Image Credit Michael Pham

Palm Royale Meets Purpose: Forget Me Not Ball 2026 Brings Vintage Glamour and a Powerful Mission to Geelong

Geelong’s most dazzling fundraiser will bring vintage glamour, immersive entertainment and a powerful community mission to the city’s newest waterfront venue.

Geelong’s social calendar is set to sparkle once again, with the Forget Me Not Ball returning in 2026 for a night of Palm Royale-inspired glamour, unforgettable entertainment and a powerful mission to change the future of dementia research.

Now in its third year, the much-loved social fundraiser will bring its signature blend of creativity, connection and community impact to the stunning new waterfront venue, Nyaal Banyul, Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

Forget Me Not Ball 2026

When: Saturday 15 August 2026, 7pm to midnight

Where: Nyaal Banyul, Geelong Convention and Event Centre, 80 Western Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220

After Party: Skyline Bar, Crowne Plaza, until 2am (drinks at bar prices)

Tickets: Early Bird tickets are available until 30 June for $200, including drinks, cocktail food, DJ and entertainment. Full-price tickets are $230 from 1 July until sold out.

Accommodation packages at Crowne Plaza Geelong are also available.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Forget Me Not Ball (@forgetmenot.geelong)

The 2026 edition will transport guests to the vibrant world of Palm Royale, celebrating the bold spirit of 1960s glamour, playful extravagance and unapologetic style. Expect statement florals, vivid prints, flowing champagne, theatrical details and a dance floor designed to keep the energy high all night. Guests will enjoy a cocktail-style evening featuring food, drinks, DJs and entertainment, with the celebration continuing at the official after-party at Skyline Bar, Crowne Plaza, until 2am.

More than an evening of celebration, the Forget Me Not Ball exists to create lasting change. Every ticket purchased contributes directly to dementia research and improved outcomes for the local community.

Founded by Geelong locals personally impacted by dementia, the Forget Me Not committee is driven by a simple goal: to turn lived experiences into action.

“We’re not researchers, we’re daughters, sons and grandchildren who felt compelled to do something meaningful,” says founder Kate Ward. “Dementia has been tough as hell to navigate, but the reality is we’re far from alone. One in four people are, or will be, affected.”

“Coming together, we’ve created something that brings light, strength and connection into a space that can feel incredibly dark, and for us, the Ball is a tangible celebration of that.”

The committee has committed to delivering four years of fundraising, with an ambitious target of raising $250,000 in total. This milestone represents the level of funding needed to pursue a significant research grant capable of supporting meaningful advances in dementia prevention, understanding and treatment.

With two successful years already behind them, the campaign has raised more than $120,000 to date, putting the initiative firmly on track towards its goal.

In partnership with the Barwon Health Foundation, the dedicated fund will focus on creating real impact through research that benefits people living with dementia and their families.

Leading the sponsorship campaign is Penny Whitehead from PW Strategy, who brings extensive fundraising and commercial experience to the initiative.

“We are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring the funds raised make a meaningful contribution to dementia care and research locally,” says Whitehead. “That means giving a great deal of ourselves to make this event as impactful as possible.”

The Forget Me Not Ball is renowned for delivering experiences that go beyond a traditional fundraiser. Under the creative direction of Edwina Hanneysee from DXD Agency, the 2026 event is set to continue that tradition with months of planning already underway.

“From the very beginning, our vision has been to give Geelong something truly extraordinary,” says Hanneysee. “A world-class event with a fresh theme every year, unexpected entertainment, and details that leave people talking.”

“Many of our guests are the children and grandchildren of people living with dementia, as are everyone on our committee. Those who have experienced dementia know it is an incredibly emotional journey. That’s exactly why we created an event that responds with joy, colour and unapologetic extravagance.”

The 2025 event sold out, and organisers are encouraging guests to secure tickets early for 2026. Local businesses continue to rally behind the cause, with support from Plenary, Rex Gorrell Ford, PW Strategy, DXD Agency, Wilsons Real Estate Geelong, Dwyer Legal, SECL Project, Crowne Plaza by IHG, Nurse Next Door, Recreate, West Carr & Harvey, Des Mundays & Son, HBR Group and The Travel Notebook.

For tickets and more information, head here.