Inaugural Boundless Book Ball brings people together

THE inaugural Boundless Book Ball brought together more than 160 guests at Pacific Bay Resort for an evening celebrating stories, community and inclusion.

Created by Coffs Harbour Support Services (CHSS), the book-themed gala was inspired by the idea that stories have a unique ability to connect people, spark conversations and build understanding.

“Stories have a unique way of bringing people together, challenging assumptions and reminding us of our shared humanity,” said CHSS CEO, Joel Aitken.

Guests were welcomed with a red-carpet arrival before exploring a Literary Market featuring local book and community organisations, a community Book Swap, and a silent auction filled with donated local experiences, artworks and treasures.

Hosted by former local and CHY FM presenter, actor and television personality Nick Hardcastle, the evening featured literary readings, live entertainment, dancing, prizes for best-dressed, and plenty of spectacular costumes inspired by favourite books and characters.

“One of the highlights of the evening was seeing CHSS participants become storytellers alongside our emcee [Mr Hardcastle], sharing their creativity, imagination and humour,” Mr Aitken said.

Featured speakers included editor and publishing professional Rebecca Sutherland, author Judi Morison, and Adam Norris from the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival.

Performers from Live Theatre Inc. also brought beloved literary works to life through a series of readings, including Pride and Prejudice, The Little Prince, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Libertine, creating a celebration of storytelling in all its forms.

“Guests enjoyed literary readings, interactive stalls and engagement activities, a beautiful three-course meal, and live entertainment that kept the celebrations going throughout the evening,” Mr Aitken said.

The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm and vibrant with guests embracing the literary theme through creative costumes, lively conversation and shared enthusiasm for both books and the cause.

While Boundless was CHSS’s inaugural major fundraiser, the event was intentionally designed to be much more than a fundraising gala.

Boundless was created as an opportunity to celebrate the power of books and storytelling while creating meaningful connections and raising awareness of the importance of inclusion, belonging and community participation.

“The Boundless Book Ball represented everything CHSS stands for: supporting people to live rich, connected, and meaningful lives within their community,” said Mr Aitken.

“More than 160 people from all walks of life came together to create a space where every person was valued, respected, and welcomed.”

Inclusion was built into the event from the very beginning and remains one of the most important elements CHSS hopes to continue developing as Boundless grows in future years.

Beyond accessibility considerations, the goal was to create an event where people from all backgrounds could participate, connect and feel genuinely welcomed.

More than 30 sponsored tickets were provided to members of the community and people who may not otherwise have been able to attend, helping ensure the evening reflected the diverse community CHSS supports.

Accessibility was also a key consideration, with step-free access, an accessible venue layout, a dedicated Quiet Room, and Story Guides available throughout the evening to support guests and create a welcoming experience for everyone.

For CHSS, one of the most rewarding aspects of the evening was witnessing people from different backgrounds sharing the same space and experience. People with disability, family members, support workers, local businesspeople, volunteers, authors, performers and community members came together united by a shared love of stories and a desire to support a more inclusive community.

“Inclusion and opportunity help address loneliness and isolation by creating places where people feel connected, valued and able to thrive,” Mr Aitken said.

“Boundless sent a powerful message: inclusion works, people matter, and everyone deserves the opportunity to belong.”

CHSS looks forward to building on the success of this year’s event and continuing to grow Boundless in the years ahead.