Bringing the Village Back Together, The Brightest Circle Raises Hope for Young People

The Brightest Circle, an event to bring our community together and raise awareness for Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation’s mentoring and wellbeing programs, has successfully raised over $30,000, with more donations promised in the lead up to the EOFY.

Held at Cloudland’s Rose Room on Sunday, 24th May, community leaders, businesses, supporters, mentors, and advocates gathered for an uplifting afternoon focused on connection, belonging, and early intervention support for young people.

The Brightest Circle theme “Rebuilding the Village Around Young People” focused on connection, belonging, and the importance of early intervention support for young people.

Founder and CEO John Godwin was delighted with the response to The Brightest Circle, which evolved from the previous long-running Ladies Lunch into an inclusive, wellbeing-focused experience.

“The Brightest Circle exists to bring the community together to help rebuild the village around young people through mentoring, belonging, and early intervention,” John said. 

“Young people thrive when they feel seen, supported, and connected.

“We’re inviting as many as possible to join our circle of supporters and become involved. It’s events like this that bring everyone together and allow us to have meaningful conversations around youth wellbeing.”

Around 150 guests enjoyed cocktail-style dining, a fundraising raffle and live auction conducted by Darren Davis from Davis & White Fine Wine Merchants, presentations, community storytelling, and program showcases. The Foundation’s new promotional video was shown, highlighting the power of its mentoring programs.

Watch the video 🎬

Emceed by Rachael Tiernan, featured speakers included Foundation Board Director Dilshani Weerasinghe, John Godwin, and Elise Bell, Inspiring Brighter Futures’ Youth Ambassador.

FX Band provided live entertainment, including special guest Chang Po Ching, a Voice 2015 semi-finalist who has worked with the IBFF program in Logan schools. Creative artist Paul Fairweather delivered some art experiences, and Robert Innes once again showcased some of his amazing Olympic torches.

Funds raised will help expand mentoring, early intervention, and wellbeing support for young people through school and community-based programs.

The Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2026 in Queensland, with its more than 700 active volunteer mentors focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.

The Foundation welcomes new mentors. To register your interest and to find out more, please visit inspiringbrighterfutures.com

You can make a general donation to Inspiring Brighter Futures and know that you’re directly improving the well-being and future of people in our community who need it the most.

View Event Photos 📸

The Brightest Circle Sponsors & Prize Contributors

Sponsor

People Estate Agents

Auction

• Flight Centre Travel Group
• Paul Fairweather
• Queensland Reds
• Davis & White Fine Wine Merchants

Raffle

• Silver Shoals Island Lodge – Rob & Jenny Siganto
• Lateral Certification Group
• Novotel South Bank
• Queensland Ballet
• Quay Wealth Management
• QPAC
• Brisbane Broncos
• Robyn Beeston
• Sit Down Comedy Club
• Ampol

Lucky Door Prizes

• TH7 – Bodylabs
• Outback QLD

Contributors

• FX Band – live music band.
• Masimba Sasa – photography.