A Night For Dolly

Sometimes the most powerful movements begin with a single moment. 

For Annie and the Dolly’s Dream Community Fundraising Team Western Australia, that moment came through a personal experience that changed everything. 

What began as a small fundraiser in country communities has grown into something much bigger, a community event called A Night for Dolly, bringing people together to raise awareness, spark conversations and support the vital work of Dolly’s Dream. 

For Annie, the mission of Dolly’s Dream is deeply personal, seeing firsthand how damaging bullying can be.

When her son Austin was 15, he was navigating his own experience with bullying at school. Around that time, the family learned about Dolly’s story, and Austin recognised her from the well-known photo of Dolly wearing her Akubra hat. 

Austin decided he wanted to “Ride for Dolly.” As a family, they sold raffle tickets and raised around $600 for Dolly’s Dream. But what moved them most was the response from other young people. 

“So many came forward to share their own stories of being bullied,” Annie explains. “It opened our eyes to how widespread the pain is, and how many young people are carrying it in silence.” 

As a teacher, Annie also found parents asking how she supported Austin through his challenges. Those conversations deepened her family’s commitment to the cause. 

“That moment showed us that Dolly’s Dream is a lifeline.” 

As their involvement grew, so did the team around them. Their fundraising efforts often took place at equestrian events across country communities, where they were supported by incredibly generous locals. 

“We were always so grateful for the incredible support we received, but we also became aware that we were continually turning to the same generous people for sponsorships, donations and financial help.” 

Annie and the team knew the message needed to reach further. 

“We wanted to connect with new audiences, raise greater awareness and spread the #BeKind message with people who may not have heard of Dolly’s Dream or the services it provides.” 

That idea led to A Night for Dolly, a larger city-based event designed to raise funds while also educating more people about bullying and the support available through Dolly’s Dream. 

When A Night for Dolly finally arrived, it was nothing short of unforgettable. 

The evening was filled with music, laughter and heartfelt moments. Gisella performed on stage, sharing her voice and her story, while Austin stepped confidently into the spotlight as the night’s auctioneer, showing just how far he’s come on his own journey.  

There were raffles, auctions and line dancing that had the whole room on their feet. Even Rex the kelpie became a highlight of the auction before heading off to begin life as a working dog on a cattle property. 

But what stayed with the team most was the conversations. 

“So many people told us they hadn’t known much about Dolly’s Dream before coming,” Annie says. “After hearing the stories and learning about the support available, they finally understood why this work matters.” 

Many attendees shared their own experiences of bullying, their own or their child’s, and found comfort in realising they weren’t alone. 

For Annie and the community fundraising team, every conversation, every fundraiser and every act of kindness helps ensure young people know they are supported. 

Their journey shows how one family’s decision to stand up against bullying can inspire an entire community. 

If their story has inspired you, you can help keep the movement growing. 

This Do It For Dolly Day, register to fundraise and help spread the #BeKind message in your community.  

Every fundraiser helps Dolly’s Dream continue providing education, support and hope to young people and families affected by bullying.