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130 Years Gala Dinner inspires, raises essential funds for Waite

Published Mon 12 Oct 2026

The Adelaide University Sport and Fitness 130 Years Gala Dinner brought generations of students, alumni and community together under one roof to reconnect past champions and fund the future for generations to come.

Held on Friday 9 October at the Adelaide Convention Centre in front of 250 guests, the Gala was an opportunity to recognise the important role that university sport plays in the lives of so many students, and to raise funds for the Waite Oval Redevelopment.

The first stage of the project will see the aged clubroom facilities at Waite transformed, providing four new unisex change rooms for players, dedicated referee and first aid rooms, a high-performance gym and recovery facilities, bar and cafe area, function rooms, and a covered grandstand for spectators. Not only will it be safer and more inclusive for players - particularly members of women’s teams - but it will allow clubs to become more sustainable with increased revenue opportunities available, and create non-sport uses for the wider community.

Gala kicked off in dynamic fashion with an energetic demonstration from members of the Adelaide University Judo Club, established 70 years ago in 1956 and just one of the clubs celebrating milestones in 2026. Petiola Wilson then performed a Welcome to Country before host Jess Adamson opened proceedings.

Michelle Wilson, Adelaide University Sport and Fitness CEO, spoke about the challenges at Waite Oval impacting participation.

“On a typical day, up to 300 members use the facility, with juniors, men’s and women’s teams operating from one facility with one set of change rooms,” Wilson said. “The reality is that Waite is now at capacity. That is why, working with clubs and the university, we have developed a vision for the future of Waite. It isn’t simply about building or renovating a facility. It is about creating a place where the next generation of students can belong.”

Her comments were echoed by Professor Nicola Phillips, Adelaide University Vice Chancellor and the Honourable Rhiannon Pearce MP, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, who spoke of the importance of university sport in forming friendships and connecting students to something bigger, and who reconfirmed their support for the redevelopment project.

A captivating club panel followed, featuring Sam Taylor of the Adelaide University Boat Club, Alex Glen of the Adelaide University Basketball Club, and Grant Miles and Ross Haslam of the Adelaide University Football Club.

Celebrating 145 years on the water, dual Intervarsity winner Sam Tolley spoke of the prestigious Oxford & Cambridge Cup, contested annually between Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney since 1888 with the winner taking home the trophy originally donated by the Old Blues of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in 1893.

Shifting the spotlight to current competitors, the Student Athlete Panel featuring Izac Nilsen of the Adelaide University Boat Club, Asha Doughty-Garside of the Adelaide University Touch Football Club, and Rafe Liebers of the Adelaide University Rugby Union Club highlighted the modern landscape of sport at Adelaide University while touching upon the importance of the Waite Oval Redevelopment from a player perspective.

Doughty-Garside and Liebers regularly train and compete at Waite Oval and spoke candidly about the current state of their facilities, articulating how upgraded infrastructure directly increases participation, and improves performance, recovery and safety.

To help fund facility improvements, throughout the evening guests were invited to bid or buy in a number of fun and engaging activities, often taking home premium products or prizes.

The auctions hosted by Platinum Sponsor Magain Commercial were a highlight, with attendees bidding on signed sports memorabilia, exotic vacation getaways, and original Indigenous artwork in the Live Auction. The Silent Auction also featured over 40 lots up for grabs, from signed Adelaide Crows, Port Adelaide Power and Wallabies jerseys to family entertainment packages and wine collections.

Guests also showed their support by purchasing bottles from the spectacular Wine Wall, buying entries in The Tasting Ticket Raffle to win South Australian food and wine experiences, guessing the number of items in the Sports Vault to win a $500 New Balance voucher, and tasting the limited edition AUSF Seasons Gin at the Prohibition Gin tasting bar.

Adelaide University Sport and Fitness extends its heartfelt gratitude to our event sponsors and partners, including Gold Sponsor Pride Advice. Brett Schatto, Pride Advice CEO, provided guests with an exclusive complimentary financial advice consult which assisted with the evening’s fundraising.

Wine Sponsor Howard Vineyard and Beer Sponsor Coopers provided award-winning local wines and classic South Australian brews throughout the evening, perfect pairings for the three-course meal enjoyed by attendees. Dessert Partner Ben & Jerry’s Adelaide CBD served up their world famous ice cream to cap off the evening.

Additional thanks goes to Official Print and Communications Partner Snap Print Solutions Adelaide Flinders Street for delivering top-tier printed materials and event signage, including the brand new Sport at Adelaide University brochure. Bronze Sponsor BDO continued their support of Adelaide University Sport and Fitness, and the team at Event Partner Lumino Events ensured the night ran seamlessly for guests.

The 130 Years Gala Dinner was a triumphant celebration of the culture, belief and belonging that university sport can inspire. With 130 years of history behind us and our clubs, and a passionate community driving us forward, the future of Adelaide University Sport and Fitness is brighter than ever.

assist with facility upgrades at Waite Oval

GALA PHOTO ALBUM
 

 

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