A community-run charity event in Tamworth, raising funds for youth mental health. Because it's time to address the elephant in the room.
Scotty Campbell was a sportsman, a farmer's son from Walgett, and a well-known member of the New England community. He studied agribusiness at UNE, and in 2013 he married. Shortly after returning from their honeymoon, Scotty was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Just days later, he took his own life.
Determined to break the stigma around mental health in the bush, Scotty's wife partnered with batyr and formed a local committee. The inaugural White Elephant Ball was held in 2014 and raised $90,000, enough to fund a rural batyr coordinator for the region.
Each year since, a new volunteer committee has continued the work, honouring Scotty's life and supporting preventative mental health programs for young people across the New England North West.
An evening at Tamworth Town Hall dedicated to a great cause. Here's what your ticket includes:
A drink and canapés on arrival to start the evening.
Buffet dinner with supper served later in the evening.
A drinks package included throughout the night.
Live music and a dance floor to round out the evening.
All proceeds go to batyr's programs in local schools.
Theme to be announced. Keep an eye on our socials.
Tickets are sold as tables of five or ten. Limited single seats may be released closer to the event.
Every ticket, raffle and auction bid helps fund batyr's preventative mental health programs in schools across the region. Lived-experience speakers and practical workshops delivered right in the classroom, starting conversations early, reducing stigma, and making it easier for young people to reach out for support.
batyr is a preventative mental health organisation that runs programs in schools and universities. Their approach is peer-led: young people sharing their own stories to reduce stigma, build help-seeking skills, and show others that it's okay to not be okay.
batyr are not a service provider. They collaborate with and advocate for existing services, helping young people feel comfortable reaching out when they need support. The White Elephant Ball has partnered with batyr since 2014, bringing their programs to schools right here in the New England North West.
Learn more about batyrEvery dollar of support means more funding goes directly to batyr's programs in rural schools across the New England North West. That's real conversations about mental health, delivered by young people to young people, right here in our region.
There are sponsorship options to suit all sizes, and every contribution makes a difference. Have a look at our sponsorship pack for the full details, or get in touch if you'd like to have a chat about how to get involved.
Got questions? Want to donate an auction item? Interested in sponsorship? We're a volunteer committee and always happy to hear from you.