The Butterflies and Boots Gala Ball is returning to southern Tasmania this month, offering women affected by domestic, family and sexual violence a night built around joy, connection and empowerment.
The female-only event, now in its second year, will be held at the Brighton Civic Centre on Saturday from 5pm to 11pm.
Hosted by Her Strength Her Story, the gala is designed as a celebration of resilience, giving women and teenage girls affected by violence and abuse a safe space to dance, laugh and reclaim moments of happiness that trauma often takes away.
The evening will feature music from DJ Lanna Story, a Zumba session led by Reema, a fashion parade, lucky door prizes, a photo booth, food, drinks and entertainment.
Organiser and domestic violence advocate Shakira Robertson, whose mother was killed in a domestic violence attack, said events like the gala were vital in helping women rediscover joy and community after violence.
“Family violence leaves scars that people cannot always see, and so many women spend years just trying to survive,” Robertson said.
“This night is about reminding women they deserve more than survival. They deserve friendship, celebration, laughter and a future filled with hope.”
Robertson said the gala created a rare environment where women felt genuinely understood.
“There is something incredibly powerful about being in a room full of women who simply get it,” she said.
“No judgement, no explaining, just kindness, respect and support.”
She said events like this show survivors don’t need to just survive, but to “live again”.
“That they can take their independence back and be the strong women they are,” Robertson said.
The gala is open to women and teenage daughters affected by domestic, family and sexual violence and abuse.
