24 September 2025
What an amazing day and fully booked! Our President Maureen with Sophie excelled themselves in running our signature Cornucopia event at the Royal Oak for the 21st year !! With thanks to our committee, supporters and sponsors, this year we celebrated 62 years of fundraising for the treatment and prevention of child abuse. Thank you to our committee, supporters and sponsors who have made it possible for us to raise over 6 million dollars to support the Child Protection Units of Westmead Children’s Hospital, Royal North Shore, Children’s Hospital Randwick and Royal Hospital for Women.
Maureen warmly welcomed our supporters and guests, and the fun began!
The room was beautiful – tables adorned with beautiful flowers – Spring had certainly arrived. Our guests all gorgeous, and we were entertained with an absolutely wonderful Fashion Parade introduced by Neil Grigg, Milliner to the Stars. Glamorous models in top fashion garments by Moira from Strelitzia, Balmain and Neil’s hats to complement their outfit. The music was pumping with “Sweet Caroline” and music of that vintage as the models paraded – the hottest gig in town!! Strelitzia also offered a 20% discount for items purchased on the day!
Throughout the day we were treated to The Royal Oak’s fabulous entrée, main and delicious dessert with accompanying De Bortoli wines.
Maureen welcomed representatives of the CPU’s acknowledging the work of these dedicated professionals and their teams, for their commitment to the treatment of Child Abuse. “This is why we are here today to help raise funds for this ever increasing mistreatment of innocent children by hurting them mentally, emotionally and physically. I would like you to give them a round of applause.”
The Child Protection Units were very well represented. Maureen welcomed Robyn Lamb, Project Lead and Natalie Armstrong from SCH Westmead, RNSH Rachel Wolfe – Parvan Manager and Sophie Morrison, Senior Heath Clinician SCH and Mel Russo, Relationship Manager.
Maureen then introduced our Guest Speaker, Bernadette Walsh, Clinical coordinator at SCH Randwick. Bernadette has worked in the child protection space in Australia for over 24 years and whose beautiful speech pulled at our heartstrings.
Our fundraising followed with our major Auctions and Raffle Prizes. Our guests were enthusiastic and generous, and entered into the spirit of the day.
At the conclusion of a successful and fun filled day – as can be seen from photos in the Gallery by Justin, Maureen thanked all for coming and support including Julie and Moira from Strelitzia, Neil Grigg, Val Edwards with models Jayd, Natalie and Carol. Peter Andrews, Andrews Meats, Jules Joto Fish, Warwick Brook De Bortoli Wines, Tina Melick – Saskia Grandiflora flowers plus Susan Woodcock for Paddock to plate auction and the committee for support in providing auction and raffle prizes.
A wonderful day was thoroughly enjoyed by all!!
