Comedy, cabaret, art and dance come together for Winter Warmer fundraiser

COMEDY, cabaret, dance and interactive art will come together in Kingscliff on Thursday 2 July as a major fundraising event returns to support vulnerable people.

The Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief Fundraising Cabaret, to be held at Salt Bar in Kingscliff, is the flagship event of the Winter Warmer 2026 campaign, raising funds for frontline organisations that support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Run annually by Dharma Care, Winter Warmer was established to assist vulnerable members of the community across Byron and Tweed shires, where rates of rough sleeping remain among the highest in NSW.

Since launching in 2023, the campaign has raised more than $170,000 and supported more than 8,000 people.

Organisers are aiming to raise a further $50,000 this year.

The evening will feature winter-themed canapes, live entertainment and fundraising activities, with comedian Mandy Nolan serving as master of ceremonies.

Guests will also be treated to performances by interactive artist and performer The Space Cowboy and a showcase from the Kinship Doobai Dancers all-female Indigenous dance troupe, while Aunty Jackie will open the event with a Welcome to Country.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a raffle and live art auction, with proceeds contributing to the Winter Warmer campaign.

Representatives from the campaign’s four charity partners will also join Nolan on stage to discuss the challenges facing vulnerable community members and the impact of local support.

Dharma Care marketing representative Darren Sutton said the campaign had grown significantly over the past few years.

 

“What began as a simple idea in 2023 has now become an annual campaign and we are very glad to bring Winter Warmer together again in 2026 where the need is just as strong – if not more so than when we first started,” Sutton said.

“We can’t solve the lack of social housing investment or magically make emergency accommodation appear, but we can help alleviate suffering and bring warmth and comfort to people managing their lives in truly awful situations.”

Funds raised through the campaign are shared equally between four local services – Fletcher Street Cottage in Byron Bay, Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre, Fred’s Place/Vinnies and The Shift Project.

The organisations receive little government funding and rely heavily on community donations to continue providing services.

Money raised helps fund meals, emergency accommodation, warm clothing, safe sleeping options, transitional support and ongoing assistance.

The Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief Fundraising Cabaret will be held at Salt Bar, Kingscliff on 2 July from 6pm to 10pm.

limited tickets are available at events.humanitix.com/winter-warmer-02-07-2026