Christmas in July High Tea 2026: An Afternoon That Will Support 45 Survivors
There is something very special about seeing a room filled with people who have chosen to come together for one purpose: to stand beside domestic violence survivors as they recover, heal and rebuild their lives.
On Sunday 26 July 2026, that is exactly what happened when 105 guests and 21 volunteers filled the Eirene Auditorium at St Rita’s College, Clayfield, for Broken to Brilliant’s 9th annual Christmas in July High Tea.
For a few hours, the room was filled with conversation, laughter, beautiful food, entertainment and friendship.
But the impact of the afternoon will extend far beyond the High Tea itself.
We worked hard to keep the event costs low. Ticket sales, Give a Book purchases and our High Tea raffle generated total net income of $11,000 raised to support Broken to Brilliant’s survivor-led recovery programs.
This means the generosity shown on the day will contribute towards supporting 45 survivors through our HEART and RESTORE Equine-Assisted Therapy programs in 2027.
The funding will contribute to:
Three HEART programs, with 12 participants in each, 36 survivor places
One RESTORE program for 9 survivor places
The total cost of these programs is over $14,000. The remaining balance required to support the Equine-Assisted Therapy programs will come from Broken to Brilliant’s Op Shop program allocation fund.
It is a wonderful example of how different parts of our volunteer-led charity work together to create opportunities for survivors.
Celebrating connection, recovery and 10 Brilliant Years
The High Tea was warmly hosted by Loretta Ryan, with wonderful entertainment from jazz vocalist Nicky Steel.
Guests were welcomed with an Acknowledgement of Country from Kristine Vicca and a moment to honour those affected by domestic violence.
Founder Kate Crowley Smith and Co-Founder Andrea Miller reflected on ten years of Broken to Brilliant, while our Patron and former Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson AO, together with QPS Recruit Niki Dixon, spoke about the impact of the charity’s work.
Karen Lindsay introduced guests to our Financial Superwomen program, while Equine-Assisted Therapists Lee and Tracey shared how funds raised through the High Tea directly support survivors participating in HEART and RESTORE.
This year was also an opportunity to continue celebrating 10 Brilliant Years of Rebuilding Lives.
The tables featured a new Broken to Brilliant teal theme, including feathered centrepieces created especially for our ten-year celebrations. The teal and white reflected our logo, while the feathers represented a writer’s quill, recognising the courage of survivors who have shared their stories through Broken to Brilliant’s books.
A handmade gift with meaning
Every guest also received a handmade beaded Thank You gift, lovingly created by one of our volunteers.
The circular shape represented wholeness, unity and continuity and recognised that healing is not always a straight path.
It was a small gift, but one filled with meaning — and another example of the extraordinary generosity of our volunteers.
A High Tea made possible by volunteers
A Broken to Brilliant High Tea is much more than what guests see when they walk through the doors.
Behind the scenes are countless hours of planning, organising, cooking, transporting, setting tables, preparing prizes, managing registrations, serving food, washing, packing and putting everything away again.
A very special thank you goes to our home cooks Holly, Lynne, Lindsey, Lucy, Kate, Lindy, Fiona, Karen, Ally and Luke, who generously gave their time and kitchens to help provide the beautiful food enjoyed on the day.
Guests enjoyed five sweet and five savoury selections from two buffet stations, including homemade scones with jam and cream, desserts, macarons, cupcakes and brownies, along with sandwiches, mini quiches, cheese balls, sushi and mini meatballs.
We also extend our thanks to every volunteer who gave many hours of work to make the event possible, including Lindsey Galloway, who coordinated the food and kitchen on the day.
Thank you to our sponsors and supporters
The High Tea could not happen without the generosity of businesses, organisations and individuals who donate goods, prizes, services and their time.
We sincerely thank St Rita’s College, Clayfield, together with Tom and Tony, for providing venue and IT support.
Thank you to our food and grocery donors:
Coles Bray Park
Woolworths Petrie
IGA Ascot
Prime Valley Organic Meats
Our anonymous supporters
Thank you also to our drinks supporters:
Edenvale Wines
Wolff Coffee Roasters
Our raffle and prize table was once again wonderfully supported, with thanks to:
ABC Radio Brisbane
Councillor Tracy Davis
Easy Transition
Ali France MP
Fleet Crew
Leigh Rose Creative
Nikki Boyd MP
Norths Devils Leagues Club
The Broken to Brilliant Op Shop
We also acknowledge Alex for event photography and Nicky Steel for entertainment.
Our heartfelt thanks extend to our table hosts and groups, our Directors, our Patron Bob Atkinson, and everyone who contributed their time, skills, donations and support.
And, of course, thank you to every one of the 105 guests who joined us.
More than a High Tea
Fundraising totals tell us part of the story.
But the real story is what those funds make possible.
They create opportunities for survivors to participate in programs designed to help them reconnect with themselves, build confidence, experience supportive relationships and continue rebuilding their lives after abuse.
That is why every contribution matters.
Every ticket, every donated item and every raffle ticket helps a survivor take the next step in their recovery.
To everyone who helped make our 2026 Christmas in July High Tea possible, thank you for standing beside survivors.
This our 9th High Tea was one to remember.
And in 2027, we look forward to welcoming you back for something particularly special:
Broken to Brilliant’s 10th Christmas in July High Tea on Sunday 25th July 2027. Book now
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