WaterAid Australia’s annual Victorian Ball, held on Friday, March 21, brought together 550 supporters, partners, and advocates for a night of celebration and generosity. The event raised over $580,000 to bring clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene to communities in need.
Hosted at The Sofitel in Melbourne, the evening was attended by Major Sponsors, including Clover, Abergeldie, Interflow, John Holland and Califam.
The night was filled with inspiring speeches, heartfelt stories and exciting fundraising activities, all supporting WaterAid Australia’s mission to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to clean water.
Special Guest Sodany Saing, Learning and Communication Manager at WaterAid Cambodia, addressed the crowd to share the impact WaterAid has in Cambodia and her own childhood growing up without water or sanitation.
“Even though my house was in the city, I did not have a toilet or access to clean water at home. I remember when I was 5 or 6 years old, I’d have to wait until a quiet time when nobody was around so that I could go to defecate behind my house,” Saing said. “Joining WaterAid in Cambodia made me feel connected and motivated. I work with passion and hope every day. Every time I visit the community, I can feel them and can quickly connect to my childhood story. WaterAid Cambodia has improved the lives of more than one million people with access to a decent toilet and more than 600,000 people with access to clean water at home that they can use for household and drinking at times of need. “
WaterAid Australia Chief Executive Tom Muller addressed the audience, emphasising the importance of continued support from the water sector.
“With the continued support of the Victoria Water Industry, WaterAid will keep driving forward in 2025 to create a world where everyone, everywhere, has access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene,” Muller said. “In the year ahead, we’ll strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene in schools and healthcare facilities, implement nature-based solutions in Timor-Leste to protect water sources, support local governments in Cambodia to advance safely managed sanitation and share lessons on water access in informal settlements in Papua New Guinea. Together, we’re making lasting change happen.”
Guests were also treated to a spectacular performance by Australian singer Kate Ceberano, who brought her signature energy and passion to the stage.
“I am thrilled to have headlined the Victoria Gala Ball in support of WaterAid,” Ceberano said, reflecting on the event. “Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights, yet millions worldwide still lack access. WaterAid’s incredible work changes lives daily, and I am honoured to lend my voice to such an important cause.
“Music has the power to bring people together, and this event was a beautiful celebration of compassion, generosity and making a real difference.”
The funds raised from the evening will go towards WaterAid’s work, supporting sustainable and climate-resilient solutions that bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to those who need it most.
WaterAid Australia extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors and attendees who made the Victorian Ball a huge success.
Related Articles:
- Millions dedicated to Dunedoo and its drinking water
- Northern Victoria handling dry spell well, for now
- Paving the way for clean water with WaterAid’s Walk for Water