Great Debate Gala 2026

Join us for an unforgettable evening at our 20th Annual Great Debate Gala, the biggest night of the year for Dymocks Children’s Charities!

Friday 1 May 2026 | 6:00pm – 11:00pm

The gala will be held at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, offering a premium three-course dinner and a curated selection of fine wines. Experience an evening of spirited debate, inspiration, and meaningful impact as we come together to raise vital funds that empower young readers across Australia.

Purchase your ticket or table here
Purchase your ticket or table here

Your Host for the Evening

We are delighted to welcome Kylie Gillies as this year’s MC, guiding us through an unforgettable night of debate and entertainment.

This year’s debate topic is:
“It Was Better in 2026”

Meet the Team Captains

We’re proud to announce that legendary team captains, Adam Spencer and Rob Carlton, will once again return to lead the debate. Their rivalry and camaraderie have been the heart of the Great Debate for two decades, bringing intellect, humour, quick wit and unforgettable moments year after year.

Meet the Debaters

We’re thrilled to announce the speakers joining Adam Spencer and Rob Carlton in the 20th Annual Great Debate, a dynamic mix of sharp minds, quick wit, and unforgettable personalities:

Dan Ilic

RA Spratt

Rosie Waterland

To be revealed

Become a Sponsor

Partner with us to make a lasting impact at the Great Debate Gala 2026.
We offer an event sponsorship package designed to align with your organisation and help change the lives of young readers across Australia.

To learn more or discuss how you can get involved, please contact our team at:

info@dymockschildrenscharities.org.au or (02) 9224 0555

 

Make a Donation in Lieu

Can’t make the Great Debate Gala? You can still make a difference! Help deliver the gift of literacy for disadvantaged children across Australia by making a donation below.

Make a Pledge
Make a Pledge
A woman in a red blazer speaking at a podium during a charity gala event with a large screen behind her displaying the event name, 'GREAT DEBATE Gala 2025', and the logo for DYMACKS Children’s Charities. Three people are seated at a table on stage, one of whom is a woman in a black suit holding a notebook, and there is a large trophy in front of her.
An event hall set for the Dymo Kids Children's Charities Great Debate Gala, with round tables decorated with centerpieces and a large screen displaying event details.
People on stage at a formal event, with large screens displaying photos and names of team members, including Peter FitzSimons, Zoe Norton-Lodge, and Adam Spencer, during a debate or presentation in a banquet hall setting.
Three women sitting at a table, engaged in conversation, with a dark background and a bright screen or display in the distance.
Man wearing hat and glasses speaking at a podium in a banquet hall filled with seated audience members.