Rare &Radiant Gala
One rare night for a radiant community
Sat 28 Nov 2026East MelbourneCocktail, with a touch of purple
The cause
Education and support
Porphyria is a group of eight rare genetic disorders — some attack the nervous system, others cause severe skin reactions to light. It's rare, often invisible, and can take years to diagnose.
Many living with porphyria must avoid the sun — which is why this night matters. The radiance here comes not from the light, but from the people. One rare night a year, a radiant community shines.
Every dollar raised goes to Porphyria Association Australia, continuing the work begun at our first gala in 2025.
Welcome to the Porphyria Association
Rare & Radiant Gala
Ready your razzle-dazzle — the Rare & Radiant Gala returns for round two. A night of rousing rhythms, riotous raffles and radiant company, celebrating the rare community at its heart and raising real funds for Australians living with porphyria.
- Date
- Saturday 28 November 2026
- Time
- 7:00pm — 11:00pm
- Dress code
- Rare & Radiant — Cocktail with a Touch of Purple
General info
- Dress Code: Rare & Radiant — Cocktail with a Touch of Purple
- Canapés & drinks included (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Raffle and great prizes on the night
- Presentation and guest speakers
- Dancing, fun and more!
Last year
Relive 2025
Our first gala. A full room, a lot of purple, and the start of something rare.
News & announcements
Latest
Updates, media and moments from the road to the 2026 gala.
Media · 19 August 2026
From a near-death experience to research breakthroughs — Lauren’s journey with porphyria
It was only after a severe attack and a stay in intensive care that Lauren’s condition was identified as acute intermittent porphyria. The Royal Melbourne Hospital shares her story.
Read Lauren’s story
Announcement · 14 August 2026
Save the date — the Rare & Radiant Gala returns 28 November 2026
Round two is locked in: Saturday 28 November 2026, East Melbourne. Here's what we know so far and how to be part of it.
Read more
Tickets
Be there in November
One rare night: canapés, drinks, guest speakers, a raffle, live music and a dance floor — all raising funds for Australians living with porphyria.
Ticket includes canapés and drinks all night
Can't be there on the night? You can still be part of it — donate to the association
Sponsorship 2026
The big raffle
Donate a raffle prize
The raffle is one of the biggest fundraisers of the night — every prize donated turns straight into support for Australians living with porphyria. Prize donors are thanked on the night, on this site and across our socials.
Donate
Give, even from afar
Can't be there on the night? Every donation still counts — funding research, specialist nurses and support for Australians living with porphyria. On the Humanitix page, scroll down to "Donate" to give any amount.
Contact
Contact us
Questions about the night, sponsorship or the association — we'd love to hear from you.
Andrew · Event organiser
andrew.smith@porphyria-australia.org
Learn more about the cause at Porphyria Association Australia