PALM ROYALE MEETS PURPOSE: FORGET ME NOT BALL 2026 SET TO DAZZLE ON THE WATERFRONT

In an exciting development for its third year, the Forget Me Not Ball will be held at the stunning new waterfront venue, Nyaal Banyul, placing guests among the first to experience the highly anticipated space.

This year’s theme draws on the lush, sun-drenched extravagance of Palm Royale, transporting guests to an era of 1960s glamour, playful opulence and unapologetic excess. Think bold prints, statement florals, flowing champagne and theatrical moments at every turn. More than just an event, it’s a fully immersive experience, served cocktail-style and built around the allure of the perpetually full dance floor.

Every ticket purchased contributes directly to advancing research and improving outcomes - making the Forget Me Not Ball not just a celebration, but a powerful force for change within our community.
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​Last year's event was a sellout, we encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Local businesses have rallied around the event for the third year, including 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.

Founded by a group of Geelong locals personally affected by dementia, the FMN committee is united by a powerful mission:

We’re not researchers - we’re daughters, sons and grandchildren who felt compelled to do something meaningful. Dementia has been tough as hell to navigate, but the reality is we’re far from alone - 1 in 4 people are (or will be) affected. ​
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​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.
​- Kate Ward, Founder, Forget Me Not Geelong.

In partnership with the Barwon Health Foundation, the committee has established a dedicated fund with a goal of raising $250,000 over four years - a milestone that will unlock impactful research into dementia prevention, understanding and treatment. With strong momentum already established, the initiative is well on track to reach its target. Leading the sponsorship push is Penny Whitehead (PW Strategy) who has years of fundraising and commercial experience.

The focus remains firmly on driving valuable research outcomes to affect change within the local community. We are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring the funds raised make a meaningful contribution to dementia care and research locally - and that means giving a great deal of ourselves to make this event as impactful as possible.
​- Penny Whitehead, Co-Chair, Forget Me Not Geelong.

Renowned for delivering out-of-the-box event experiences, the FMN Ball continues to push creative boundaries. Under the direction of Edwina Hanneysee (DXD Agency), the 2026 event is set to elevate expectations once again, with months already invested in crafting a unique and memorable evening.

From the very beginning, our vision has been to give Geelong something truly extraordinary - 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. ​
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​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. We believe the best way to honour such a worthy cause is to bring people together and throw the most spectacular party possible - one that raises vital funds that go directly back into the Geelong community.
​- Edwina Hanneysee, Co-Chair, Forget Me Not Geelong.

EVENT DETAILS
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​Date: ​
​Saturday 15 August 2026, 7pm - Midnight (strictly ticketed)
​After Party until 2am at Skyline Bar, Crowne Plaza (drinks at bar prices)
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​Location: ​
​Nyaal Banyul
​Geelong Convention and Event Centre
​80 Western Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220
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​Tickets:
​Early Bird Tickets are available until June 30. $200 inclusive of drinks, cocktail food, DJ and entertainment.
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​From July 1, tickets switch to full price ($230) and are available until Sold Out. ​
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​Website: ​
​forgetmenotball.com.au
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​Accommodation packages: ​
​Stay at Geelong’s newest hotel, Crowne Plaza, package details are available via our website
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​Private Donations:
​Can be made via the website here