Gala Dinner 2024

A night of inspiration

The 2024 Gala Dinner on Thursday, March 14, showcased global Australians who had an outsized impact on our world. Highlighting why global citizenship mattered then more than ever, the Gala Dinner featured insights from an inspiring lineup of speakers, including the 2023 Global Australian of the Year, Prof Glenn Denning, and Australia’s former Ambassador to the US, the Hon Ambassador Joe Hockey (Ret.).

The Hon Joe Hockey shared his insights into Australia’s global engagement and US politics, noting the rousing words of former President Theodore Roosevelt: ‘It’s far better to dare mighty things, to seek glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to be amongst those poor souls that neither suffer much nor enjoy much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Ambassador Hockey noted the ambition and courage embodied in those words, and the way in which global Australians reflect those qualities when they travel overseas, “have a go” and compete with the very best in the world.

Professor Glenn Denning, an expert in food security, outlined the concept of “universal food security” where everyone has access to a healthy diet produced through sustainable practices, and noted Australia’s strengths in food security – including strong agricultural production and scientific research capabilities, and extensive experience in partnering with countries in the region. He recommended four action for Australia to leverage its track record of success, to enhance regional security:

1. Support Australian Farmers: Recognize their contributions and continue to support them through science and technology.
2. Invest in Research and Development: Increase funding for research institutions like the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to address regional needs.
3. Engage Young People: Create programs like a “food security corps” to encourage young professionals to work in the region.
4. Prioritise Food Security: Raise the profile and budget of food security within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The annual Gala Dinner is Advance’s only fundraiser to support the work of Advance, including their signature Global Australian Awards, which celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Australians living and working overseas, international alumni of Aussie universities, and recent migrants to Australia who were innovating in their field.

This was an exclusive opportunity to be immersed in and learn firsthand about Australia’s global engagement. Attendees also had the chance to meet GameChangers recognized in the 2023 Global Australian Awards and network with peers from a range of corporate, government, and not-for-profit backgrounds.

See the energy of the evening in the photo gallery here.

Sponsors receive brand recognition before, during and after the Gala Dinner; a table for 10 guests and priority table placement and signage. For sponsorship opportunities or further inquiries about our Gala Dinner, please contact us at [email protected]