4th Annual Industry Fundraising Luncheon
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre (AWHC) recently hosted their Annual Industry Fundraising Luncheon for the 4th consecutive year. This years event was held at Rydges South Bank Brisbane with key note speakers Senator the Hon Murray Watt MP and Hon Steven Miles MP and guest speakers Ken Purdham and Graeme Watson.
AWHC Fundraising Luncheon 2026 Senator the Hon Murray Watt MP Hon Steven Miles MP Deanne Caruso, Chairperson of the Australian Workers Heritage Centre Cassie Whitehead, Proud Ngugi woman from the Quandamooka Nation Cr Pye Augustine, Ipswich City Council Comedian Kat Davidson Ken Purdham and Graeme Watson AWHC Fundraising Luncheon 2026 AWHC Fundraising Luncheon 2026 AWHC Fundraising Luncheon 2026 Piece of Tree of Knowledge - Auction Item Jenny Mace Artwork - Auction Item Tree of Knowledge Photograph - Auction Item The Worker Prints - Auction items AWHC Merchandise AWHC Raffle Prizes AWHC Raffle Prizes
On 9th October 2026, industry leaders and supporters came together for the Australian Workers Heritage Centre’s 4th Annual Industry Fundraising Luncheon, held at the Rydges South Bank Brisbane.
In attendance were a remarkable group of leaders and friends of the workers’ movement — current and former Members of State and Federal Parliament, councillors, union leaders, community advocates, and long time supporters of the Centre.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed, your support was instrumental in making this year’s luncheon a resounding success.
A special acknowledgement goes to our distinguished guest speakers, whose presence and words inspired all in attendance:
Cassie Whitehead, Proud Ngugi woman from the Quandamooka Nation and the great-niece of esteemed Elder, Dr Robert V. Anderson OAM (Uncle Bob)
Senator the Hon Murray Watt MP - Minister for the Environment and Water
Hon Steven Miles MP - Leader of the Opposition and Member for Murrumba
Ken Purdham, Author & Life member Electrical Trades Union Victoria Branch
Graeme Watson, Former Treasurer & Life member Electrical Trades Union Victoria Branch
This year’s event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Electrogroup Apprenticeships & Training and Future Skills.
Thank you to the Businesses, Unions, Industry, individuals and suppliers towards for their generous donations towards our auctions, raffles and lucky door prizes.
We also sincerely thank Cr Pye Augustine, Ipswich City Council and Garry Rogers, for their outstanding contributions as Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer, respectively.
Thank you to the incredibly funny Kat Davidson for bringing laughter and joy to our luncheon and leaving a lasting impression on all our guests.
Our appreciation extends to the dedicated AWHC Management Committee – Chairperson Deanne Caruso, Ben Driscoll, David Kerrigan, Debbie Gleeson, Michael Wright and Annette Gleeson; thank you for your tireless work in preserving and celebrating the proud history of working people in Australia.
A special mention to - Mark Beresford, Annette Christoffel, Claire Moore and Janine Aitken, whose support was invaluable throughout the event planning stages and on the day itself.
Together, we continue to honour Australia’s workers - past, present, and future and share a commitment to the ongoing and future development of the Centre.
