a child caught in the grip of mental illness and there are no services to help. Imagine when you do find a service, the cultural barriers between you are so great, that any opportunity for healing is effectively lost. Our children should not be dying from want in a world of great excess. Dr Tracy Westerman AM
Since then, the program has captured the hearts and minds of the country. Over 79 Indigenous people have been supported to become psychologists from our highest-risk communities — including the Kimberley, the Pilbara, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Cherbourg, Rockhampton, Mt Isa, Palm Island and many more — with more than 66% the first in their families to go to university. We are skills-building from the ground up to ensure access reaches our most vulnerable communities.
The Evening
The evening is truly about hope and optimism, with tables reserved for bereaved Indigenous families to attend as part of our “Pay it Forward” campaign (refer below). It will unite community leaders, supporters and change-makers to honour Jilya’s recent graduates and announce the new scholarships for 2027.
Four extraordinary Australians, on one stage, for one cause. The work of ending Indigenous child suicide cannot wait. All have donated their time.
🎶 HEADLINE Acoustic Performance by Peter Garrett & Martin Rotsey of Midnight Oil! You DO NOT want to miss this! Peter Garrett and guitarist Martin Rotsey are founding members of the legendary Australian rock band. Performing acoustically for this special evening, their music amplifies social justice, environmental activism and Indigenous rights — from their worldwide hit “Beds Are Burning” through to 2020’s ARIA #1 The Makarrata Project, created with First Nations collaborators- this will be a performance NOT TO BE MISSED!
🎤 Hosted by Narelda Jacobs OAM. Jilya Patron and MC for the evening. Narelda is one of the most well-known faces in Australian journalism and media — a proud Whadjuk Noongar journalist, presenter and commentator whose career at Network 10 spans more than two decades. Narelda presents the daily national news bulletins 10 News First: Lunchtime* and 10 News First: Afternoons. You’ll also find her on NITV/SBS, the ABC, on podcast airwaves, and hosting events around the country and internationally.
✨ Keynote by Dr Tracy Westerman AM. Be captivated by Dr Westerman, Jilya Founder and Chair, and one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the country. An exemplary figure of Blak excellence, Dr Westerman will share insights from the development of Jilya, and her award-winning work in Indigenous psychology and mental health and reveal how it has all been achieved. Her trailblazing work in Indigenous mental health continues to inspire change.
🎓 Honouring our graduates. Hear from Jilya’s shining stars as they share their powerful stories and the transformative impact of Jilya’s support. Their journeys from students to psychologists and why we need an Indigenous Psychology Treatment Centre – driven by Indigenous psychologists for Indigenous people. WE will showcase the profound difference Jilya is making in shaping the future of Indigenous mental health.
📣 Announcing the 2027 Intake. We will announce the successful intake of the Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program, adding more incredible recipients to our list.
🍽️ Indulge in a 3-course gourmet meal. Savour a delicious 3-course meal paired with premium wines, beer and a selection of soft drinks and juices.
The Jilya model is changing lives and closing the gap.
ONLY LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE AND TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!
Single admission – $300
Table of 10 – $3000
Pay it Forward
Sponsor a seat for a bereaved family member Across the history of the Gala, Jilya has welcomed over 400 bereaved family members at no cost — holding those most affected by the cause with care on the night. This work is only possible because our donors underwrite the seats. Any amount contributes to the pool that funds these seats. Every dollar counts. See ‘Pay it Forward’ below to choose your amount and donate. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.
BOOK TICKETS NOW
Pay it forward
Each year we allocate tickets to bereaved Aboriginal families and frontline mental health volunteers to ensure that our most valuable members of the community are front and centre of this incredible night of inspiration. You can underwrite the cost of these tickets by making a tax-deductible donation below.
Donate to underwrite the cost of a ticket for a bereaved family member to attend the Gala:
Donate to our clinic
Support our very own National Indigenous Psychology Treatment Centre.
This service delivers culturally and clinically valid services to our clients and value adds to existing services on the ground in high-risk communities.
INTRODUCING…
Peter Garrett & Martin Rotsey
Guest Performers
Peter Garrett and Guitarist Martin Rotsey are founding members of the legendary Australian rock band, Midnight Oil. Their music amplifies social justice, environmental activism and Indigenous
rights including their worldwide hit “Beds Are Burning” and 2020’s ARIA #1, The Makarrata Project, created with First Nations colaborators.
Since 2016 Martin and Peter have also worked together on two chart topping albums for Peter Garrett and the Alter Egos.
Peter is a former Federal Minister for the Environment and for School Education, a Member of the Order of Australia, an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (France) and Chair of Landcare Australia.
Narelda Jacobs
Jilya Patron and MC
Narelda Jacobs OAM is a Whadjuk Noongar journalist and one of the most trusted voices for journalism in Australia. She is a presenter and author. Her career at Network 10 spans more than 25 years. You’ll also find her on NITV and SBS, the ABC, podcast airwaves, and sharing her lived experience around the country.
Narelda gives back to her community through numerous ambassadorial and board roles, including as Jilya Patron.
Dr Tracy Westerman AM
Our Founding Director & Presenter
Dr Tracy Westerman AM is a proud Nyamal woman from the Pilbara region of WA, Founding Director of the Westerman Jilya Institute, and long been considered a critical thought leader in aboriginal mental health, suicide prevention and cultural competency.
In 2003, she became the first Aboriginal person to complete a combined masters and PhD in clinical psychology. In 2018 she was awarded with the WA’s Australian of the year award as recognition for spending over two decades working to reduce the burden of mental ill health and suicide in Aboriginal communities.
Recognised with an Order of Australia (AM) in 2021 and named the 2018 Australian of the Year (WA), she recently published her award winning memoir, “Jilya,” documenting her transformative work in psychology.
BOOK TICKETS NOW
CAN’T ATTEND BUT WANT TO SUPPORT?
Pay it forward
Each year we allocate tickets to bereaved Aboriginal families and frontline mental health volunteers to ensure that our most valuable members of the community are front and centre of this incredible night of inspiration. You can underwrite the cost of these tickets by making a tax-deductible donation below.
Donate to underwrite the cost of a ticket for a bereaved family member to attend the Gala:
Donate to our clinic
Support our very own National Indigenous Psychology Treatment Centre.
This service delivers culturally and clinically valid services to our clients and value adds to existing services on the ground in high-risk communities.
Sponsorship Packages:
We are offering the following Corporate Sponsorship tiers:
Each tier is curated for genuine partnership — visibility, hospitality, and shared purpose.
Partner with Jilya at one of the most powerful philanthropic moments on the Australian calendar — alongside Peter Garrett, Martin Rotsey, Narelda Jacobs OAM and Dr Tracy Westerman AM. This is the country’s only national event dedicated to ending Indigenous child suicide.
1 Exclusive Naming Rights Partner – JUST ONE AVAILABLE!!!
– Exclusive naming rights to the 2026 Jilya Gala (“Your Brand presents…”)
– Two reserved premium tables (20 guests) in front-of-stage placement
– 60-second branded video presentation during the evening
– Full-page advertisement in the event program; logo on all collateral
– Verbal recognition by MC Narelda Jacobs and in Dr Westerman’s keynote
– Dedicated social media campaign (3+ posts pre-event, 1 dedicated post-event)
– Logo on event signage, on-screen visuals throughout the evening
– First right of refusal for 2027 Naming Rights
3x Platinum Partners
– One reserved premium table (10 guests) in front-of-stage placement
– 30-second branded video presentation during the evening
– Half-page advertisement in the event program; logo on all collateral
– Verbal recognition by MC Narelda Jacobs
– Dedicated social media post (avg. 70,000 hits)
– Logo on event signage and on-screen visuals
– Professional event photography
5x Gold Partners – JUST 3 REMAIN!
– One reserved table with premium placement (10 guests)
– Quarter-page advertisement in the event program
– Verbal recognition by MC
– Logo on printed and on-screen materials
– Social media tag and event-night photography
8x Silver Partners – JUST 7 REMAIN
– One reserved table with premium placement(10 guests)
– Logo placement in event program and on-screen
– Verbal recognition by MC
– Event-night professional photography
Unlimited Community Partners – 3 SOLD already!
– Half table for 5 guests
– Logo placement in event program
– Event-night photography
Other Ways to Support:
Auction Donations
Donate a high-value item or experience to our 6-week online auction which is promoted across pre-event social media (30M+ engagements), in the program, and on-screen during the evening. The auction closes on the night with MC Narelda Jacobs driving the final bids from stage.
Raffle Prizes
Donate a product or service to be raffled on the night. Strong on-the-night fundraising at accessible price points. Donors are acknowledged in the event program and from the stage.
Pay It Forward – Seats for Those Who Matter Most: Underwrite seats for bereaved families and Jilya students.
Across the history of the Gala, Jilya has welcomed over 400 bereaved family members at no cost — holding those most affected by the cause with care on the night. This work is only possible because our donors underwrite the seats. Any amount contributes to the pool that funds these seats. Every dollar counts.
General Donations: Any contribution, any amount – 100% directly to services.
Don’t fit any of the categories above? You can make a tax-deductible donation of any amount toward the National Indigenous Psychology Treatment Centre. Donors
contributing $2,000+ are acknowledged in the event program (with consent). Every dolar reaches the cause.
In-Kind Partnerships: Goods and services that offset event costs.
Photography, videography, printing, transport, accommodation, beverages, design, AV – in-kind partners receive sponsorship-level recognition equivalent to the cash value of contributions, including program credits, on-screen acknowledgement, and social media features.
Corporate Sponsorship Enquiries
BOOK TICKETS NOW
Become a sponsor:
Jilya would like to acknowledge this event would not be possible without the generous support of all of our artists, event sponsors.
If you would like to be recognised by us as an amazing sponsor please get in touch…
CAN’T ATTEND BUT WANT TO SUPPORT?
Pay it forward
Each year we allocate tickets to bereaved Aboriginal families and frontline mental health volunteers to ensure that our most valuable members of the community are front and centre of this incredible night of inspiration. You can underwrite the cost of these tickets by making a tax-deductible donation below.
Donate to underwrite the cost of a ticket for a bereaved family member to attend the Gala:
Donate to our clinic
Support our very own National Indigenous Psychology Treatment Centre.
This service delivers culturally and clinically valid services to our clients and value adds to existing services on the ground in high-risk communities.
A huge thank you to our donors and supporters!
Inaugural Sydney Jilya Indigenous Child Suicide Prevention Fundraising Gala 2026 is proudly supported by:
Platinum Partners:
Gold Partners:
Silver Partners:
Community Partners:
Become a sponsor:
Jilya would like to acknowledge this event would not be possible without the generous support of all of our artists, event sponsors.
If you would like to be recognised by us as an amazing sponsor please get in touch…